Internship - Defense Budget Analysis Program (Fall 2026)

Center for Strategic and International Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is seeking an intern to support its Defense Budget Analysis Program. The role involves researching U.S. and international defense budgets, defense acquisitions, and the industrial base, complemented by strong writing and organizational tasks.

You will assist in meetings and events, while tracking defense funding legislation and preparing background materials. This paid internship is hourly and commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a master’s or PhD program, or recently graduated with a BA/BS/MA/PhD or equivalent.
• Interest or experience analyzing defense budgets, acquisition, national security.
• Excellent record in an academic or research environment.
• Strong writing, organizational, communication, and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews, and compile and analyze data for ongoing research projects.
• Provide writing, editing, and support for reports and documents.
• Support products through background research and citations as needed.
• Collaborate with staff on topics like defense spending and security cooperation.
• Assist in preparation for meetings, events, and conferences.
• Track relevant legislation in the defense funding sector.

Skills

Strong writing

Organizational skills

Time management

Independent work

Quantitative analysis

Mandarin a plus

Education

Master’s or PhD student or recent graduate

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non‑profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Defense Budget Analysis Program is seeking an intern to support its research and administrative needs. The Defense Budget Analysis Program explores trends in the overall defense budget, military readiness, force structure, defense acquisitions, and military compensation in a broader effort to assess the alignment of the country's defense strategy and its resources.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following

RESEARCH AND WRITING (70%)

• Conduct literature reviews, and compile and analyze data for ongoing research projects;
• Provide other research, writing, and editing support for various reports and documents;
• Support written products through background research, copy‑editing, and editing citations as necessary;
• Collaborate with and support multiple staff members on different research projects on topics including U.S. and international defense spending, defense acquisition and the industrial base, military force structure, and security cooperation.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES (30%)

• Assist in preparation for meetings, private and public events, and conferences;
• Tracking relevant legislation and public announcements in the defense funding sector;
• Perform ad hoc requests and other duties as necessary in support of staff members.

Knowledge, education, and experience

• Either currently enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program; or has recently graduated with a B.A., B.S., M.A., Ph.D. or equivalent;
• Interest or experience analyzing U.S. and/or international defense budgets, defense acquisition and the industrial base, or national security;
• Excellent record in an academic or research environment;
• Strong writing, organizational, communication, and time management skills;
• Ability to work independently;
• Preference for applicants with statistical and quantitative analysis skills;
• Mandarin language skills are a plus, though not required.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer.