Project Coordinator, Coalition Defense of Taiwan

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is seeking a project coordinator to support a crucial initiative to identify alternative strategies for the defense of Taiwan. The project details US interests and objectives vis-à-vis Taiwan, the Chinese threat to Taiwan, prospects and strategies for forming a regional and global deterrent coalition, possible coalition interests and objectives vis-à-vis Taiwan, and recommended courses of action for the coalition. Through tested methodology, deep subject-matter expertise, and policy knowledge, this project aims to continue to help build an understanding of the policy and resource requirements for successful coalition-based deterrence and warfighting in the Indo-Pacific.

The project coordinator will provide administrative and operational support for this crucial initiative to project leads, Dan Blumenthal and Frederick W. Kagan. The position will coordinate internal and external project stakeholders; coordinate with the analytical team lead to generate project plans, tasks, and timelines; proactively ensure that the team completes tasks and other deliverables on time; manage planning exercises and other event logistics; and disseminate and promote project deliverables. Additional responsibilities include limited research support on security and politics in the Indo-Pacific as determined by the project leads.

Applicants should be able to distill big ideas into concrete action plans and deliverables, be detail-oriented and organized, be able to manage multiple competing priorities at once, and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. A demonstrated interest in Asian studies is preferred.

Qualified applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and unofficial academic transcripts. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational processes and logistical plans; track deliverables and timelines; coordinate among the project leads, analytical team lead, and four research assistants; and provide general operational support to the team.
• Provide administrative support to the project leads, which may include calendar management and task management.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to advance project research and other deliverables.
• Facilitate planning exercises and events to support developing a coalition defense strategy by liaising with participants, tracking and managing RSVPs, developing and disseminating event communications, and preparing event materials.
• Manage travel planning by developing itineraries, booking travel and hotel accommodations, and preparing travel documents.
• Collaborate with AEI’s Development, communications, and Events departments and the Institute for the Study of War to support project planning and reporting as well as publication and event dissemination and promotion.
• Post content on the AEI website, track metrics, and provide other publication support.
• Develop and track the project budget.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Research, edit, and assist in producing publications focused on security and politics in the Indo-Pacific.
• Conduct limited research and short-term memo writing for project execution.
• Prepare read-ahead materials and presentations in advance of planning exercises, working group sessions, and other events.

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.

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in international relations, Asian studies, or a related field.
• Two to four years of previous work experience.
• Meticulous organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to balance competing projects while adapting to shifting priorities and deadlines.
• Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively engage with personnel across different departments and organizations.
• Prior logistics or operational experience is strongly desired.
• A familiarity with cross-Strait relations and Asian security issues is preferred.

Benefits

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/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 FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403b retirement plan with a 12% contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits here.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; as well as internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $55,000 - $62,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.