Policy Associate

Position description

Win Without War is a national grassroots organization working for a more peaceful, progressive U.S. foreign policy. Working with Congress, grassroots activists, and progressive movement leaders, we’re leading campaigns to reprioritize federal spending away from endless wars and toward human and environmental needs, prevent devastating conflicts with countries like China and Iran, and end U.S. military support for human rights-abusing governments. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

We believe that by democratizing U.S. foreign policy and providing alternative progressive policy options, we will build a more peaceful, just, and equitable world that serves all people— regardless of borders, race, nationality, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, economic status, or any other status.

It’s a big, ambitious agenda, but our team is small and mighty: organizers, advocacy and issue experts, and political and communications strategists. Every day we bring our activists into Washington’s foreign policy debates and support a network of partner organizations as we advance progressive solutions. We’d love for you to join us.

The Position

We are seeking a Policy Associate to join Win Without War and Win Without War Education Fund’s advocacy team. This position will support the Policy Director in the research, writing, and strategizing that undergirds campaigns for a just future that allows us all to thrive. If you’re looking for an entry-level/junior role in a fast-paced team working to advance a progressive vision for the U.S. role in the world, keep reading! 

Bear in mind: if you’re unfamiliar with some of the bullets below, don’t let that deter you. For entry-level and junior roles, our team is keen to help you learn on the job!      

Here’s what you’d do:

• Support the development and implementation of advocacy campaigns to influence the decisions of members of Congress and the executive branch. 
• Develop subject matter expertise across a host of foreign policy and national security issues.
• Assist in direct communications with movement partners, government officials, and grassroots advocates through the drafting of emails and other content.
• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the policy program.
• Scope, research, and draft briefing memos, messaging guides, legislative analysis, and other policy content in support of establishing a progressive foreign policy in the United States.
• Draft, edit, and publish opinion articles.
• Produce short, policy-relevant reports on a range of foreign policy and national security issues.
• Engage with emerging policy experts and build connections for them with relevant stakeholders.
• Schedule policy convenings, including policy roundtables, strategy calls, experts briefings, and delegation meetings.
• Assist the policy director in the monitoring and evaluation of legislation and positions of members of Congress and the Administration.
• Identify and implement opportunities for collaboration with other progressive movement partners.
• Learn how politics shapes foreign policy, and how advocates can best engage in policy debates.

Qualifications

• A strong interest in reshaping U.S. foreign policy to build a world that’s safer, more peaceful, and more just for everyone.
• Experience in organizing, project management, research, writing, or issue campaigning at the international, national, or local level. 
• 1+ year of experience in policy or academic research and writing (including intern and externships).
• A strong track record of producing accurate and compelling written content under time pressure.
• Excellent organizational skills, and the ability to handle competing priorities without letting key tasks slip through the cracks.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to learn new concepts quickly and connect the dots across silos of U.S. foreign policy and between domestic issues.

Everyone at Win Without War has:

• A passionate commitment to progressive values, and to our vision of a U.S. foreign policy rooted in those values.
• A willingness to be nimble and work without ego as part of a proactive team of leaders. 
• A commitment to equity and working to dismantle systems of oppression. 
• The ability to rapidly develop a working understanding of the politics of national security as it involves Congress, the executive branch, civil society and social movements, and the media.
• The ability to work independently when necessary, manage projects, and execute multiple simultaneous tasks on tight deadlines.
• A healthy sense of humor. 
• Fluency in written and oral American English. 

Expertise or experience in one or more of the following areas isn’t required, but is a plus:

• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Canva and/or similar design software
• A love of nerding-out about U.S. foreign policy and world politics
• Professional experience or academic expertise in U.S. foreign policy, peacebuilding, climate policy, or defense and national security

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on tendersglobal.net