NSCSA Weekly Newsletter
Save the Date -- September Welcome Back Happy Hour!
Happy Monday!
So good to see folks out at Hawk and Dove last week. We missed you so much that we already have our next happy hour on the books! This event will initially be reserved for dues paying members. See this form to become a member if you have not already — more event details below.
In addition to happy hour details, we’ve included updated information below on events, fellowships, and job opportunities. If you have questions or thoughts, please reach out.
NSCSA SEPTEMBER HAPPY HOUR
On behalf of the National Security Congressional Staff Association (NSCSA), we’re thrilled to invite you to our Welcome Back Happy Hour on Thursday, September 11th at 6:00pm on the House side. Exact location will be provided upon RSVP.
This will be an opportunity for government relations folks in the national security industry and national security Hill staff to catch up with old friends and meet new faces.
We have limited space, so please do not forward this invitation to others unless you clear it with us first.
COFFEE CHATS
Current participants — pairings for August have been sent (look for an email from our very own Brooke Grams), and September is around the corner. If you haven’t met with a coffee buddy for a few months, now is a great time to pick the program back up and expand your network over a midday (iced?) coffee break.
Program Description: If you are a Hill staffer working on national security issues and would like to expand your network in an informal way, consider joining our Coffee Chats program.
You will be paired with a random national security Hill staffer each month whom you can choose to grab a coffee with. We are 200-participants strong and growing!
You can join here if you are not yet a participant, and we will pair you with a staffer in September!
OTHER NATSEC EVENTS AROUND TOWN
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget South China Sea Wargame Simulation:
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM ET
Location: Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, Room: Congressional A (400 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001)
National Security Institute (NSI) Panel on Collective Cyber Defense —
The National Security Institute (NSI) and the Embassies of Lithuania, Latvia, and Czechia will host a panel on the future of collective defense in the era of cyber conflict. The conversation will explore how NATO can strengthen its cyber deterrence posture, address the evolving threat landscape posed by Russia and China, and clarify thresholds for collective response under Article 5.
Date: September 16, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET
Location: Capitol Hill (see RSVP)
EDUCATIONAL AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITES
CNAS Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship — The NextGen fellowship is a bipartisan, professional development fellowship for emerging national security leaders between the ages of 27 to 35. The program brings together early to mid-career professionals across sectors within the national security field to learn best practices and lessons in leadership from thought leaders on a variety of topics. We hold a monthly dinner series with speakers such as former Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, Anduril President Christian Brose, and former Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The cohort also embarks on a week-long international study trip to delve deeper into national security issues with heads of state and government leaders.
Application can be found here. Application closes on Sunday, September 21 at 11:59pm ET.
The NextGen team will hold a virtual info session on Tuesday, August 27 at 5:30 p.m. ET for those who would like to learn more about the program and the applications process. Folks can register for that here.
Foundation for Defense of Democracies Congressional National Security Initiative — This eight-part educational seminar series will empower congressional staff with comprehensive insights and critical skills necessary to navigate today's complex national security landscape.
The Congressional National Security Initiative is open to congressional staff with a mid or senior-level foreign policy or national security portfolio. The program will convene once per month, and participants who attend at least six of eight sessions will receive a certificate from FDD.
Participants will explore foundational historical contexts, understand contemporary challenges, and acquire practical legislative expertise. Seminars will blend expert-led seminars, hands-on legislative skills building, targeted case studies, and networking opportunities to foster bipartisan collaboration and enhance America's leadership on the global stage.
Applications for this program will open on Tuesday, September 2, and close on Tuesday, September 16. To be notified when applications open, please fill out the following form: https://forms.monday.com/forms/c79b097ab80d4d821fcdfb288b12cafa?r=use1
Partnership for a Secure America Congressional Partnership Program — Starting in 2009, PSA’s highly selective Congressional staff foreign policy and national security program – the first of its kind – runs twice yearly. This opportunity provides professional development and networking to Democratic and Republican staffers on Capitol Hill to advance bipartisanship on national security and foreign policy. This unique program aims to equip Congressional foreign policy and security advisers to assess global challenges, build common ground, and achieve U.S. national interests through off-the-record events, policy seminars, and skills training. Applications are open through September 12. To apply, complete this form.
