Research and Writing Assistant to AEI President Robert Doar

Do you passionately support free enterprise, individual liberty, human dignity, and American institutions? Are you enthusiastic about marshalling evidence to advance AEI’s mission and uphold our commitment to academic freedom? If you have proven research and writing abilities, a demonstrated interest in public policy, and a strong alignment with conservative principles and free-enterprise solutions for all Americans, apply to join AEI as the next research and writing assistant to AEI President Robert Doar.

As the research and writing assistant to the president, you will handle public and strategic communications on a wide range of topics, spanning all of AEI’s research departments. In support of the president’s communications, you will write about wide-ranging policy issues relevant to AEI’s mission. You will also work with the president’s team to provide executive-level support, ensuring maximum output and policy impact.

This is a great opportunity if you share AEI’s mission, love intellectual challenges, have exceptional writing skills, and possess robust administrative and organizational skills. You will join a high-performing executive team at an institution that champions America’s founding ideals at the highest levels of policymaking and public discourse.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI’s mission and work, academic transcript, and 500-word writing sample on any topic. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

• Provide research and writing support for the president, including but not limited to writing literature reviews, checking facts, creating visualizations, and performing quantitative analysis.
• Draft and edit a variety of formal and informal written products, such as op-eds, speeches, remarks, and interview questions.
• Serve as thought partner to the president and AEI’s communications team as they identify the best opportunities and avenues for commentary on a variety of subjects.
• Collaborate with the director of the executive office, the president’s scheduler, and the development team to manage scheduling, logistics, and other preparation for speaking engagements, presentations, appearances, and other types of meetings and events that may include prominent donors, public officials, and other key audiences.
• Regularly monitor and summarize current events, ongoing intellectual debates, and public policy developments of interest to the president and AEI’s mission.
• Manage project plans and timelines in a proactive manner for ongoing research, writing projects, and media events such as podcasts and videos.
• Manage social media accounts in collaboration with other staff on behalf of the president to maintain consistent presentation and engagement in his work.
• Coordinate small-scale interdepartmental projects with scholars, program managers, and media personnel to promote the work of AEI’s president.
• Mentor high-performing college students as part of AEI’s internship program.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI

• The employee is expected to regularly stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

• Bachelor’s degree in history, political science, economics, or a related public policy field
• 0–2 years of professional experience
• Demonstrated interest in public policy and the mission of AEI
• Exceptional writing skills, including the ability to capture and convey messaging, tone, and voice in written products
• Prior publication as a contributor to professional news or opinion outlets
• Meticulous attention to detail (especially in administrative and tactical work)
• Demonstrated experience with journalism, opinion writing, and academic writing
• Prior experience as an editor and writer for an undergraduate- or graduate-level publication
• Experience with data visualization and quantitative analysis (a plus)

BenefitsAEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and three personal days or floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403(b) retirement plan with a contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://www.aei.org/jobs/benefits/.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including the position’s scope and responsibilities; a candidate’s full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; and internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000–$54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.