Spring 2025 - Research Trainee -AA - The German Marshall Fund of the United States

Reports To: Research Analyst, GMF’s Transatlantic Democracy Working Group

Job Summary:                                                                                                                 

GMF’s Transatlantic Democracy Working Group (TDWG) is seeking a part-time trainee for the period from January 2025 through April 2025 to assist with research on threats to democracy at home and abroad, including in the immediate aftermath of the November US election. The trainee will be responsible for researching and helping to draft a post-election paper on American autocracy, tracking efforts to undermine trust in democratic institutions in the run-up to and wake of the November election, and exploring ways to build resilience against such threats.

Trainees will benefit from exposure to GMF’s experts and network, and will gain valuable research, analysis, and writing experience. If the trainee resides in the D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area, the traineeship will consist of both in-person and remote work. If the trainee resides outside of the D.C. area, the traineeship will be fully virtual. Only applicants who are graduating with a bachelor’s degree in the spring of 2025 will be considered.

If the trainee resides in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, they will be paid $17.50 per hour. If the trainee resides outside of the D.C. Maryland, or Virginia area, they must receive academic credit for their traineeship. Trainees are offered an ideal opportunity to acquire substantive professional experience for those interested in a career in public policy or international affairs.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Drafting certain assigned sections of the paper on American autocracy
• Compiling research on other sections of the paper drafted by others
• Coordinating the logistics of meetings of a co-authors group and other coalition members
• Planning a launch event for the paper, potentially in early January
• Researching potential donors whose strategies might overlaps with TDWG’s work plans on American autocracy
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Excellent analytic and writing skills and previous research experience
• Familiarity with and interest in autocratic efforts attempted, carried out, or planned in the United States and other countries
• Fluency in English is required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Comfortable multi-tasking and working independently
• Undergraduate student pursuing a degree in International Relations, Regional Studies, Security Studies, or a related field—or a recent graduate of such a program
• Previous experience in a think tank, foundation, NGO, government body, media outlet, or similar organization preferred
• Strong interest in democracy and autocracy

Start and Length of Traineeship:

• Preferred start and end: January 2025-April 2025
• Preferred time commitment: 20 hours per week, Monday–Friday between 9 AM to 5 PM (EST preferred)

GMF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Historically, underrepresented groups include (but are not limited to) Black, Latinx/o/a/e, Indigenous, Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, biracial, multiracial, female-identifying, the disability community, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized identities.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At GMF we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role, but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles at GMF.