JOB BULLETIN
Below the signature line are the NatSec-related openings and resume banks we’ve come across. If you run into any openings, know that one of the openings below has been filled, or have information regarding jobs you’d like to share, please contact us at NatSecCSA@gmail.com.
*Note: Several reliable federal government- and Hill-focused job boards that are worth subscribing to and keeping an eye on include Tom Manatos, Brad Traverse, The House Employment Bulletin, and the Senate Employment Bulletin.
As always, feel free to reach out to us if you need anything or have questions.
Sincerely,
NSCSA Board of Directors
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JOB OPENINGS
HILL
Stars of Valor Fellowship Program – Senator’s Durbin, Fetterman, R. Johnson
The Senate has established the Stars of Valor Fellowships Program for wounded and disabled veterans; family members of Armed Forces servicemembers who die in the line of duty or veterans who die of service-connected injuries; and spouses of active-duty servicemembers. The SAA is managing the program, and the fellowships will be in Washington, D.C., and Senate offices across the country. Please visit our Stars of Valor website for available fellowship opportunities.
Military Legislative Assistant – Senator Ted Cruz
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is seeking a Military Legislative Assistant (MLA) to join his Office’s national security team. The MLA focuses primarily on issues related to the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, reports directly to Senator Cruz’s National Security Advisor, and works closely with the foreign policy and state teams. The MLA helps staff Senator Cruz on relevant policy issues, drafts legislation, leads legislative initiatives, and monitors broader legislative activity related to the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The MLA serves as a liaison to Texas military installations and communities, supervises Department of Defense detailees, and meets with constituents and defense industry officials. The MLA frequently travels to Texas. To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, three references, and a writing sample to ussenatejobopening@gmail.com and include “Military Legislative Assistant” in the subject line.
Counsel or PSM – House Oversight and Reform Committee (Minority)
The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Democratic staff seeks a counsel or professional staff member to assist with the Committee’s oversight and investigations work. This position’s primary focus would include national security, homeland security, law enforcement, immigration, and the military; reporting to the Full Committee, as well as the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement. Please send a resume and cover letter to oversightjobs@mail.house.gov, with “Counsel/Professional Staff Member” in the subject line. Please attach your resume and cover letter as one PDF with the file name using the following format: “LastName.FirstName”.
Professional Staff Member, Technology (Minority) – House China Committee
The House Select Committee on China is seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient staff member to support its work on the U.S.-China strategic competition in emerging technologies and export control policy. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of export control mechanisms, dual-use technologies, and the strategic implications of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, quantum computing, and biotechnology. This position is central to shaping bipartisan recommendations that protect U.S. technological leadership and national security. Apply here.
Legislative Aide – Senator Brian Schatz
Senator Brian Schatz seeks a legislative aide to help staff the senator’s work on foreign policy and will support the senator’s work as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. Competitive candidates will have congressional experience with executive branch experience considered a plus. This legislative aide will join the senator’s national security team and report to his national security advisor. The salary for this position will be in the range of $55,000-$65,000 per year and will be commensurate with experience. Please visit this link to view the full job posting and apply.
OFF HILL
Research Assistant: Foreign and Defense Policy; Congress, Budgets, and National Defense Planning – American Enterprise Institute
The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time, in-person research assistant to work on issues related to the US defense budget, Congress’s role in national defense, military modernization, Pentagon reform, and changes to force planning or strategic guidance. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible. Apply here.
Senior Legislative Advisor – SAIC
SAIC is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Legislative Advisor with an active TS/SCI clearance to join our team and support the Congressional requirements for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology (OASD(S&T)). The ideal candidate will combine significant legislative experience with the ability to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance legislative analysis, report generation, and strategic decision-making. Apply here.
Government Relations Manager – Advanced Micro Devices
We are seeking a Government Relations Manager to join AMDs dynamic Government Affairs team. This individual will play a key role in supporting the company’s advocacy strategy in Washington, D.C., particularly in areas related to technology policy, trade, AI, and export controls. The ideal candidate will bring strong Hill experience, a sharp understanding of the legislative process, and a passion for technology policy. Apply here.
