Communications Specialist: National Security Narrative Lab

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks a Communications Specialist to support a National Security Narrative Lab pilot initiative designed to reach new audiences and engage in innovative communications strategies to promote bipartisan and pragmatic national security solutions. This is a one-year, full-time pilot position with the possibility of extension subject to programmatic and funding outcomes.

As traditional information channels fracture and audiences increasingly turn to nontraditional sources, the National Security Narrative Lab is CNAS's response: a program built to engage a new generation of communicators and to expand the digital reach of CNAS research.

The Communications Specialist will support the Director of Communications and the communications team to launch the narrative lab concept, assist in the management of a fellowship program, coordinate convenings and networking opportunities, and organize training workshops. This is a high-visibility, entrepreneurial role for a candidate who pairs the substance of national security policy debates with a practical understanding of how influence is built today across podcasts, vertical video, newsletters, and emerging platforms. The position reports to the CNAS Director of Communications and is part of the communications team.

Ideal candidates will be highly organized, ambitious, and proactive. They will bring direct media experience, a working knowledge of the creator ecosystem, and an interest in building and measuring audience engagement. This role offers a unique opportunity to help CNAS and the communications team build something new at one of Washington's leading national security think tanks.

Responsibilities

The following is an overview of primary responsibilities. Other tasks may be required, and responsibilities will vary over time.

• Support the Director of Communications and team to plan and execute a series of curated workshops and continued networking opportunities.
• Help launch and manage a fellowship program for nontraditional communicators.
• Coordinate a series of internal workshops designed to strengthen the digital communications skills of CNAS’s research team.
• Build and maintain quantitative tracking systems to measure audience reach, engagement, and program impact.
• Work closely with the Director of Communications and the broader Communications team to align program activity with CNAS-wide strategy.
• Support program budget administration, vendor relationships, and reporting in coordination with the Development team.
• Contribute to ongoing program evaluation and reporting throughout the year.

Qualifications and Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, international affairs, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 to 3 years of professional experience in media, communications, content production, or a related field, with demonstrable exposure to digital and creator-driven media.
• Working knowledge of the creator ecosystem—Substack, podcasts, YouTube, vertical video platforms, and the economics and mechanics of how independent voices build audiences.
• Highly organized, with strong project management instincts and the ability to run multiple workstreams (convenings, fellowships, workshops) on parallel timelines.
• Ambitious, entrepreneurial, and comfortable building something new in a small-team environment.
• Strong writing skills and ability to translate dense policy material into accessible content for non-specialist audiences.
• Familiarity with social and content analytics tools and an interest in measuring audience engagement and impact or readiness to learn these tools.
• Interest in—and familiarity with—national security, foreign policy, and how these issues are covered by traditional and emerging media.
• Based in Washington, D.C. or willing to relocate upon job offer. This role is in-person at the CNAS office in Washington, D.C.
• Legal right to work in the United States.

Preferred:

• Direct experience as a content creator, producer, or editor on a digital platform with a measurable audience or a strong early-stage grounding in media and communications.
• Existing relationships with podcast hosts, newsletter writers, or independent journalists working on national security, foreign policy, or adjacent beats.
• Comfort with virtual streaming and podcasting platforms (e.g., StreamYard, Riverside) and basic video editing or production tools.

About CNAS

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.

CNAS is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CNAS offers a complete and competitive benefits package for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and an employee assistance program.