Associate, Government Capacity

Why FAS?  

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join?  Is it aligned to your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.  

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.  

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.  

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency.  As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

Skills and Expertise

What skills and expertise do you need to show proficiency in (or higher) to be a strong candidate?

Skills and Attributes

• Strong planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple timelines and deliverables
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
• Highly collaborative within a team; skilled at coordinating with diverse partners
• A strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, with a passion for navigating complex systems to drive change
• Strong analytical and project management skills
• Willingness to learn about cross-cutting dimensions of US government operations and policy making
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS
• Enthusiasm for public service

Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, or a related field
• 1-3 years of professional experience in a relevant domain, including (but not limited to) public policy, evidence-based policymaking, or government operations

Nice to haves

• Experience working with or within federal government
• Experience with event planning and/or convening
• Familiarity with key topics in government capacity, including evidence-based policymaking, talent and hiring, and contracting and procurement mechanisms

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Associate, Government Capacity will play a key role in growing FAS’ government capacity initiative.  The Associate will support initiatives aimed at boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of the United States federal government. 

This is a pivotal time for government capacity building, with many opportunities to contribute to meaningful change across federal agencies. The Associate will play an important supporting role in implementing FAS’s government capacity programs, spanning areas such as talent reform, contracting and procurement innovation, permitting modernization, and evidence-based policymaking.

You should apply for this role if the following responsibilities match your strengths and sound like work that you would love to be doing: 

• assisting in the development and drafting of policy memos and reports on government capacity issues 
• supporting the design and execution of convenings, such as workshops and roundtables, to catalyze progress on policy implementation
• engaging and building trusted relationships with key stakeholders across government, academia, philanthropy and civil society
• conducting research and analysis to identify emerging topics and opportunities in government capacity policy and 
• helping to coordinate cross-functional projects involving multiple FAS teams and external partners.

Work Environment 

This position will be a hybrid role. Meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote depending on the needs of the organization.

Salary Range

• $60,000 – $65,000

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists  prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.