Assistant Program Officer, Research and Convening, Forum

POSITION TITLE:

Assistant Program Officer, Research and Convening, Forum

GRADE LEVEL:
Grade 4 – FLSA Exempt

REPORTS TO:

Director, International Forum for Democratic Studies

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) seeks to advance democracy and freedom. NED seeks to empower its partners to inform, organize, and mobilize constituencies for political reforms as a means to build and sustain democracy.

At NED, you will join a team of committed individuals who are mission‑and values‑driven. We are looking for individuals who will deliver their talents in support of our work.

• Respect
• Empathy
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Excellence

The International Forum for Democratic Studies (Forum) is a research initiative of the NED that helps the democracy community, NED, and its partners think ahead of the curve about future democratic challenges and civic responses. This role provides high‑standard support to the convening, research, and editorial functions of the Forum team, in particular our work on emerging technologies, transnational authoritarian influence, and democracy’s fundamental freedoms.

Job duties include, among other tasks, coordinating the execution and providing research and analytical input to the planning of convenings of NED partners and outside experts, compiling and editing analytical products, and supporting communications and outreach. We’re looking for someone who can work independently within established priorities and guidance and excellence to help execute complex workshops and events; provide advanced support on editorial and publishing coordination tasks;

and produce top‑quality drafts of in‑house and short‑form analytical products.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC, requiring at least three days in the office and is part of the bargaining unit.

• Work independently to organize logistical support and coordination for Forum workshops, round tables, public events, and other convenings.
• Maintain and coordinate clear lines of communication both internally and externally (including with travelers, participants, speakers, and VIPs) to ensure smooth execution of projects.
• As needed, provide research support and other input to the Forum Director and Senior Program Officer during the conceptualization stage, including background research and analytical input, which will cover themes including mapping democracy impacts of emerging technologies, countering global authoritarian influence, and defending democracy’s fundamental freedoms.
• Coordinate internally within the Forum team and broader NED in support of those events.

• Draft high‑quality short‑form analytical briefs, summaries (e.g. convening takeaways), news roundups, and promotional material for our staff and networks.
• Conduct custom research for senior Forum team members and, as needed, NED Fellows in residence.
• Provide regular editorial support and assist in publication coordination for Forum reports, Substack posts, and other written products.

• Contribute to the development and execution of outreach activities and plans to the Forum’s target audiences.
• Draft promotional mailers, social media posts, and other materials to advance the Forum’s digital outreach.

• Attendance, networking, and note taking at relevant public or private events hosted by DC‑based research and policy institutions.
• Flexible support for additional Forum and NED initiatives and priorities as they arise.

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (including but not limited to international relations, political science, area studies, democracy studies, or tech policy). Graduate degree in specialized area preferred.
• 2–4 years of full‑time experience in research or editorial support, program management, or communications.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other standard computer proficiency. AI proficiency and experience with graphic design and scholarly research platforms are a plus.
• Detail‑oriented with advanced editing, writing, and research skills; able to convey complex information clearly…