NSCSA Weekly Newsletter
This Week at NSCSA: Picnic Recap, Job Board, and more...
Hello NSCSA!
Next week, on Thursday, May 21st, we're gathering in the Russell Senate Office Building to host Agencies Under the Radar, a panel spotlighting the important work of GAO, OMB, CBO, and other institutions that don't always get their due. More details below!
Here’s your weekly newsletter, starting with a quick 30-second preview to get you up to speed fast.
This Week in 30 Seconds
RSVP: NSCSA PANEL: AGENCIES UNDER THE RADAR → RSVP Here
Join: NSCSA Teams Chat → Sign up here
Coffee Chats: Opt in for June pairings → Join here
Events: Ukraine Caucus + Air/Space Force Mixer + CNAS 2026 → RSVP below
Fellowships: Naval War College + AI Bootcamp + Stanford → Apply below
Jobs: NatSec Openings → See below
1. SAVE THE DATE - NSCSA PANEL: AGENCIES UNDER THE RADAR
Mark Thursday, May 21st at 6:00pm in 188 Russell Senate Office Building on your calendars. NSCSA is hosting a panel with national security experts from several critically important agencies that don’t receive the attention they deserve such as GAO, OMB, and CBO. Panelists will include:
Diana Maurer - GAO, Director of Defense Capabilities and Management
David Mosher - CBO, Director of National Security Division
Bill McNavage - Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy & Water Development, Professional Staff Member; Former Program Examiner in OMB National Security Division
This will be a great opportunity to hear from experts on each agency’s role in the national security policymaking process and how Hill staff can most effectively engage with them. RSVP here.
2. NSCSA TEAMS GROUP CHAT
Earlier this year, we launched our NSCSA Teams group chat, where members share information, crowdsource answers to questions, and chat about other national security-related topics.
If you are a full-time congressional staffer, fellow through an official national security congressional fellowship, or national security agency, then you can sign up using this Google Form.
We now have a lively chat, so please join if you’d like to be part of the community!
3. MONTHLY COFFEE CHATS
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 250+ participants strong and growing!
You can join here if you are not yet a participant and would like to be included in next month’s coffee chat pairings.
4. EVENTS
Council on Foreign Relations: Future of American Strategy Initiative Launch
Wednesday, May 20th at 5pm
Council on Foreign Relations, 1777 F St NW, Washington, DC 20006
RSVP Here
National Security Institute: Contested Orbits—Space, Satellites, and Strategic Competition
Tuesday, May 19th at 12pm
Capitol Hill
RSVP Here
Congressional Ukraine Caucus Briefing on Russia's Abduction of Ukrainian Children
Tuesday, May 19th at 2:30pm
Jefferson Building, Library of Congress, Room LJ-113
RSVP Here
Air and Space Force May Office Mixer
Thursday, May 21st at 4pm
Rayburn 2040
RSVP Here
ANWA Deterrence Center: Increased Efficiency and Productivity Across the Nuclear Enterprise
Tuesday, May 26th at 3pm
Online
RSVP Here
CNAS 2026 National Security Conference
Thursday, June 11th at 9am
Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC
RSVP Here
5. FELLOWSHIPS/EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Please find below some fellowships with applications now open. We encourage you to visit each site and see which, if any, may be a good fit for you.
U.S. Naval War College Fleet Seminar Program (Master’s Degree)
Application: April 1st to May 31st
Apply Here
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - Iran Masterclass for Senior-level Foreign Policy Congressional Staff
Deadline: May 22, 2026
Apply Here
2026 Stanford HAI Congressional Boot Camp on AI
Deadline: May 25, 2026
Apply Here
War on the Rocks: Cogs of War Writing Contest
Cogs of War is hosting a special series writing contest — Arsenal of Innovation writing contest — marking America's 250th anniversary. They’re looking for original essays on American defense technologies that were born in war, and later went on to reshape civilian life and the relationship between politics, industry, and society. Winners will get published and can win up to $500.
Deadline: May 29 , 2026
Learn more here
Stanford University, Hoover Institution Congressional Fellowship
Deadline: June 7, 2026
Apply Here
6. JOB BULLETIN
Below the signature line are the NatSec-related openings 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, reach out to us if you need anything or have questions.
