FDD Action Associate Policy Director

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

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage based on eligibility

Job summary

EmergencyMD is looking for a highly motivated Associate Policy Director in Washington, D.C. to support legislative and policy initiatives centered on U.S. national security. The role involves researching, drafting, and supporting legislative initiatives on Capitol Hill.

Key responsibilities include drafting legislative language, monitoring congressional activity, and supporting the digital Policy Help Desk. A Bachelor's degree and 2–4 years of related experience are required. The salary band ranges from $75,000 to $100,000 per year.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of relevant experience in Congress or policy organizations.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Draft legislative language and policy memoranda.
• Support the development of legislative proposals.
• Monitor congressional activity and track proposals.

Skills

Research skills

Legislative drafting

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, public policy, law, or related field

Job description

FDD Action seeks a highly motivated Associate Policy Director to support its legislative and policy initiatives focused on U.S. national security. This position will play a key role in expanding the organization's capacity to research, draft, and support legislative initiatives on Capitol Hill.

The Associate Policy Director will conduct in-depth research, draft legislative text and policy products, monitor congressional activity, and help support FDD Action's digital Policy Help Desk and Action Center resources. The role is designed to increase the volume of legislative initiatives the organization can support across congressional offices.

Key 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.

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.

FDD Action is an equal opportunity employer. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for this position, please send a message to [e-mail].

This role has a projected salary band of $75,000-$100,000 per year, based on candidate's experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility. Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to upload a resume and letter of interest with your application.