Stanley A. Weiss Fellow

The Stanley A. Weiss Fellowship program places high-performing candidates at the intersection of national security and the private sector. In today’s complex and dynamic environment, threats to U.S. national security increasingly require public and private sector perspectives to merge. Stanley A. Weiss Fellows help Business Executives for National Security in its mission to connect national security and private sector leaders.  
 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Stanley A. Weiss Fellows are integral to the BENS team through their work supporting BENS’s organizational goals and work with government partners and members in the national security community.  

Fellows will:

Gain subject matter expertise in a national security topic through in-depth research and presentations to BENS senior leadership. 

Track and analyze developments of relevant policy issues, including critical infrastructure; geopolitics and economic statecraft; efforts to recruit and retain a talented national security workforce; and security implications of emergent technology.  

Support BENS staff in outreach and engagement with national security-focused government partners and business leaders. 

Assist with event preparation; draft media pieces, reports, and memos; and cover Congressional hearings and key meetings. 

Maintain and update membership databases. 

Set up and break down office events. 

Provide general administrative support. 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Event Participation: Fellows will attend in-person and virtual events, such as panels, roundtables, and speaker series, gaining exposure to key national security figures and ideas. 

Mentorship: Fellows will receive mentorship from BENS staff and private sector leaders with experience in the military, government, and key industries. 

Networking: Fellows will have the opportunity to connect with BENS staff and program alumni with prestigious Washington backgrounds. 

Brownbag Lunches & Visits: Fellows will attend informal discussions with senior professionals and visits to institutions like the State Department, White House, and NGA.

TERM

The fall fellowship will start in the beginning of September and end mid-December. Fellows will be paid an hourly wage set at the current D.C. minimum wage and receive metro travel benefits. Fellows will be expected to work full-time— barring exceptions for outstanding candidates with academic conflicts. 

REQUIREMENTS  

Education

Candidates are selected depending on their skills and prior experience. However, most applicants recently completed, or are in the process of completing, an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Skills

Effective research, writing, data analysis, communication, and organizational skills required

Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment and manage multiple tasks

Exceptional interpersonal and professional skills—candidates should feel comfortable interacting at a high level with senior business executives, military/government leaders, and staff in other non-profits

Collaborative and independent work skills

Computer-literate and internet-savvy

Preferred interest or experience in, but not required: 

Critical Infrastructure  

Economic Security 

Emerging Technologies 

Defense Industrial Base  

Critical Supply Chains 

TO APPLY

Email a current resume, cover letter, and a 2-3 page writing sample to Initiatives Associate Ethan Ingram at eingram@bens.org

To be considered for the fall term, please submit all application materials by COB Wednesday, July 9.