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Defense Policy Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Developing policy recommendations for CD/CTOC/CTF initiatives. * Supporting interagency and ... Coordinating with Combatant Commands and Defense Agencies. * Supporting development of security ...

Developing policy recommendations for CD/CTOC/CTF initiatives. * Supporting interagency and ... Coordinating with Combatant Commands and Defense Agencies. * Supporting development of security ...

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Defense Policy information

See Reston, VA salary details

$45.8K

$109K

$162.8K

How much do defense policy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense policy in Reston, VA is $108,988.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,200.00 and $132,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Defense Policy vs Defense Analyst?

AspectDefense PolicyDefense Analyst
Required CredentialsDegree in political science, international relations, or defense studies; often advanced degreesDegree in security studies, political science, or related fields; certifications may include security clearances
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, defense departments; policy development and strategic planningResearch institutions, government agencies, defense contractors; data analysis and intelligence gathering
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in government and defense sectors focusing on policy formulationIn government, military, and private sectors analyzing defense data and trends

Defense Policy professionals focus on creating and shaping national defense strategies and policies, while Defense Analysts analyze defense data and intelligence to inform decision-making. Both roles require relevant credentials and often work within government or defense-related organizations, but their core functions differ in policy development versus data analysis.

What job categories do people searching Defense Policy jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Policy jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Defense Policy jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Defense Policy job openings:
Assistant, Foreign and Defense Policy Studies

Assistant, Foreign and Defense Policy Studies

AEI

Washington, DC • On-site

$50K - $54K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 hours ago


Job description

Overview
AEI is seeking a full-time, in-person employee to assist the director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies, Kori Schake. This position is both administrative and research oriented; applicants should demonstrate strong organizational abilities and an interest in foreign and defense policy. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.
This position is not supervisory and reports to the program manager of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies.
Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI's mission, academic transcript, and 500-word writing sample on foreign policy, defense strategy, national security, or civil-military relations.
Responsibilities
  • Manage all event and media requests for the director of Foreign and Defense Policy, and coordinate the details of a range of activities including academic speaking, government and military advising, one-on-one meetings, and other commitments.
  • Prepare the director for all appearances through succinct briefings, and keep track of all engagements in a shared calendar.
  • Plan, execute, and communicate all travel logistics for events, including frequent domestic and international travel.
  • Comply with the Foreign and Defense Policy department's reporting guidelines.
  • Schedule, communicate, and run logistics for Foreign and Defense Policy all-staff internal meetings.
  • Complete ad hoc research tasks on a variety of foreign and defense policy subjects.

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.

Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree and a demonstrated interest in foreign policy (required)
  • 0-2 years of previous full-time work experience
  • Previous internship experience in events, logistics, or communications (preferred)
  • Excellent research, writing, editing, organizational, and interpersonal skills
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow explicit and implied directions
  • The ability to manage a high volume of meetings and events, including coordinating more than 15 engagements per week and tracking multiple priorities simultaneously, such as booking flights and hotels and making schedules
  • The ability to identify and convey administrative information most relevant to the director while independently managing details
  • The ability to think quickly under pressure and solve problems as they arise
  • The ability to maintain confidence and communicate issues in the department to the director
  • Demonstrated humility, professionalism, and a willingness to support the needs of the director and department
  • A background in civil-military relations, American history, or national security (preferred but not essential)

Benefits
AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and three personal days or 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 flexible spending accounts; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403(b) retirement plan with a contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://www.aei.org/jobs/benefits/.
Compensation is based on a number of factors, including the position's scope and responsibilities; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; and internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000-$54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI's total compensation package for employees.