Environmental Studies Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

The Atlantic Council seeks a creative, hard-working, and detail-oriented individual for a fulltime Program Assistant position to serve in its Global Energy Center (GEC).

The Program Assistant’s main responsibilities will include providing executive support for the Vice President of Energy and Infrastructure and supporting the day-to-day program management of the Global Energy Center. This includes managing scheduling, travel arrangements, creation of briefing materials and supporting the execution of the Center’s strategic engagements. Furthermore, the Program Assistant will help advance the Center’s ambitious programming agenda covering bodies of work such as the geopolitics of the energy transition, critical energy supply chains, and emerging technologies through assistance with research, drafting briefings, speaker coordination and event execution.

The successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit, superb communication skills, and enjoy the complexity of helping to build a rapidly growing program. The candidate should have a background in energy and environmental studies, political science, international relations, economics, history, area studies, or a related field. Interest and/or experience in energy markets/geopolitics will also be given special consideration. The position requires excellent administrative and communication skills, superior writing ability, extraordinary attention to detail, and a proven aptitude to make sound judgments, assume responsibility, and work independently in a fast-paced Center with tight deadlines and competing priorities.

The successful candidate for this position will be committed to the Atlantic Council’s core mission to galvanize US leadership and engagement in the world, in partnership with allies and partners, to shape solutions to global challenges, including through the Global Energy Center’s efforts to help the global community navigate the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly changing global energy landscape.

This position will be based in Washington, DC, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and education, with offers from $55,000 to $60,000. Applications submitted by July 13, 2026, will be prioritized for consideration.

• Provide executive support for the Vice President of Energy and Infrastructure, including but not limited to:
  • Managing complex scheduling and calendar coordination for the Vice President of Energy and Infrastructure.
  • Serving as logistical liaison for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Coordinating all domestic and international travel arrangements.
  • Drafting remarks and talking points for public engagements. 
  • Leading creation of research and briefing materials as needed.
• Support the Director of Strategy and Operations with program management and upkeep of team operations, such as:
  • Managing weekly GEC meetings through virtual and in-person settings as appropriate.
  • Serving as a liaison for internal and external offices including high-level US and foreign government officials, diplomats, business executives, board members and internal Council employees and management.
  • Organizing and overseeing the proper maintenance of files, documents (e.g. proposals, presentations, notes, calendars, etc.), contacts, and confidential records to assist senior management in tracking and prioritizing various tasks and projects.
• Assist with research and program development, including:
  • Supporting the organization and execution of GEC events and programming, liaising with the office of external relations and other relevant programs at the Atlantic Council.
  • Conducting research as needed to support GEC projects and activities, including briefings on current events, key stakeholders, and emerging issues, contributing to concept notes and research projects.
  • Drafting, proofreading, editing, and as needed, publishing internal and external materials and correspondence including speaker invitations, event materials, briefing memos, gift agreements, proposals, and other documents necessary for the implementation of assigned projects and program activities.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, in energy and environmental studies, political science, international relations, economics, history, area studies, or other relevant fields.
• 1-2 years of relevant work experience.
• Superb organizational skills, time management, attention to detail, and project management skills, including the ability to identify, balance, and rapidly shift priorities as needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to work well in a team and to communicate effectively with others ranging from interns to government and business leaders in the United States and abroad.
• Discretion to handle confidential information with professionalism while demonstrating both maturity and trust.
• Ability to work well both independently and with a team in a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills appropriate for operating effectively in a multicultural, international team environment.
• Interest in geopolitics, energy policy, energy security, and climate policy.
• Experience in organizing and staging events is highly desired.
• Digital literacy using MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, and ability to quickly learn new software and platforms.
• Superior English language writing skills and analytical ability.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.