Program Assistant, Fellows Program

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a 501(c)3 grantmaking foundation that receives an annual Congressional appropriation in excess of $310 million and is governed by a private, bipartisan Board of Directors. This unusual arrangement positions NED to play a unique role as America’s leading foundation for freedom, empowering the institution to be nimble, innovative, and risk-taking in support of democratic activists, civil society organizations, independent media, and the NED family core institutes (the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center).

We seek a motivated, energetic, organized, and resourceful Program Assistant, Fellowships Program who is a mission-oriented team player, and who would be excited to join a fast-paced international exchange program. This position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:

The Program Assistant shoulders a wide range of administrative, logistical, financial, programmatic, and other responsibilities in support of NED’s Fellowships Program, an international exchange program that hosts Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows, Visiting Fellows, Hurford Youth Fellows, and beneficiaries of the Carl Gershman Fund for Democracy Advocates at Risk.

Responsibilities:

Reports to the Director, Fellowships Program;
Contributes to the cultural, intellectual, and collegial life of the international exchange program;
Oversees events hosted by the Fellowships Program, including scheduling and execution of fellows’ presentations, discussions, field trips, alumni engagements, and other convenings;
Coordinates administrative and financial procedures, including purchase orders, fellowship stipend payments, travel arrangements, and housing;
Facilitates the Reagan-Fascell program’s annual fellowship selection process;
Provides a full spectrum of administrative and logistical support to fellows, including assistance with the special needs of democracy advocates at risk;
Assists with the development and administration of the Carl Gershman Fund
Develops content for promotional materials, publications, website, and social media;
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field is required;
0–2 years of work experience in a field related to democracy and human rights.
Interest and experience working with democracy advocates, civil society leaders, and human rights defenders a plus;
Computer proficiency. Familiarity with social media and web development a plus.
Knowledge/awareness of global democracy and human rights issues;
Interest in and experience with international exchange programs;
Excellent verbal, written, administrative, and interpersonal communication skills;
Meticulous attention to detail, and ability to multi-task;
High degree of organization and initiative;
Works well in a team environment.
Experience with budgeting and database management a plus;
Authorized to work in the United States.

This position is part of the NED Bargaining Unit.

To Apply:

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, desired salary, and contact information for three professional references, of which one should be a supervisor. Please, no phone call inquiries.

Located in Washington, D.C., the salary range for this role is $ 45,500 – 60,625 USD, plus benefits. The final offer for a successful candidate will be determined by a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.

At NED, we recognize that our most important asset is our people. We value the diversity of skills and perspectives our team brings to our work. We believe an inclusive and supportive work environment fosters a culture of respect and appreciation for all individuals. NED is committed to creating a workplace that allows everyone to be their authentic selves and make meaningful contributions to our organization, our grantees, and our world.

NED strives to create a work experience that supports the well-being and healthy work-life balance of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package offers health insurance (includes no copay for mental health services), a generous retirement savings plan, paid parental, vacation, and sick leave, a hybrid workplace model, flexible work schedules, and wellness initiatives to ensure a positive work-life balance.

NED is dedicated to creating an environment of respect and collaboration where everyone is encouraged to participate and take ownership of their work. We offer flexible work schedules and, for most positions, the opportunity for weekly telework days. This hybrid approach allows our employees to balance their work and personal lives while still participating in the collaborative process at the heart of our mission.

The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics covered by applicable law. The NED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org or careers@ned.org.