STANLEY A. WEISS FELLOWSHIP – SPRING 2026

Job Description

About the Company: Business Executives for National Security (BENS)

The Business Executives for National Security (BENS) is an organization that operates at the intersection of national security and the private sector. Its mission is to connect national security and private sector leaders, recognizing that in today’s complex and dynamic environment, threats to U.S. national security increasingly require a merged perspective from both public and private sectors. BENS aims to leverage private sector expertise and resources to address national security challenges.

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About the Job: Stanley A. Weiss Fellowship – Spring 2026

The Stanley A. Weiss Fellowship program is designed for high-performing candidates, placing them directly at the nexus of national security and the private sector. Fellows are integral to the BENS team, contributing to the organization’s goals and supporting its work with government partners and national security community members.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
Fellows will undertake a variety of tasks central to BENS’ operations, including:
• Research & Analysis: Gaining subject matter expertise in a national security topic through in-depth research and presenting findings to BENS senior leadership. This includes tracking and analyzing developments in relevant policy areas such as critical infrastructure, geopolitics and economic statecraft, national security workforce recruitment and retention, and security implications of emergent technology.
• Engagement & Outreach: Supporting BENS staff in connecting with national security-focused government partners and business leaders.
• Content Creation: Assisting with event preparation, drafting media pieces, reports, and memos.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Covering Congressional hearings and key meetings to inform BENS’ understanding of policy developments.
• Database Management: Maintaining and updating membership databases.
• Event Support: Setting up and breaking down office events.
• Administrative Support: Providing general administrative assistance to the team.

Professional Development Opportunities:
The fellowship offers significant opportunities for growth and networking:
• Event Participation: Fellows will attend both in-person and virtual events, including panels, roundtables, and speaker series, providing exposure to key national security figures and ideas.
• Mentorship: Fellows will receive mentorship from experienced BENS staff and private sector leaders who have backgrounds in the military, government, and key industries.
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with BENS staff and program alumni who have prestigious backgrounds in Washington D.C.
• Brownbag Lunches & Visits: Participation in informal discussions with senior professionals and visits to important institutions such as the State Department, White House, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

Term:
• Duration: The Spring 2026 fellowship will run from the beginning of January to mid-May.
• Compensation: Fellows will be paid an hourly wage set at the current D.C. minimum wage and will receive metro travel benefits.
• Work Schedule: Fellows are expected to work full-time, though exceptions may be made for outstanding candidates with academic conflicts.

Requirements:
• Education: While selection is based on skills and prior experience, most applicants have recently completed or are currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.
• Skills:
• Essential: Effective research, writing, data analysis, communication, and organizational skills.
• Work Ethic: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Interpersonal: Exceptional interpersonal and professional skills, with comfort in interacting at a high level with senior business executives, military/government leaders, and staff from other non-profit organizations.
• Collaboration: Both collaborative and independent work skills are required.
• Technical: Computer-literate and internet-savvy.
• Preferred (but not required) Interest or Experience in: Critical Infrastructure, Economic Security, Private Capital, Emerging Technologies, Defense Industrial Base, or Critical Supply Chains.

To Apply:
Applicants should email a current resume, a cover letter, and a 2-3 page writing sample to Initiatives Associate Ethan Ingram at EIngram@bens.org. The deadline for submitting all application materials for the spring term is COB Wednesday, October 15th.