Job Description

Job Details Job Location : Atlantic Council Headquarters - Washington, DC
Salary Range : $150,000.00 - $180,000.00 Salary/year

The Atlantic Council seeks a dynamic, experienced, innovative professional to lead and expand our Iraq Initiative —a long-running program dedicated to the security, social, and economic aspects of Iraq as a key regional player for both stability and global energy markets. The director will ideally be a former US government official with writing experience, language credentials, rich familiarity with the region’s culture, politics, and security challenges, and connections to Iraqi and American policymakers. The director will design and implement ambitious projects, lead programs, write opinion pieces, conduct research, publish, appear on media outlets, and engage with policymakers to advance an engaged US and transatlantic policy toward Iraq. The director will have opportunities to pursue personal analytical interests. Under the guidance of the Middle East Program Senior Director, the Iraq Initiative Director will collaborate with colleagues within the Middle East Programs and other Atlantic Council programs and centers to develop and implement regional and global initiatives.

The successful candidate will have an expert understanding of the evolving security, political, and economic dynamics within Iraq, a willingness to promote policy changes publicly, and a desire to sustain and build world-class programming at the Atlantic Council. Responsibilities include developing concepts, writing, and overseeing major projects, policy documents, and reports. The candidate will moderate private and public events, be comfortable with public speaking in person and virtually, and demonstrate expertise in Iraq-related issues. Experience managing a small team and mentoring junior staff is essential. Strong English writing and speaking skills are required; fluency in Arabic is preferred.

The position is based in Washington, DC, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in the office, with occasional regional and very occasional international travel. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package, with salaries from $150,000 to $180,000. Applications submitted by May 21, 2025, will be prioritized.

Job Responsibilities

1. Intellectual Leadership : Shape the Council’s agenda on Iraq through analysis, publication, and public speaking; be recognized as a thought leader on Iraq’s governance, security, energy, and regional role.
2. Programmatic Design and Oversight : Develop strategic programs, including events, publications, and working groups, focused on Iraq’s politics, security, foreign relations, economy, and energy.
3. Outreach and Communications : Represent the Council in high-level engagements with US and Iraqi officials, diplomats, civil society, media, and conferences; contribute to public debate.
4. Management : Lead a team, oversee fellows and staff development, and manage relationships with stakeholders including board members and partners.
5. Business Development : Lead fundraising efforts, including grant writing and donor cultivation.
6. Financial Management : Manage budgets, expenditures, and ensure the initiative’s sustainability.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in public service, academia, think tanks, or international organizations, including work related to Iraq; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven expertise in Iraq’s internal politics, security, and regional relations, with a record of research or policy engagement.
• Program management and fundraising experience.
• Published research or policy writing, or government analytical experience.
• Ability to research and publish under tight deadlines.
• Excellent English communication skills; Arabic or Kurdish fluency highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to engage high-level policymakers and media.

We promote a healthy work/life balance with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b), FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and wellness benefits.

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