Employment & Internship Opportunities
Joining the Business Executives for National Security (BENS) team provides you with the opportunity to work with a nationwide network of elite business executive members, senior leaders in the national security enterprise, and a staff of respected experts united in our mission of applying best business practices to address the nation’s pressing security challenges.
JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS
The Vice President leads the BENS Partnership team and is responsible for management of BENS’ relationships with leaders across the national security enterprise; has deep understanding of BENS’ 400+ members’ business expertise, networks, and engagement preferences; and is able to leverage member resources to assist military/government partners, support BENS initiatives, and execute the organization’s domestic and international travel programs. S/he will report to the Chief Program Officer (CPO) of BENS.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaboration and Integration
- The VP of Partnerships will be a key member of the leadership team of the organization and will encourage and partake in collaboration and integration across all divisions of the organization, including development, support, regions, and other members of the Programs team.
- Partner Engagement Planning
- The VP, Partnerships is expected to shape and recommend to the CPO an ongoing agenda of touchpoints with current and prospective government partners, as well as other agency leaders across the national security enterprise with whom BENS strives to establish and maintain relationships.
- These proposed interactions will take multiple forms and cover all of BENS’ lines of service.
- The VP, Partnerships is expected to work with the President/CEO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Development Officer (CDO), CPO and all members of the organization to ensure that these leader engagements align with, support, and help drive the BENS Road Map and other organizational priorities.
- Member Engagement Planning
- The VP, Partnerships is expected to manage a proactive process through which information about individual BENS members’ business expertise, work background, skills, networks, and engagement preferences is continually elicited and recorded.
- The VP, Partnerships will work to in collaboration with development team, programs team, and regional directors ensure that this information is used to effectively match BENS’ member resources to military/government partners needs and requests for assistance; to servicemember mentoring opportunities; as well as to invitations and activities which will maximize his/her member experience.
- Engagement Execution
- Once consensus is reached with the CPO and programs team on the annual plan, the VP, Partnerships is expected to successfully execute with the Programs team.
- The VP is expected to work closely with the team to ensure that each BENS initiative has active, well-qualified member involvement, and that needed member resources and support are available for partner advisory engagements and other activities BENS undertakes.
- The VP is to keep the CPO abreast of any significant deviations in the plans. Keeping BENS members informed of the opportunities available to them and about the transparent processes for selection is a priority which requires close integration of efforts and strong communications between the BENS team.
- Preparation for Board Meetings
- The VP, Partnerships is expected to work closely with the CPO in the preparation of Executive Committee meetings and Board of Directors meetings, as well as any other materials requested by the COO or President/CEO.
- Staff Management
- The VP, Partnerships is expected to manage and oversee the activities and workloads of the BENS Partnerships team.
- Exercising sound performance management steps such as setting expectations, providing continuous feedback, and performance appraisal are as important to the staff as it is to BENS.
- The VP, Partnerships will identify training and direction for new staff members and assist the CPO in recruiting staff as necessary either for permanent or temporary employment.
- BENS Day to Day Operations
- Upon request of the President/CEO, COO and/or CPO, the VP, Partnerships is expected to participate in and assist with activities and special projects associated with office management processes such as budget preparation, performance management, recruiting/hiring and strategic planning for the organization and/or the Partnerships team.
- Contribute to the overall success and implementation of the mission of BENS, by acting as a productive, supportive team-player.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Excellent team player who naturally leads, shares information, works collaboratively, and sets a positive example for the culture of the organization.
- Excellent oral and written communications ability.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Creative and strategic thinker who is able to identify opportunities for engagement with partners and members, and develop and achieve a plan for successful execution.
- High energy, maturity, and the ability to exercise strong judgment and discretion in advocacy matters at both the strategic and tactical levels.
- Self-starter, able to work independently and in a large setting, and an entrepreneurial spirit; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
- Ability to relate to and communicate with diverse groups of individuals as a trusted team player.
- Keen insight, awareness, and sensitivity into matters pertaining to National Security, threats, and opportunities.
- The stellar ability to collaborate with all stakeholders
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s Degree preferred.
- More than 8 years of non-profit or partnership experience in roles with increasing levels of responsibility required, and government experience strongly desired.
TO APPLY
To apply, email your resume and cover letter to Ms. Haley Lamm.
Applications will be considered through September 12, 2024.
Interns at Business Executives for National Security (BENS) are integral to nearly every aspect of our mission, contributing to critical activities that harness private sector expertise and best practices to address pressing national security challenges. They are entrusted with meaningful research and assignments across BENS' key areas of focus, ensuring their experience is both substantive and impactful.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Tracking and analyzing developments of relevant policy issues, including:
- Modernizing national security infrastructure and its supply chain;
- Developing and adopting technology to meet the threats of tomorrow;
- Efforts to recruit and retain a talented national security workforce; and
- Other transformative changes that ensure the US and its partners continue to outpace our geostrategic rivals in this era of peer and near-peer competition.
- Working with BENS staff to provide supporting research for work with BENS national security-focused government partners and business leaders, including: literature reviews, report summaries, bibliographies, and analyses of relevant articles.
- Working with BENS staff to provide support for work and outreach with BENS national security-focused government partners and business leaders.
- Engaging with business leaders who are BENS members, and other public and private sector partners.
- Assisting with the preparation for and participating in events, including drafting background memos, taking meeting notes, contributing to recommendations and next steps.
- Helping to draft products such as: media pieces, correspondence, reports, and memos to government partners and senior BENS staff.
- Covering Congressional hearings or other key meetings, including taking notes and drafting follow up memoranda.
- Actively and continuously updating membership databases for Engagement and project-related efforts.
- General administrative support.
SKILLS
- Capable of researching, writing, and analyzing data effectively.
- Able to complete assignments efficiently, as well as multitask when needed.
- Excellent communication skills and ease in interacting with top-level executives and government officials.
- Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, workplace productivity and management tools such as Microsoft 365.
- Comfort working collaboratively and independently.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- BENS accepts applicants from all backgrounds and degree programs.
- Most applicants have, or are in the process of completing, an undergraduate or graduate degree.
- However, candidates at any stage of their professional development may be considered.
- An interest in enhancing the effectiveness of the national security enterprise is required.
TERM
BENS provides internship opportunities throughout the year, with terms in spring (January-May), summer (June-August), and fall (September-December). Interns receive an hourly wage equivalent to the prevailing minimum wage in Washington, D.C., along with a stipend for the Washington Metro. Also, while we favor candidates who are able to work full-time (eight hours a day, four to five days a week) exceptional applicants with more limited availability are encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY
To apply, email a resume, cover letter, and a 2-3 page writing sample to Ms. Sofia Olgado.