Public Policy Manager, National Security Institute

Public Value; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University is looking for a Public Policy Manager for the National Security Institute in Arlington, VA. This position requires considerable policy experience and strong database skills, along with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Responsibilities include managing policy programs, developing stakeholder relationships, and creating policy materials. The role demands excellent communication and organizational skills with the capacity to interact professionally with government officials and industry partners. The position offers a full-time schedule with on-site requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Considerable policy experience (typically 3+ years).
• Strong database experience.
• Knowledge of national security policy.
• Demonstrated, advanced skill in written and oral communication.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office suite.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Ability to interact effectively and respectfully.
• Self-starter, highly motivated, and detail oriented.

Responsibilities

• Builds relationships with key stakeholders to promote NSI's mission.
• Represents NSI before Congressional officials and partners.
• Develops organizational policy priorities.
• Manages development and execution of programs.
• Creates and disseminates policy materials.
• Leads participation in NSI policy programming.
• Manages budget and administrative support.
• Interacts with media, public, and officials to coordinate activities.
• Supports NSI team's work.
• Assists with research and writing for NSI publications.
• Tracks legislative and congressional developments.

Skills

Policy experience

Database experience

Written and oral communication

Microsoft Office suite

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Public Policy Manager, National Security Institute

Department: Antonin Scalia Law School

Classification: Program Admin Specialist 1

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Arlington, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility:

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department

The National Security Institute (NSI) aims to be the intellectual powerhouse supporting a robust American national security posture—dedicated to incorporating a realistic assessment of the threats facing the United States and finding real‑world answers to hard national security questions—and we also strive to educate the next generation of leaders.

About the Position

The NSI Public Policy Manager is responsible for the successful planning and coordination of NSI policy program efforts and events. This position is expected to work flexible hours, and travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Builds relationships with Congressional staff, members and executive branch officials, associations, industry partners, nonprofits, and other third‑parties to promote and build support for NSI's mission and policy expertise through both regular in‑person and virtual meetings and engagements, both informal and formal;
• Independently represents NSI before Congressional and executive branch officials and staff in briefings and in other settings, as well as in front of industry and nonprofit partners;
• Works with NSI leadership to identify and develop organizational policy priorities, including assessing organizational resources and the needs and interests of the policy field;
• Manages the development and execution of programs, including private briefings, and off‑the‑record and public events that advance NSI's mission, as well as work with NSI staff to ensure successful marketing and communications efforts;
• Creates, develops, and disseminates policy materials, as well as brainstorms new forms of written materials, to policymaking and public audiences;
• Leads and coordinates NSI expert participation and engagement in NSI policy programming, including managing whiteboarding sessions, expert briefings, and external policy programming efforts;
• Manages program and project budget and coordinates other necessary administrative support;
• Interacts with NSI leadership and staff, as well as media, the general public, and government officials to plan and coordinate activities;
• Supports NSI team in all aspects of NSI's work;
• Assists with research, writing, and publishing NSI research and advocacy papers, as well as media pieces and other written materials; and
• Reviews and analyzes regulations, legislation, laws, and public policy that informs and impact NSI's policy priorities, including managing the tracking of legislative and congressional developments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Considerable policy experience (typically 3+ years);
• Strong database experience;
• Knowledge of national security policy and familiarity with defense, intelligence, or cyber policy communities;
• Demonstrated, advanced skill in written and oral communication;
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office suite;
• Demonstrated organizational skills, with the ability to independently juggle multiple tasks and priorities effectively;
• Ability to interact effectively and respectfully with persons at all levels, including senior government, industry, and academic officials, in a professional manner and in different settings; and
• Self‑starter, highly motivated, and detail oriented.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field;
• Experience working on Capitol Hill and/or with Congressional offices.

Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Public Policy Manager, National Security Institute at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Dates

Posting Open Date: May 6, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: May 20, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes