My Job Posting

After almost three years at Brookings, a large portion of which I have spent working on Lawfare, I'm going off to Georgetown's School of Foreign Service to work on politics and security issues in South Asia and U.S. foreign policy with respect to the region. This means that Lawfare will be down another Associate Editor after Raffaela's departure earlier this year. I wanted to alert readers to the job posting for my position, which just went up on the Brookings website:

Research Assistant

Reference Number: 14091 Salary: Commensurate with experience

BASIC FUNCTION

Assist with the management 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 independent 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.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in political science, government, or a related field, as well as demonstrated interest in the law. Academic background in constitutional law, the judiciary, or legal questions surrounding security issues is highly preferable. Minimum one year of relevant work experience.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have outstanding writing, analytical, and research skills, preferably demonstrated through prior independent research, experience as a research assistant, or journalism experience. Exceptional ability to write clearly and without supervision is required. Thorough knowledge of library and online research resources and capacity to conduct independent research is a must. 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 Word Press or PHP a plus.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

80% Editorial and Research Assistance

• Produce content for weekly publication on Lawfare; and edit other writer’s contributions for the site.

• Work with Lawfare editorial team to manage the site, including the production of the podcast and other regular features.

• Conduct library, database, and internet-based research in support of the Senior Fellow’s work, and provide research support as needed.

• Proofread, fact-check, and footnote documents in preparation for publication.

20% Administrative Assistance

• Coordinate logistics for Lawfare and Brookings projects.

• Assist with scheduling and coordinating events and meetings for Senior Fellow.

• Collaborate with development and communications staff as needed.

Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will be considered. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment in this position. Brookings welcomes resumes from all qualified applicants, particularly women and minorities. No phone calls and no employment agencies please.

In non-HR-speak, here is what I do---thoughts I offer in the hopes that you, or someone you pass this along to, might be interested in applying for my position. My job is two-fold: I regularly edit pieces and write for the site---everything from Today's Headlines and Commentary, to quick posts alerting readers to breaking news, to longer analysis pieces, to covering the military commissions hearings before Wells was around. As part of the Lawfare editorial team, I help to produce the many features you all know well, such as the Lawfare Podcast, the Events Calendar, the Job Board etc. I work with the team to keep the site up and running and content-rich. And I hire our interns. Outside Lawfare, I function as Ben's right hand at Brookings. I do research and editing on the books and papers he churns out at an alarming rate. I've co-authored two book chapters with him, as well as several smaller essays. I help manage the projects he runs at Brookings. And here's something that may not come through in a formal job description: This has truly been an incredible experience. Helping to grow Lawfare to the place where it is today, working on subjects that are both timely and fascinating, learning to write well, and developing a policy and scholarly voice of my own---these are the reasons I will leave this fall with a very heavy heart. So if this combination of management and journalism in national security law sounds like your cup of tea, apply through the Brookings website, and email staff.lawfare@gmail.com with your resume and cover letter, noting that you did.