Africa Analyst, Critical Threats Project – American Enterprise Institute
The primary focus of this position will be collecting intelligence and assessing conflict and political developments in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea regions of Africa. It will emphasize military operations and analyzing the region in the context of the broader Africa team portfolio, including the Salafi-jihadi movement and great-power competition. Other responsibilities include selecting, training, and developing interns; intellectually contributing to other research efforts; providing feedback on technological innovation projects; and providing other research and administrative support as required. Apply here.
Humanitarian Assistance Officer – Akima
Provide technical oversight and coordination for the Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia (European and Eurasian Affairs & South and Central Asia Affairs bureaus) field officers implementing humanitarian activities in Ukraine, Armenia, and other posts as relevant to ensure timely accomplishment of assigned team tasks; represent the team within the two regional bureaus and the Department more widely and liaise with DC-based counterparts at the State Department on humanitarian assistance policy, procedures, and activities. Apply here.
Director, International Security and Defense Policy (ISDP) Program, National Security Research Division (NSRD) – RAND
Within NSRD, the International Security and Defense Policy Program (ISDP) conducts analysis that helps U.S. and allied leaders make tough decisions about national security. The ISDP director is responsible for leading and guiding the analytic agenda and fully engaging key sponsors across its US government business base and internationally, in a manner consistent with RAND’s mission to improve policy and decision-making through objective analytic support. Apply here.
Middle East Security Program Researcher – Institute for the Study of War
ISW seeks a talented and self-motivated full-time Researcher to conduct timely and exceptional open-source research and analysis of the geo-strategic dynamics of the Middle East region and how those dynamics will affect U.S. national security interests. The Researcher will work within ISW’s Middle East Security Program and publish his or her insights to help identify the risks and opportunities in different policy approaches for U.S. policy-makers and practitioners. Apply here.
Associate Vice President/Vice President – The Asia Group
The Asia Group (TAG) is now accepting applications for an Associate Vice President/Vice President to join our Australia Practice focusing on defense and national security clients. This role will be based in Washington, D.C. TAG is a leading strategic and capital advisory firm that positions clients – ranging from Fortune 100 multinationals to innovative startups – for success in established and emerging markets across the Indo-Pacific region. Our expertise is delivered through a network of offices in key cities including Washington D.C., Taipei, New Delhi, Mumbai, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Hanoi. Apply here.
Program Director and Senior Fellow, Middle East Security Program – Center for a New American Security
The position is part-time (10-20 hours per week). Eligibility for employee benefit plans will depend on the amount of time spent on CNAS work. Candidates should indicate their availability for part-time employment in their cover letter. The Middle East Security Program conducts cutting-edge research on the most pressing issues in a turbulent region. The program focuses on the sources of instability in the region, maintaining key U.S. strategic partnerships, and generating solutions that help policymakers respond to both fast-moving events and long-term trends. The Middle East Security Program analyzes trends and generates implementable policy solutions that defend and advance U.S. interests. The program aims to chart a practical and responsible course for U.S. policy in this critical region. Apply here.
Senior Manager, Korea and Japan – U.S. Chamber of Commerce
This position will report to the executive directors of the Asia Department’s U.S.-Korea Business Council (USKBC) and U.S.-Japan Business Council (USJBC) on policy workstreams related to international trade, regulatory issues, and investment challenges and opportunities in those markets. This encompasses work on a wide range of services to corporate members, including policy development, advocacy and analysis, and coalition building. Apply here.
Scowcroft-Nye Fellow – The Aspen Institute
The Scowcroft-Nye Fellowship is a full-time, temporary opportunity for young leaders to join the Aspen Strategy Group (ASG) team. Meant as a stepping-stone to launch a career in national security and foreign policy, the fellowship lets young professionals experience first-hand how today’s preeminent politicians, leaders, and thinkers set aside differences and exchange ideas for open and cooperative dialogue. Scowcroft-Nye Fellows typically join the ASG team for a period of six months, during which time they are encouraged to build knowledge in the field while developing the practical skills required to convene dialogues and communicate effectively with national security and foreign policy leaders. Apply here.
