The Reiss Center on Law and Security is a non-partisan multidisciplinary research institute focused on cultivating an informed dialogue, educating the next generation of leaders, and fostering groundbreaking research on the vital law and policy questions that will shape the national security field for years to come. Reiss Center events and publications include a high-level panel discussion on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; an expert interview series on national security and the COVID-19 pandemic; and an original, open-source database tracking executive branch war powers reporting practice over five decades. The Reiss Center also produces resources and opportunities for NYU Law students, including a popular national security career speaker series. The Reiss Center is home to Just Security, the online forum on law, rights and national security. The Reiss Center’s leadership and affiliates have significant collective experience in national security law and policy – including at the State Department, White House, and Department of Justice – and include regional and foreign policy experts and legal scholars.
The role
The Reiss Center on Law and Security (RCLS) at NYU School of Law and the NYU Center for Cybersecurity (CCS) seek an enterprising, dynamic candidate to serve as Program Associate and Special Assistant to the RCLS Executive Director. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to all aspects of our work on many of the most challenging national security issues of our time. We are looking for a collegial teammate who is excited about learning new subjects and skills; who is sharp, self-driven, and dedicated to quality output; and who maintains good judgment and attention to detail while working across multiple projects.
Key roles and responsibilities
As Program Associate and Special Assistant, you will be an integral part of the team with an opportunity to take initiative and excel across a range of vital responsibilities. Specific duties include:
- Conduct research and draft memos on national security, foreign policy, cybersecurity and related issues, for the RCLS Executive Director and RCLS/CCS leadership and affiliates—ranging from news-driven rapid response initiatives to major, multi-month innovative research projects.
- Assist in strategic planning for the centres’ programs, including conceiving and developing new programs and initiatives.
- Help design and execute how we communicate our work, including by managing the centres’ WordPress-based websites and enhancing our online presence through social media, email and news media outreach (including through the use of Twitter, Facebook and MailChimp).
- Assist the centre’s leadership with preparation for their national security and cybersecurity coursework at NYU Law.
- Provide occasional research and drafting for Just Security.
- Coordinate event preparation for both virtual and in-person events, including sending invitations and managing RSVPs, corresponding with speakers, helping design and prepare materials for distribution, and providing day-of and other logistical support.
- Assist the Operations Manager with finance and other administrative tasks, including working with and supervising student interns.
- Liaise with the centres’ fellows and external partners, speakers and other leaders in the field to further the centres’ programming.
Experience and skills
Competitive candidates must have:
- Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, History or related field.
- Work experience and/or advanced degree in related fields preferred.
- Excellent research, proofreading and editing skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Background and interest in U.S. foreign policy and national security and/or cybersecurity and tech policy.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills with keen attention to detail.
- Ability to meet deadlines and work calmly in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others but also to act as a self-starter with substantial independence and keen judgment.
- Willingness to work occasional evening or off-hours for events or other demands.
Ideally, you will also have:
- An eye for graphic design and visual branding.
- Comfort with or willingness to learn: WordPress/web publishing Zoom meetings and webinar management Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) Mailchimp.
- Social media: Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.