Sincerely,
Juan Carlos Mora
Secretary
National Security Congressional Staff Association
HILL
MLA - Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)
The Office of Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester seeks a highly motivated and experienced Military Legislative Assistant to lead a portfolio including national security, defense, veterans affairs, and foreign policy issues. Responsibilities across the portfolio include developing and executing a legislative agenda in coordination with the Legislative Director; drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legislation, amendments, and memoranda; working with stakeholders; and monitoring and analyzing key policy developments. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples combined into a single PDF document. The Office will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Legislative Counsel/Policy Advisor, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD)
Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) seeks a seasoned legislative staffer in the Washington, D.C., office with a background in matters before the House Homeland Security, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees. Candidates with a J.D. or another advanced degree are preferred, and experience working as a legislative aide or similar permanent staffer for a minimum of two years is required. Please submit a cover letter; a resume, including two to three references; and a writing sample to md04resumes@gmail.com with the subject line: “Full Name – Legislative Counsel.” We will accept applications until the position is filled.
OFF HILL
International Affairs Policy Specialist – Booz Allen Hamilton
Research and analyze data to inform foreign policy programs and initiatives. Apply advanced skills or extensive technical expertise and full industry knowledge. Develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Work without considerable direction. Apply here
Director, US Government Affairs – onsemi
onsemi is a leading semiconductor company delivering innovative power and sensing technologies that enable energy-efficient solutions across automotive, industrial, defense, and critical infrastructure markets. The Director, U.S. Government Affairs will lead federal engagement to advance the company’s policy priorities and support business growth in the United States. The role is responsible for developing and executing strategies with Congress, the Executive Branch, and key federal agencies to shape legislation, regulatory policy, and federal funding opportunities impacting the semiconductor industry. Apply here
Policy Analyst – DHS
This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans (PLCY), Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk & Resilience (CIRR). Apply here
Program Analyst - Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs
This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA). OCLA serves as the primary congressional and legislative affairs office for all VA Administrations, staff offices, and program offices. The incumbent coordinates closely with the Office of General Counsel, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and Federally Mandated Committees to ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to. Apply here
Research Associate – DoD, DSCA
The Perry Center supports the community of security and defense professionals in the Americas to pursue collaborative approaches to mutual opportunities and challenges. Through academics, research, and outreach, including ministerial-level consulting, we advance sustainable institutional capacity, strengthen the rule of law and democracy, and promote greater understanding of U.S. policy throughout the Western Hemisphere. Apply here
Director, Research and Operations, Future of American Strategy - Council on Foreign Relations
The Studies Program is seeking a Director, Research and Operations, who will help lead the work of a major new research initiative focused on the future of American strategy. This includes, but is not limited to, scoping the new initiative, developing its workplan, overseeing research projects, managing its day-to-day operations, and providing oversight of the program’s grants and fundraising efforts. In addition, the Director will have the opportunity to contribute original research under the auspices of the initiative. Apply here
Government Relations Manager – Axiom Space
Since Axiom Space is a very complex work environment, we are looking for a resilient, high-energy Government Relations Manager to support its federal advocacy efforts and advance U.S. policy objectives related to the multiple space related business offerings. This role will engage directly with Congress, federal agencies, and industry stakeholders to help shape the regulatory and funding environment supporting Axiom Space’s missions and commercial space development. Apply here
Policy Analyst – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
IAVA is seeking two Policy Analysts to operationalize its campaign-based policy strategy. These are execution focused roles designed for someone who can translate strategy into measurable legislative, relational, and organizational outcomes. You will work directly with the Director of Policy & Advocacy to move IAVA’s campaigns forward on Capitol Hill — building relationships, tracking legislation, and producing the policy outputs that drive real change. Apply here
Senior Director of Policy & Government Affairs – Defense Trade Solutions
This position is a functional head and matrix leader with no direct reports, reporting directly to the Vice President and providing support across the organization to orchestrate DTS’ trade‑policy posture, resolve complex export issues, and lead government and industry‑association engagement for DTS and its customers. The Senior Director of Policy & Government Affairs defines and leads DTS’ trade‑policy posture and external relationships with the U.S. Government and industry associations, converting evolving Arms Export Control Act (AECA), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Security Cooperation, and Technology Security & Foreign Disclosure (TSFD) policy into clear, actionable guidance for customers and DTS delivery teams. Apply here
Director, Government Affairs – Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International
