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 Chief Development Officer, the Vice President (VP) of Membership serves as a senior leader and key contributor to strategic decisions affecting Business Executives for National Security (BENS). The VP of Membership is a Washington, DC-based position responsible for advancing a strong, cohesive, and high-performing membership program that supports BENS’s mission and national reach.
Working closely with Regional Directors and internal teams, the VP of Membership leads coordination across regions, supports regional visits, strengthens corporate membership, and ensures consistent execution of membership strategy nationwide. The role also plays a central leadership and planning function for BENS’s two annual fundraising dinners and is responsible for identifying and cultivating national members and prospects that do not fall within a specific regional structure.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Membership Strategy & Coordination
-
Serve as the central coordinator for all Regional Directors, ensuring alignment on membership strategy, priorities, and execution across regions.
-
Lead integrated effort between the National and Regional teams to develop regionally based engagement opportunities for members in support of Programs priorities.
-
Develop and maintain systems and processes that support consistent communication, reporting, and coordination among the Membership, Fundraising and Programs teams, and the CEO’s office regarding membership activity.
-
Monitor and report regularly on membership progress, engagement metrics, and strategic priorities to senior leadership.
-
- Regional Director Support & Training
-
Lead the onboarding, training, and ongoing professional development of new Regional Directors, ensuring consistency in membership approach, tools, and expectations.
-
Provide strategic guidance and operational support to Regional Directors, including preparation for regional visits, member meetings, and leadership engagements.
-
Through a centrally planned and coordinated process, support and drive CEO and COO outreach to members and prospective members in partnership with Regional Directors.
-
- Membership Data, Analysis & Reporting
-
Oversee accurate tracking and reporting of membership activity using a well-organized and up-to-date system.
-
Compile and analyze data on member engagement and participation to identify trends, assess value delivery, and inform membership strategy.
-
Partner with internal teams to identify gaps or opportunities in membership composition, including functional expertise, leadership experience, and demographics.
-
- Corporate & National Membership Development
-
Lead corporate membership development efforts, including identifying, engaging, and stewarding corporate members nationwide.
-
Conduct targeted prospecting and outreach to national individuals who do not fall within a specific region, coordinating with senior leadership as appropriate.
-
Working closely with Programs team and regional directors, develop and implement strategies to strengthen long-term engagement and retention of individual national and corporate members.
-
- National Events & Strategic Initiatives
-
Serve as a core leader for the strategic planning and execution of BENS’s two annual fundraising dinners, working collaboratively across teams to ensure successful outcomes.
-
Coordinate internal roles, timelines, and member engagement strategies related to these events.
-
Help strengthen BENS’s national visibility and impact through relationship-building and strategic partnerships aligned with membership objectives.
-
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
-
Proven ability to achieve results through collaboration across teams and functions without direct authority.
-
Strong strategic thinking skills combined with the ability to execute tactically.
-
Highly organized, proactive, and adaptable, with strong attention to detail.
-
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
-
Comfort working with CRM systems and reporting tools; proficiency with Zoho CRM and Microsoft Office products preferred.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
-
Bachelor’s Degree required; master's degree preferred.
-
8+ years of experience in nonprofit membership, engagement, or related leadership roles with increasing responsibility.
-
Experience working with senior executives, volunteer leaders, and external stakeholders.
-
Prior people management and operational leadership experience strongly preferred.
TO APPLY
To apply, submit your resume and cover letter through this form.
Applications are due by Friday, March 13.
SUMMARY
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a senior leader at Business Executives for National Security (BENS) and is responsible for driving enterprise-wide execution of strategic priorities and advancing institutional impact.
The COO plays an “up and out” role—ensuring cross-enterprise alignment, measurable performance, and effective governance while representing BENS externally with senior government leaders, corporate partners, and national stakeholders. The COO serves as a strategic partner to the CEO and may represent the organization during CEO travel or high-level engagements.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Initiative Execution
-
Lead execution of BENS’ strategic priorities across regions and teams.
