Associate Policy Director, National Security & Capitol Hill

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) matching

Job summary

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) invites applications for an Associate Policy Director to support its legislative and policy initiatives on U.S. national security.

The role centers on drafting legislation, researching policy options, and aiding Capitol Hill engagement. Qualifications include a Bachelor's and 2–4 years in relevant government or policy roles; strong writing and analytical skills and familiarity with congressional processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in political science, international relations, public policy, law, or related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of relevant experience in Congress, government, think tanks, policy organizations, or national security roles.
• Demonstrated interest in U.S. national security policy and congressional legislative processes.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, including the ability to draft concise legislative and policy materials.
• Familiarity with congressional procedures, including committee processes and legislative drafting, preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines during high tempo legislative periods.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced policy environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft legislative language, amendments, issue briefs, and policy memoranda.
• Support the development of legislative proposals and policy initiatives, particularly in the context of the National Defense Authorization Act, appropriations process, and other major legislative cycles.
• Maintain and update the comprehensive FDD Action library of legislative provisions, ensuring accurate organization, version control, and accessibility for rapid drafting and policy support during fast-paced legislative cycles.
• Monitor congressional activity, including committee hearings, markups, floor proceedings, and relevant legislative developments.
• Assist in maintaining and responding to inquiries through the organization's web-based Policy Help Desk and Action Center resources.
• Track legislative proposals and maintain internal databases of policy initiatives and congressional engagement.

Skills

Legislative drafting

Policy analysis

Research and writing

Attention to detail

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science or related field

Job description

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) invites applications for an Associate Policy Director to support its legislative and policy initiatives on U.S. national security.

The role centers on drafting legislation, researching policy options, and aiding Capitol Hill engagement. Qualifications include a Bachelor's and 2–4 years in relevant government or policy roles; strong writing and analytical skills and familiarity with congressional processes.