AUVSI is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Government Affairs to drive our ground advocacy efforts, including on robotics, in the legislative and executive branches. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with legislative experience and a background as a registered federal lobbyist, or a willingness to become one, to play a pivotal role in expanding AUVSI’s influence on ground autonomy policy. Apply here
Legislative Affairs Specialist – Strategic Analysis
Strategic Analysis is seeking a versatile, skilled Legislative Affairs Specialist to support the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Director’s Office. It is of paramount importance to exceed our client expectations with high integrity and focused attention to program deliverables. Apply here
Director, Leg Affairs (International Programs) – Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman’s Legislative Affairs organization is seeking a Director for Legislative Affairs supporting international programs (foreign military sales / direct commercial sales) across the enterprise. Reporting to the Vice President of Legislative Affairs, the individual is responsible for educating staff and Members of Congress on Northrop Grumman international sales and guiding congressional notifications through the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees. This individual would also be responsible for developing, educating, and advocating with Members of Congress and staff on Northrop Grumman programs and priorities ahead of international trips and engagements. Apply here
Advocacy Advisor, Foreign Policy – Open Society Foundation
The Advocacy Advisor will support OSF’s advocacy and policy strategies in Washington on U.S. foreign policy issues. The Advisor will be an expert on U.S. foreign policy towards at least two geographic regions (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe/Eurasia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Middle East/North Africa), as well as have deep experience with several thematic foreign policy issues (foreign assistance, human rights, national security law, defense, technology, etc.). This will be a senior level position that collaborates closely with colleagues in other regions, as well as relevant outside partners and US government officials. The Advisor will ensure coherence, rigor, and innovation across various priorities and lead collaborative work to develop organizational messaging narratives on issues of importance to OSF’s mission. Apply here
Director of International Government Relations – CHAOS Industries
We are looking for a dynamic international government relations leader to build and manage relationships with U.S. government stakeholders responsible for security cooperation programs, arms transfer policy, export licensing, and export advocacy, including the Department of State (DOS), Department of Commerce (DOC), Office of the Under Secretary of War for Policy, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), and Defense Technology Security Administration (DTSA), as well as foreign embassies in Washington, DC. This leader will partner with international growth leads to develop and execute engagement strategies that expand our global pipeline and drive revenue growth. Apply here
Federal Lobbyist, House – CHAOS Industries
We are looking for a strategic government relations leader to build and manage relationships with key stakeholders across the House of Representatives, while partnering with internal teams to advance our mission within the defense ecosystem. This individual will develop and execute a government affairs strategy focused on the House aligned to our core technologies, and lead engagement with stakeholders—including key Authorizations and Appropriations Committees—to advocate for policies, funding, and priorities that drive revenue. Apply here
Federal Lobbyist, Senate – CHAOS Industries
We are looking for a strategic government relations leader to build and manage relationships with key stakeholders across the Senate, while partnering with internal teams to advance our mission within the defense ecosystem. This individual will develop and execute a government affairs strategy focused on the Senate aligned to our core technologies, and lead engagement with Senate stakeholders—including key Authorizations and Appropriations Committees—to advocate for policies, funding, and priorities that drive revenue. Apply here
Legislative Advisor – Treasury, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
Become part of the team that safeguards the financial system from the abuses of financial crime. At the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), we are at the forefront in preventing and detecting terrorist financing, money laundering, and other financial crime. Serve at the nation’s financial intelligence unit and protect the United States financial system from criminals and terrorist financiers. Apply here
International Affairs Analyst — Aflac
Provides bilingual policy and liaison support between Aflac’s Washington and Tokyo public policy teams, producing analytical reports on international policy issues, covering policy events in Washington, conducting Japanese language research and news monitoring, translating documents from Japanese to English, and supporting senior executive visits, meetings, and projects; the role requires strong Japanese proficiency, excellent writing and organizational skills, public policy interest, and at least three years of related experience. Apply here
Director of Policy, Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Risk Management — Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)
Leads ITI’s cybersecurity and supply chain risk management policy portfolio, driving U.S. and international advocacy efforts on cybersecurity, federal procurement, and emerging technology issues while shaping industry positions on regulations and resiliency standards, managing relationships with policymakers and global stakeholders, coordinating ITI member consensus building, and serving as a lead subject matter expert on cybersecurity and supply chain policy across the tech sector. Apply here
Government Affairs Communications, Sr. Manager — Lockheed Martin
