Description

This search is being managed by McGeorge Ah. For any inquiries regarding the search, please contact SCSS@McGeorgeAh.com.

The Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security sits at the center of the most consequential security debates of our time. We are looking for a Vice President who is ready to lead the Center into its next chapter. That means deep, hard-won expertise in defense, security, and geopolitics; the entrepreneurial energy to build and grow programs that outlast the moment; the managerial instincts to develop and retain an already exceptional team; and an authentic conviction that we are at our strongest when we are working alongside our global community of partners and allies.

This is not a position for someone who wants to simply manage the present – it is a role for someone who wants to shape the future.

 

Overview

The next Vice President has the opportunity to lead one of the world’s premier national security centers during an unprecedented period of geopolitical change. The individual will provide superb leadership in honoring the life and legacy of General Brent Scowcroft, the Center’s namesake, with cutting-edge, innovative programming in support of the Atlantic Council’s mission. The Vice President will serve as one of the Atlantic Council’s leading strategists and be a key “voice” on global security and defense policy issues across the organization. As the head of the Scowcroft Center, the Vice President leads the Scowcroft Center’s diverse array of programming and manage the Center’s bipartisan team of over 40 resident staff.

This position is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and education, with offers from $250,000 to $300,000. Applications submitted by September 30, 2026, will be prioritized for consideration.

 

Responsibilities

The Vice President will be responsible for:

• Leadership: Play the leading role in developing and evolving the vision and substantive framework for the Center’s mission through strategic planning and innovative programming.
• Programmatic Design and Oversight: Develop programming and initiatives to influence policy and impact the public discussion about national security strategy across the Atlantic Council. Provide oversight and management of dozens of projects and more than 100 donors simultaneously.
• Management: Recruit, manage, and develop top talent consisting of initiative directors, resident, and nonresident senior fellows, staff, and interns. Integrate relevant board directors, including Scowcroft Center Advisory Council members and partnering entities into the Center’s programming to leverage expertise and expand the Center’s influence and impact. Oversee and manage the Center’s finances and administrative obligations.
• Business Development: Expand the program’s financial base by sustaining current support and pursuing additional opportunities with corporations, government organizations, international organizations, foundations, and individuals. Steward relationships with the Scowcroft Center’s network of public, private, and non-government donors.
• Outreach and Communication: Represent the Council externally, particularly with key government and international actors, as well as media, donors, and others. Provide expert analysis and commentary, with the aim of shaping policy outcomes and impact.

 

Desired Outcomes

Building upon the Scowcroft Center’s reputation as one of the world’s most visionary, ambitious, and well-respected national security programs, the Vice President will add value and impact by:

Externally:

• Fundraising, Growing, and Maintaining Resources: The Vice President will position the Center to have sustained, direct impact on US and allied governments’ strategies and policies as well as the public debate on issues concerning strategy, alliances, and defense. This includes renewing historic and longstanding gifts, stewarding partners, and attracting and securing new donors to fuel the work of the Scowcroft Center and the Council more broadly.
• Bringing a Global Mindset: The Vice President will sustain and grow the Scowcroft Center’s strong financial trajectory through partner management and the development of new business across the Center’s six initiatives.

Internally:

• Serving as a Trusted Advisor: The Vice President will serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the Executive Vice President, members of the board, and the CEO.
• Providing Leadership and Developing Internal Talent: The Vice President will mentor the next generation of global leaders through the management of the 40-plus full-time Scowcroft Center staff and a global network of fellows.

Qualifications

• Successfully led a major national security organization or comparable policy enterprise;
• Strong global network of security and defense experts across government, the private sector, and within global NGOs;
• Established credibility with bipartisan senior policymakers and experience influencing U.S. or allied security strategy;
• A proven track record of business development success with an entrepreneurial approach;
• Demonstrated success securing seven-figure, transformational funding;
• Managed complex budgets and large global, multidisciplinary teams;
• Superb interpersonal skills and the ability to manage and mentor a large team, consisting of full-time employees and fellows, and works well with others from interns to senior officials;
• Demonstrated commitment to developing high-performing, inclusive teams and mentoring emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds;
• Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and distinguished professional experience required. Doctorate preferred.

 

Key Relationships

• This role will report to the Executive Vice President of the Atlantic Council with frequent communication and engagement with the President and CEO.
• This role will directly interface and liaise with Atlantic Council executive leadership and members of the board.

 

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.