Come Work for Lawfare

It’s my pleasure to announce that Lawfare is hiring an associate editor! Nobody’s leaving, but the site has seen monumental growth in the volume of readership and submissions recently, and our team wants your help handling it.

The position is highly demanding: It carries editorial responsibilities for Lawfare and research and administrative responsibilities as Benjamin Wittes’s research assistant. But it also provides unparalleled writing opportunities for the right candidate at this particular time for the site.

Read more about the position below. All candidates must apply through Brookings to be considered.

Overview

The research assistant assists with the maintenance and publication of Lawfare, a national security law website in the Governance Studies (GS) program at The Brookings Institution. Provide research and administrative assistance on a diverse array of projects connected with the legal framework of American national security policy. Undertake research assignments with minimal supervision, draft summaries of findings, and assist with preparation of publications. Collaborate with GS Communication staff on matters pertaining to public/private events and GS Development staff on matters pertaining to donor proposals.This entry level position is a great opportunity for a recent graduate with an interest in national security law.

Responsibilities

Editorial and Research Assistance (75%)

• With guidance from Senior Fellow and Lawfare senior management, researches and collects documents and information from various sources (government agencies, universities, libraries, database, Internet, non-profit research organizations, etc.) on relevant topics for weekly publication on Lawfare.
• Collects and prepares data from various sources for qualitative analysis, drafting and summarization of information.
• Provides editing and review assistance in preparation for publication.
• Work with Lawfare editorial team to ensure content is up-to-date and accurate, publish and design content, and perform other site maintenance duties as necessary.
• Proofread, update, and fact-check existing data and footnotes; finalize documents in preparation for publication.

Administrative Support (25%)

• Coordinate logistics for Lawfare and Brookings projects. This includes scheduling guests on the Lawfare Podcast, identifying dates for presentation, coordinating calls and communication with external authors to Lawfare.
• Assist with scheduling and coordinating internal and external events and meetings for Senior Fellow.
• Collaborate with development and communications staff as needed, including confirming fellow or senior fellow availability and interests, recent publications and activity, and relevance of recent work to various external requests for information.
• Provide additional administrative support for Lawfare and Brookings projects, as needed.

Qualifications

Education/Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in political science, government or a related field is required. One year of experience preferred, experience can come from prior employment, internship, or applicable undergraduate work. Academic background in constitutional law, the judiciary, or legal questions surrounding security issues is highly preferable. Demonstrated interest in the law is desired. Interest in issues pertaining to national security is required.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Outstanding writing, analytical and research skills, demonstrated through prior relevant research experience. Journalism experience is preferred. Ability to write clearly and with minimal supervision is required. Thorough knowledge of library and online research resources and capacity to conduct independent research is required. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and organizational skills are also required, as well as ability to take initiative and work in a fast-paced environment. Basic familiarity with Drupal or Adobe Audition is a plus.

Additional Information:

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply.

A complete application will include ALL of following items:

• Current resume and cover letter describing your interest in applying to this specific position (attach your cover letter and resume as one document)
• Writing sample of a maximum of 200 words
• Copy of transcripts ( official or unofficial)

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, or other factors protected by law.