Employment & Fellowship Opportunities
Join the Business Executives for National Security (BENS) team and become part of a dynamic network of elite business leaders, senior national security officials, and dedicated professionals. Together, we are united in our mission to apply best practices to tackle the Nation’s most pressing security challenges, driving meaningful impact at the intersection of business and national security.
JOBS AND FELLOWSHIPS
SUMMARY
Reporting to the Vice President (VP) of Fundraising, the Fundraising Associate supports the development and execution of fundraising initiatives to help Business Executives for National Security (BENS) meet its annual and long-term fundraising goals. This role provides critical coordination, research, database management, and reporting support and works closely with the Development and Communications teams to ensure effective donor engagement and successful fundraising events.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
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Assist in coordinating fundraising activities to support and achieve BENS’s fundraising goals.
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Update, maintain, and manage the donor database and related records as they pertain to fundraising efforts.
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Support and, over time, manage the planning and execution of two annual fundraising galas, including logistics, timelines, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
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Identify, research, and track prospective donors and provide related administrative and research support.
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Assist in developing and routinely preparing reports on fundraising goals, progress, and outcomes.
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Work closely with the Communications team to assist in the development of fundraising-related communications, promotional materials, and donor-facing content.
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Manage multiple projects simultaneously, proactively identify priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
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Maintain a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in all aspects of the role.
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Support cross-functional collaboration with Development, Programs, and Communications teams on fundraising initiatives.
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Support special fundraising projects and other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS & EDUCATION
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Bachelor’s degree preferred in an analytically related field, with a secondary concentration in marketing, communications, or a related discipline.
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Two-plus years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, donor research, or event management preferred.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong proofreading and attention to detail.
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Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
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Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
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Strong work ethic and a proactive approach to tasks and problem-solving.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and basic graphic tools required; experience with Zoho or a similar CRM system is strongly preferred.
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Comfort working with reports, dashboards, and fundraising data.
TO APPLY
To apply, email your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to Ms. Haley Lamm.
Applications will be considered through January 30, 2026.
The Business Executives for National Security internship places high-performing candidates at the intersection of national security and the private sector. In today’s complex and dynamic environment, threats to U.S. national security increasingly require public and private sector perspectives to merge. Interns help BENS in its mission to connect national security and private sector leaders.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Interns are integral to the BENS team through their work supporting BENS’s organizational goals and engagement with government partners and private sector leaders.
Interns will:
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Gain subject matter expertise in a national security topic through in-depth research and presentations to BENS senior leadership.
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Track and analyze developments of relevant policy issues, including critical infrastructure; geopolitics and economic statecraft; efforts to recruit and retain a talented national security workforce; and security implications of emergening technologies.
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Support BENS staff in outreach and engagement with national security-focused government partners and business leaders.
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Assist with event preparation; draft media pieces, reports, and memos; and cover Congressional hearings and key meetings.
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Maintain and update membership databases.
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Set up and break down office events.
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Provide general administrative support.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Event Participation: Interns will attend in-person and virtual events, such as panels, roundtables, and speaker series, gaining exposure to key national security figures and ideas.
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Mentorship: Interns will receive mentorship from BENS staff and private sector leaders with experience in the military, government, and key industries.
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Networking: Interns will have the opportunity to connect with BENS staff and program alumni with prestigious Washington backgrounds.
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Brownbag Lunches & Visits: Interns will attend informal discussions with senior professionals and visits to institutions like the State Department, White House, and NGA.
TERM
The summer internship will start in the beginning of June and end in mid-August. Interns will be paid an hourly wage set at the current D.C. minimum wage and receive metro travel benefits. Interns will be expected to work full-time— barring exceptions for outstanding candidates with academic conflicts.
REQUIREMENTS
Education
Candidates are selected based on their skills and prior experience. Most applicants recently completed, or are in the process of completing, an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Skills
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Effective research, writing, data analysis, communication, and organizational skills required
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Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment and manage multiple tasks
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Exceptional interpersonal and professional skills—candidates should feel comfortable interacting at a high level with senior business executives, military/government leaders, and staff in other non-profits
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Collaborative and independent work skills
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Computer-literate and internet-savvy
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Preferred interest or experience in, but not required:
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Critical Infrastructure
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Economic Security
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Private Capital
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Emerging Technologies
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Defense Industrial Base
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Critical Supply Chains
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TO APPLY
Upload your current resume and a 2-3 page writing sample through this form.
To be considered for the spring term, please submit all application materials by COB Thursday, March 26