Leads integrated communications strategies supporting Lockheed Martin’s legislative, policy, and program advocacy priorities, working at the intersection of communications, government affairs, and national security to shape messaging for Congress, the Department of War, and Administration stakeholders while partnering closely with Lockheed Martin Government Affairs and senior executives on high visibility defense and policy campaigns. Apply here
Special Advisor to the President for AI — Roosevelt Institute
Advises the Roosevelt Institute President on artificial intelligence policy and strategy, helping shape research, advocacy, and public engagement around AI’s impact on the economy, democracy, workers, and public institutions while coordinating with internal teams, external experts, policymakers, and partners to advance progressive policy solutions. Apply here
Legal Counsel, Tactical Recon and Strike — Anduril Industries
Provides legal support for Anduril’s Tactical Recon and Strike division, advising on U.S. government contracts, procurement, data rights, proposals, negotiations, compliance, and business strategy while working with internal teams, customers, outside counsel, and government procurement offices to help capture and execute defense technology contracts. Apply here
Government Relations Manager — Amentum
Manages Amentum’s federal government affairs operations, with a focus on political action committee management, department budgeting, compliance activities, legislative engagement, trade association coordination, and external policy participation; the role supports a high impact government relations team and requires prior PAC management experience, familiarity with LDA reporting and compliance, and knowledge of the defense, energy, or homeland security policy landscape. Apply here
Federal Defense Lobbyist — RTX
Leads a service and capability focused federal lobbying portfolio across RTX’s Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon businesses, developing government relations strategy, building relationships with Congress and the Executive Branch, identifying appropriations and policy opportunities, and advancing RTX legislative priorities with the Intelligence and Appropriations Committees in support of defense programs and business objectives. Apply here
Research Assistant: Foreign and Defense Policy, U.S. Foreign Policy — American Enterprise Institute (AEI)
Supports AEI scholars working on U.S. foreign policy, the Middle East, and national politics through research, writing, editing, and long term project support while also helping produce AEI’s national security podcast, coordinating events and media requests, and managing communications and scheduling in a fast paced foreign policy and national security environment. Apply here
AI Policy Manager — Meta
Supports Meta’s AI Policy team by navigating emerging and complex artificial intelligence policy issues, engaging with policymakers and external stakeholders, developing policy positions and strategic recommendations, and collaborating across legal, product, communications, and public policy teams to address regulatory and governance challenges related to AI technologies and innovation. Apply here
Supervisory Foreign Affairs Officer — U.S. Department of State
Leads the Office of Outreach within the Office of the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs, directing congressional, media, and strategic engagement efforts for the Department’s arms control and international security portfolio while advising senior leadership on foreign policy and legislative issues, managing outreach staff, shaping legislative engagement strategies, and serving as a principal liaison to Congress, interagency partners, and external stakeholders on arms control and international security matters. Apply here
Foreign Affairs Officer — U.S. Department of State
Supports the Department of State’s Cultural Heritage Center by developing and implementing programs related to cultural property agreements and global cultural heritage protection, conducting analysis on illegal looting and trafficking of cultural property, drafting reports and policy recommendations for senior leadership and the President’s Cultural Property Advisory Committee, and coordinating with law enforcement and foreign affairs stakeholders to advance U.S. cultural heritage and foreign policy objectives. Apply here
Chief of Staff — Department of Defense (Office of the Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security)
Serves as the senior executive responsible for directing operations, policy development, and strategic execution within the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security, overseeing day to day management, coordinating high level engagements with senior DoW, Intelligence Community, White House, and congressional leaders, and shaping major initiatives including organizational restructuring, intelligence enterprise governance, and budget integration across the Military Intelligence Program and National Intelligence Program while providing expert guidance on national security, counterintelligence, and sensitive operations. Apply here
Defense Congressional Analyst – Booz Allen Hamilton
As a defense congressional analyst, you’ll provide a Navy client with legislative and congressional support throughout the annual Defense Authorization and Appropriations process. Leverage existing Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) systems and databases to coordinate, track, report, and make appropriate analysis and recommendations to support government decisions on requirements, milestones, and progress. Provide analysis to support the development and implementation of Navy and Marine Corps strategy and policy. Analyze risk-based strategies for legislative processes and planning. Analyze and track metrics for strategy implementation. Provide analysis to identify, define, and close requirements using the legislative process. Apply here
Senior Director, Government Relations (USMC) – Sierra Nevada Corporation
As Sr Director Government Relations -US Marine Corps you will drive initiatives to support the development and implementation of corporate policy through strategic partnerships with government and industry groups. You’ll be responsible for representing the company on US Marine Corps related Government Affairs with elected officials and government officials in regulatory agencies and ensure appropriate company participation in maritime forums and industry group meetings. Apply here