Research and Communications Assistant, Domestic Policy Studies

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time, in-person research and communications assistant to work in the Domestic Policy Studies department. The anticipated start date for this position is summer 2026.

The assistant’s primary responsibility is to support the research and administrative needs of the department’s director, Matthew Continetti. Other duties include supporting Nonresident Senior Fellows Charles Lane and Samuel J. Abrams, managing the department’s communication processes, overseeing audience development, managing contact lists, and assisting the program manager with organizational support for the department.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter explaining their interest in working with Mr. Continetti, transcripts, and a 500-word writing sample, preferably a published short-form or opinion article.

Responsibilities

• Support research by performing library, online, bibliographic, and investigative research and by editing and drafting communications.
• Edit and contribute to scholarly papers, articles, op-eds, and books.
• Monitor the work of scholars in the Domestic Policy Studies program. Brief the director, communications teams, and Development team regularly on project updates and new initiatives.
• Assist scholars in planning and executing public events and conferences.
• Provide administrative support to scholars as needed.
• Maintain department information-sharing procedures, records, and contacts; develop new processes as needed.
• Assist in developing promotional strategies for the Domestic Policy Studies department’s events and major initiatives.
• Support the department’s output by tracking the media cycle for opportunities to promote AEI’s brand. As needed, assist the program manager with organizational tasks and support scholars.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in political science, English, journalism, history, or a similar field (required)
• 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience; previous internship experience (required)
• Familiarity with various political media outlets, including newspapers, television news programs, and political blogs (preferred)
• A demonstrated interest in American political thought, the American conservative movement, and American history (preferred)
• Project-management and organizational skills
• Excellent attention to detail, writing skills, and communication skills
• A general knowledge of Washington, DC; the institutions that shape domestic policy; and the policymaking process
• Strong initiative

Benefits
AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and three personal days or floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 12 percent contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://www.aei.org/jobs/benefits/.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including the position’s scope and responsibilities; a candidate’s full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; and internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000–$54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.