-
Translate strategy into actionable enterprise plans with clear milestones.
-
Monitor progress and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
-
-
Cross-Enterprise Performance & Impact
-
Establish and track institutional KPIs tied to strategic objectives.
-
Oversee enterprise reporting on program impact, member engagement, and growth.
-
Identify operational improvements to increase effectiveness and accountability.
-
- External Partnerships & Government Engagement
- Support and help lead high-level engagement with senior government officials and strategic partners.
- Represent BENS in national forums and convenings.
- Assess the strategic environment and identify opportunities for BENS leadership and engagement.
- Board Governance & Coordination
- Partner with the CEO to support Board and committee engagement.
- Coordinate preparation of Board materials and reporting on strategy and performance.
- Ensure alignment between Board priorities and enterprise execution.
- National Member Recruitment & Fundraising
-
- Support national-level member recruitment and engagement efforts.
- Partner with leadership on major donor and institutional fundraising initiatives.
- Serve as a senior ambassador in cultivation and stewardship efforts.
- Executive Leadership Support
-
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the President & CEO.
- Represent the CEO in meetings and events when delegated.
- Provide leadership continuity during CEO travel or external engagements.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
-
Proven ability to lead enterprise-wide strategy execution.
-
Strong understanding of government and national-level stakeholder engagement.
-
Experience working with boards and senior executives.
-
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
-
Ability to drive results through collaboration across teams.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
-
Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.
-
12+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, government, national security, or related sectors.
-
Experience in strategic execution, partnership development, or institutional growth.
-
Prior executive leadership or operational oversight experience preferred.
TO APPLY
To apply, submit your resume and cover letter through this form.
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
-
Assist in coordinating fundraising activities to support and achieve BENS’s fundraising goals.
-
Update, maintain, and manage the donor database and related records as they pertain to fundraising efforts.
-
Support and, over time, manage the planning and execution of two annual fundraising galas, including logistics, timelines, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
-
Identify, research, and track prospective donors and provide related administrative and research support.
-
Assist in developing and routinely preparing reports on fundraising goals, progress, and outcomes.
-
Work closely with the Communications team to assist in the development of fundraising-related communications, promotional materials, and donor-facing content.
-
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, proactively identify priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
-
Maintain a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in all aspects of the role.
-
Support cross-functional collaboration with Development, Programs, and Communications teams on fundraising initiatives.
-
Support special fundraising projects and other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS & EDUCATION
-
Bachelor’s degree preferred in an analytically related field, with a secondary concentration in marketing, communications, or a related discipline.
-
Two-plus years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, donor research, or event management preferred.
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong proofreading and attention to detail.
-
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
-
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
-
Strong work ethic and a proactive approach to tasks and problem-solving.
-
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and basic graphic tools required; experience with Zoho or a similar CRM system is strongly preferred.
-
Comfort working with reports, dashboards, and fundraising data.
TO APPLY
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample through this form.
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:
-
Gain subject matter expertise in a national security topic through in-depth research and presentations to BENS senior leadership.
-
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.
-
Support BENS staff in outreach and engagement with national security-focused government partners and business leaders.
-
Assist with event preparation; draft media pieces, reports, and memos; and cover Congressional hearings and key meetings.
-
Maintain and update membership databases.
-
Set up and break down office events.
-
Provide general administrative support.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
-
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.
-
Mentorship: Interns will receive mentorship from BENS staff and private sector leaders with experience in the military, government, and key industries.
-
Networking: Interns will have the opportunity to connect with BENS staff and program alumni with prestigious Washington backgrounds.
-
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
-
Effective research, writing, data analysis, communication, and organizational skills required
-
Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment and manage multiple tasks
-
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
-
Collaborative and independent work skills
-
Computer-literate and internet-savvy
-
Preferred interest or experience in, but not required:
-
Critical Infrastructure
-
Economic Security
-
Private Capital
-
Emerging Technologies
-
Defense Industrial Base
-
Critical Supply Chains
-
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