Programs Associate

Role Overview

The Programs Associate supports JINSA’s portfolio of senior-level military and policy programs, including delegations, briefings, and professional development initiatives. This role sits at the intersection of program execution, relationship management, and institutional continuity, ensuring that JINSA’s engagements are executed at a high standard and sustained over time.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating in professional environments with senior military leaders, government officials, and donors. The Programs Associate understands that JINSA’s programs are not one-off events, but a core mechanism for building long-term strategic relationships.

This is a full-time, Washington, DC–based position reporting to the Vice President of Programs and the Senior Program & Development Associate.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning & Execution

Support the planning and execution of domestic and international programs, including logistics, travel coordination, participant communications, and on-site support

Assist with agenda development, briefing materials, and run-of-show documents

Track timelines, deliverables, and follow-up actions to ensure programs are executed on schedule and within budget

Participant & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as a primary point of contact for program participants before, during, and after engagements

Support relationship management with senior military leaders, congressional staff, policymakers, and allied partners

Assist in coordinating follow-on engagement opportunities, including briefings, calls, and invitations to future programs

Data, Tracking & Institutional Knowledge

Maintain accurate records of program participation, engagement history, and follow-up activity in internal trackers and databases

Support the collection of quantitative and qualitative program insights for internal reporting, grant reporting, and leadership briefings

Capture lessons learned and relationship history to ensure continuity across programs

Cross-Team Collaboration

Coordinate with the Development team to support donor-facing program moments and post-program follow-up

Work closely with the Policy team to ensure program insights inform research and publications

Assist with internal reporting and planning related to program outcomes and engagement trends

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required; coursework in international affairs, security studies, political science, or a related field preferred

1–3 years of relevant experience in programs, operations, policy, or stakeholder engagement

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Professional judgment and discretion when working with senior-level participants

Comfort operating in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Self-starter who can work independently while collaborating effectively with a team

Proficiency in standard office software (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Demonstrated perseverance and follow-through

Familiarity with the pro-Israel policy and national security landscape

Preferred Experience:

Experience supporting high-level convenings, delegations, or executive programs

Familiarity with U.S. national security, defense, or foreign policy institutions

Experience with CRM systems, tracking tools, or program databases

Prior nonprofit, think tank, government, or military-adjacent experience

Goals:

Programs are executed smoothly, professionally, and reliably

Participants remain engaged with JINSA beyond a single program

Program data and follow-up information are accurate, accessible, and actionable

The Programs team can build on prior engagements rather than starting from scratch

Benefits:

JINSA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being, professional development, and long-term financial security, including:

Competitive nonprofit compensation

Generous retirement benefits, including a 403(b) plan with an employer contribution of up to 10% of salary, fully vested immediately

Health, dental, and vision insurance options

Life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance

Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, federal holidays, and Jewish holidays

Professional development support for relevant training, conferences, and educational opportunities

Collaborative, mission-driven work environment with exposure to senior leaders across the national security community

JINSA is committed to fostering a supportive workplace that values professionalism, responsibility, and long-term growth.