Senior Fellow, Foreign Development Assistance

The Senior Fellow will be responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and devising policy ideas to address current and emerging global challenges in global public health, humanitarian response, and/or global economic stability. The Senior Fellow should understand current debates over the future of foreign assistance and the role of U.S. government agencies and multilateral institutions and demonstrate proficiency in translating these into bold ideas for a broad policy audience.

The Senior Fellow will lead the development of an affirmative policy that outlines a new, progressive U.S. strategy toward development assistance. Beyond research, this role involves significant convening and collaboration. The Senior Fellow will guide a series of expert convenings, bringing together diverse progressive thinkers, academics, and former government officials to explore critical issues in development assistance. This leader will also collaborate extensively with experts across American Progress and other policy organizations to drive solutions and advance the progressive agenda.

This position requires a strategic adviser who will partner closely with the Senior Vice President and designated NSIP staff. The work will directly support American Progress’ mission and progressive policy agenda, encompassing research, advocacy, and strategic communications.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the department’s Senior Vice President and American Progress’ executive leadership to set the strategic direction for the organization’s priorities related to U.S. development assistance and global health.
• Provide day-to-day leadership on relevant portfolio issues within the National Security and International Policy Department and at American Progress.
• Develop a policy, research, and communications agenda; maintain relevant policy expertise.
• Maintain relationships throughout American Progress, including with the Executive, Advocacy and Outreach, Communications, and Development departments.
• Work closely with other policy experts at American Progress to find areas of collaboration and define shared messages and policy strategies.
• Oversee the development of products—including reports, issue briefs, columns, op-eds, related events, and other routes—to disseminate information that advances the development policy agenda in ways that increase opportunities to improve policy outcomes.
• Maintain relationships with funders and assist the department’s Senior Vice President and the American Progress Development Department in fundraising to meet the department’s work plan.
• Promote department priorities and work products both inside and outside the organization.
• Build and maintain key relationships, including with allied organizations and policymakers.
• When appropriate, serve as expert witness at legislative hearings, briefings, and meetings to advance the team’s goals.
• Keep American Progress staff updated on news and events related to relevant policy debates in Congress, the administration, international organizations, and abroad.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and relevant graduate degree or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge, expertise, and a professional record in the field of development assistance, global governance, or international cooperation.
• Knowledge of federal policymaking and experience working with Congress, federal agencies, and/or relevant international organizations.
• Established relationships with U.S. and foreign policymakers, advocates, and the international security and multilateral policy research community.
• Excellent presentation, written, and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills. Quantitative skills are a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic, long-term plans.
• Significant management experience.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter with their application.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union.