Director, GeoStrategy Initiative

Job Location: Atlantic Council Headquarters - Washington, DC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Seniority Level: Director
Job Category: Staff

The GeoStrategy Initiative (GSI), housed within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, serves to directly advance the Scowcroft Center's core mission by developing sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world. Its competencies in long-range foresight and strategy development are vital assets to government and business leaders as they navigate a complex and unpredictable world. Through its work, the initiative strives to revitalize, adapt, and defend a rules-based international system in order to foster peace, prosperity, and freedom for decades to come.

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges and opportunities facing the United States and the world. The Center honors General Brent Scowcroft's legacy of service and embodies his ethos of nonpartisan commitment to the cause of security, support for U.S. leadership in cooperation with allies and partners, and dedication to the mentorship of the next generation of leaders.

The Atlantic Council seeks a global strategic thinker with a track record of shaping the public debate and influencing US and allied policy to serve as Director of the GeoStrategy Initiative, reporting to the Senior Director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. The successful candidate will be an organized, operationally savvy, experienced manager, who will oversee the Initiative's operations, including fundraising and financial management, recruiting and retaining talent, managing and growing new partnerships, and leading the program to successfully execute its mission.

The successful candidate will also have a deep understanding of geopolitics, with a particular emphasis on strategic competition, and bring a passion for US and allied engagement in the world.

A proven track record of project management is required, and having strong networks among policymakers in Washington and beyond would be an advantage. The individual should be comfortable in a fluid, dynamic environment and bring a strong track record of management skills - organization, reliability, clear communication, and attention to detail - to the role.

Candidates should demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.

This position is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters, requiring 4 days per week in the office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $150,000 to $190,000. Applications submitted by January 3, 2025, will be prioritized for consideration.

The Director will be specifically responsible for:

• Intellectual Leadership. Play a leading role in developing the original intellectual and policy frameworks that centrally advance the Council's mission and programming through written work and speaking opportunities within and outside the Council; develop selected issues on which the incumbent maintains a profile and is respected in the policy community for their thought leadership.
• Programmatic Design and Oversight. Help in developing programming for influencing policy and impacting the public debate on U.S. foreign policy and international relations in a changing world. Oversee implementation of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Business Development. Contribute programmatic ideas for the Institute, helping to craft proposals for funding that can generate financial support for new and existing lines of effort. Working with the Co-Directors and the Center Director and the Office of External Relations, build the Institute's funding base by sustaining current financial support and pursuing additional support from corporations, governments, international organizations, foundations, and individuals.
• Outreach/Communications. Represent the Atlantic Council externally with the administration, Congress, the diplomatic community and foreign governments, donors, media, etc., as well as at public and private events, international conferences, etc.
• Financial Management. Serve as a reliable and faithful steward of Institute and Council funds. Oversee expenses and revenues, management of budgets and anticipated fundraising, and ensure program solvency.

• Master's degree in a relevant field required.
• Relevant work experience (at least 12 years) in foreign policy/national security/defense, the private sector, government, and/or a non-governmental organization.
• Impressive leadership and communication skills and effective at building non-partisan communities of influence around key strategic and policy priorities.
• Extensive experience in project management and a proven track record of business development success.
• An entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving and project management.
• Superior writing/communication skills and outstanding interpersonal skills to work well with all levels of experience and influence, from interns to senior officials.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills, including the ability to identify and work through challenges, underscored by strong judgment and emotional intelligence.
• Team player with a can-do attitude and a passion for our shared work as an organization.
• Embodiment of our organizational values of teamwork and optimism.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.