Deputy Director of Counterintelligence – Anduril Industries
You'll serve as an International Affairs Action Officer as part of an exciting team to provide high-level operational and executive support in a demanding, fast-paced environment. Above all, you have a deep commitment to advance international health and biomedical research. You will help clients to understand issues related to policy and regulation, optimally leverage leadership time, support the broader team, and successfully serve the Agency’s mission. You will provide support to senior leaders, serve as a point of contact for the office and other agency offices, manage incoming requirements, clearly communicate tasks, and track metrics. You will be readily available to shift your focus to fulfill emerging requests and special projects. Apply here.
VP, Government Affairs – Swarm Aero
The VP of Government Affairs will own the shaping and execution of the company’s legislative strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and proactively providing actionable insights on policy developments. Acting as the company’s primary representative to Congress, this leader will advance legislative priorities, secure priorities, and orchestrate impactful engagements such as briefings, site visits, and high impact events. Apply here.
Leg Analyst – Scientific Research Corporation
This position directly supports the Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the DoD Test Resource Management Center (TRMC). The position requirements include preparing for, capturing notes and due outs, and maintaining a system for tracking congressional engagements; maintaining awareness of congressional interest areas, geographic location of test range assets mapped to state and congressional district, and stakeholder interests; maintaining awareness of developments in defense and political news that could have an impact on DoD budget or operations; assisting in the development of reports and briefs for senior leaders (to include gaining knowledge of the DoD style guide and preparing action memos, congressional correspondence, and coordination sheets). Apply here.
Associate Leg Director – Paralyzed Veterans of America
The Associate Legislative Director acts as a representative of PVA in the day-to-day working of the federal legislative and budget process to advance PVA’s goals and objectives. To achieve these goals, the Associate Legislative Director must initiate and maintain direct involvement with members of Congress and their staff, federal departments, and agencies on issues of mutual concern; provide in-depth analysis of legislation and regulations; and prepare written products, including letters, testimony, and reports, as well as regular legislative updates and articles for PVA publications. Apply here.
Leg Affairs Specialist – Defense Logistics Agency
As a Legislative Affairs Specialist you will be responsible for the following duties: conducts the legislative affairs activities of DLA with minimal supervision and in accordance with established broad procedural and policy guidance of the Staff Director for DLA Legislative Affairs; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Members of the US Congress and their staffs, including the professional staffs of the various congressional committees; conducts research and analysis from internal and external information sources on issues relating to DLA; attends Committee hearings and conferences to obtain first-hand information, possible trends, reaction to proposed legislation and other information pertinent to Agency interests. Apply here.
Director, Gov Relations – Northrop Grumman
Reporting to the Vice President for Space Intelligence and Cyber programs the candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining effective customer relationships across the Space Force and selected executive branch offices to facilitate in-depth understanding of US Government needs associated with the development of critical Space-based capabilities. This individual will orchestrate and coordinate high level customer interface in close collaboration with other corporate and sector teams through internal cross-sector and external strategy development and outreach. Apply here.
Gov Affairs Assistant – Bechtel Corporation
The Government Affairs Assistant will support government affairs department activities. Responsibilities: monitor and research federal, state and municipal legislation, regulatory activity, congressional and legislative hearings, and publications that may affect Bechtel’s global business. research business questions and prepare abstracts and reports. also handle administrative tasks and provide operational support. The role requires someone who can exercise accuracy, judgment, initiative, discretion, and flexibility while adhering to our company and department policies. Apply here.
Policy Analyst – Office of National Drug Control Policy
This position is located in the Executive Office of the President Office of National Drug Control Policy Office of Homeland Interdiction and Supply Reduction (OHISD). OHISD develops policy and coordinates activities to reduce the flow of illicit drugs into the United States through network disruption, and illegal activities that support and sustain illicit drug trafficking domestically. OHISD focuses on enhancing leadership among law enforcement partners. Apply here.
Principal, AWS Global AI Public Policy - AWS Global AI/ML Policy
Reporting to the Director of AWS Global AI/ML and Canada Public Policy, this position will be responsible for analyzing business risks and opportunities, crafting coherent global policy narratives, and leading Amazon's engagement with key stakeholders. The role encompasses leadership of cross-geographic AI/ML engagements and coordination with multi-lateral institutions and events, including AI Summits and G7/B7 engagements. Working closely with global policy and technical teams across Amazon, the Principal will anticipate and support policy development in cross-cutting topic areas, while collaborating with regional Public Policy colleagues, business leaders, support teams, and customers. Apply here.
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