Research Assistant, Strategic Engagements

Founded by Dr. Eric Schmidt, the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) is a 501(c)3 private operating foundation tasked with making recommendations to strengthen America’s long-term global competitiveness for a future where artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies reshape our global strategic environment. The project is organized into three directorates - Global Partnerships, Technology Leadership, and AI Adoption. Each directorate will analyze AI and other emerging technologies, address how these technologies will reshape their field and produce detailed recommendations to ensure that America is organized to win the techno-economic competition.

The Research Assistant (RA) for Strategic Engagements is a paid, full-time role designed for students with strong communication skills and high-level organization. Rather than traditional policy research, this position focuses on the programming and operational side of SCSP’s flagship event, the AI+ Expo. RAs will be responsible for speaker curation, creative design, and communication with external partners to ensure clear organization and seamless execution. This role is ideal for students who want to see how national security priorities intersect with the private sector through the lens of public dialogue and event operations. As an RA on the Strategic Engagements team, you will have opportunities to strengthen your skills in public relations, professional writing and logistics

Responsibilities

• Programming & Content Support: Assist in curating speaker lists, panel topics, and tech demonstrations that align with SCSP’s mission. Help draft compelling session descriptions and event agendas.
• Speaker & VIP Coordination: Serve as a primary point of contact for speaker invitations, collecting bios and headshots, and ensuring a seamless experience for VIP guests.
• Event Communications: Draft and edit external communications, including attendee invitations, event newsletters, promotional copy, social media content, and briefi ng materials for speakers and moderators.
• Project Coordination: Use project management platforms (like Airtable and Google Suite) to track speaker logistics, programming details, and day-of show agendas.
• On-Site Execution: Provide hands-on, on-site support during the Expo, assisting with stage management, speaker coordination, and attendee experience.

Qualifications

• Education: All undergraduate or graduate majors and concentrations are encouraged to apply.
• Technical Savvy: High proficiency in Google Suite, data organization, and project management software. Proficiency in leveraging and prompting Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Communication: Exceptional professional writing and communication skills for external partner engagement.
• In-Person Requirement: Must be able to work full-time in-person at our Arlington office January through June of 2027.

Desired Skills

• Experience working in a fast-paced office environment with strict deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to support the team in varied, fluctuating capacities.
• Operate as a self-starter, bringing fresh ideas to current processes.
• Interest in the intersection of American competitiveness and emerging technology.