Program Assistant, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Global Energy Center

Apply now
The Atlantic Council seeks a creative, hard-working, and detail-oriented individual for a full-time Program Assistant position to serve in its Global Energy Center’s Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative.

Reporting to the Initiative’s Director, the Program Assistant’s main responsibility will include providing staff support for Initiative management, including research, administrative, and logistical assistance to support the Initiative’s regular events and ambitious programming agenda. This includes managing scheduling, travel arrangements, creating briefing materials, and supporting the execution of the Initiative’s strategic engagements.

The successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit, superb communication skills, and enjoy the complexity of helping to build a rapidly growing program. The candidate should have a background in energy and environmental studies, political science, international relations, economics, history, area studies, or a related field. Interest and/or experience in energy markets/geopolitics will also be given special consideration. A successful candidate will also have an interest in nuclear energy policy, including domestic licensing and deployment and international civil nuclear cooperation. The position requires excellent administrative and communication skills, superior writing ability, extraordinary attention to detail, and a proven aptitude to make sound judgments, assume responsibility, and work independently in a fast-paced Center with tight deadlines and competing priorities.

The successful candidate for this position will be committed to the Atlantic Council’s core mission to galvanize US leadership and engagement in the world, in cooperation with allies and partners, to shape solutions to global challenges, including through the Global Energy Center’s efforts to help the global community navigate the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly changing global energy landscape.

This position will be based in Washington, DC, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and education, with offers from $55,000 to $60,000. Applications submitted by September 15, 2026, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

  • In support of the Initiative’s programming, coordinate events, draft, proofread, edit, and as needed, publish internal and external materials and correspondence including speaker invitations, event materials, briefing memos, gift agreements, proposals, and other documents necessary for the implementation of assigned projects and program activities.
  • Conduct research as needed to support Initiative projects and activities, including briefings and talking points on current events, key stakeholders, and emerging issues. Conduct research as needed to support GEC projects and activities, including briefings on current events, key stakeholders, and emerging issues, contributing to concept notes and research projects.
  • Serve as a liaison for internal and external offices including high-level US and foreign government officials, diplomats, business executives, board members, and internal Council employees and management.
  • Organize and oversee the proper maintenance of files, documents (e.g., proposals, presentations, notes, calendars, etc.), contacts, and confidential records to assist senior management in tracking and prioritizing various tasks and projects.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in energy and environmental studies, political science, international relations, economics, history, area studies, or other relevant fields.
  • 1-2 years of relevant work or internship experience.
  • Superb organizational skills, time management, attention to detail, and project management skills, including the ability to identify, balance, and rapidly shift priorities as needed.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to work well in a team and to communicate effectively with others ranging from interns to government and business leaders in the United States and abroad.
  • Commitment to global citizenship; interest in travel, and the ability to work effectively in new environments.
  • Strong interpersonal skills appropriate for operating effectively in a multicultural, international team environment; ability to work well both independently and with a team.
  • Interest in geopolitics, nuclear energy policy, energy policy, energy security, and climate policy.
  • Experience in organizing and staging events is highly desired.
  • Digital literacy using MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, and ability to quickly learn new software and platforms.
  • Superior English language writing skills and analytical ability.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.