Senior Defense Policy Analyst

Founded in 1981 in partnership with whistleblowers, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that works to expose waste, corruption, abuse of power, and other instances where the government fails to serve the public. We champion reforms to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles. POGO has an over $7 million annual budget that supports a staff of over 50 employees.

POGO is looking for a talented Senior Defense Policy Analyst to analyze and investigate issues of government waste, mismanagement, abuse, and corruption with a primary focus on the spending and operations of the Department of Defense. This position will identify investigations and topics of analysis that will reveal system issues and develop policy solutions to identified problems. This position reports to the Director of the Center for Defense Information.

We encourage potential applicants to apply even if they only have experience or familiarity in some of the areas described below. We fully recognize that many great candidates will not have experience in all of the areas we list, or may have relevant experiences and skills that we have not listed or considered.

Responsibilities include:

• Independently monitor issue portfolio and determines what new developments warrant further investigative, analysis, and advocacy work. Recommend POGO policy positions/recommendations in response to emerging issues.
• Perform in-depth research, analysis, and writing within issue portfolio centering affected communities in framing problems and identifying solutions. Publish major reports and investigations designed to impact critical national security strategy and provide a framework for greater accountability and effectiveness in a changing national security environment.
• Assist the CDI Director in developing, coordinating, and tracking program strategy across the national security portfolio.
• Analyze legislative and regulatory text to determine whether POGO should offer an organizational endorsement and/or to offer suggestions to improve the language.
• In coordination with the Civic Engagement, Government Affairs and other internal teams, envisions, executes and supports advocacy campaigns on POGO’s policy recommendations within individual portfolio. This includes, but is not limited to, setting short-term and long-term policy goals related to the campaign in conjunction with the Director of the Center for Defense Information, identifying key civil society allies and opponents, identifying targets for advocacy (either on Capitol Hill, executive branch agencies, on in-district civic engagement), setting up advocacy meetings and recording/reporting back on progress made in the meetings.
• Strategically disseminates POGO’s investigative and policy work to congressional offices and various coalitions and listservs POGO participates in.
• Works collaboratively with internal teams to advance POGO’s goals and to ensure coordination, including POGO’s policy, civic engagement, government affairs, and other internal teams.
• Drafts fact sheets, hearing questions, oversight letters, agency public comments, reports, analysis pieces, testimony, op-eds, and other articles.
• Envisions, establishes, leads, coordinates, and participates in advocacy coalitions and develops relationships with key stakeholders to inform and advance POGO policy goals.
• Represents POGO at meetings with executive branch officials, congressional staff, and in news media.
• Other duties as required to accomplish POGO’s mission.

Qualifications include:

• A passion for reforming the Pentagon for more effective, affordable, and ethical national security policy.
• Demonstrated commitment to working in a nonpartisan, collaborative, respectful manner with diverse stakeholders.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in journalism, research, communications, the military, and/or policy work.
• Deep familiarity with or experience in reviewing the defense budget, the budget process, appropriations process, and military oversight.
• Understanding of and commitment to address historical practices of inequity and discrimination to shape more effective national security policy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently, displaying a familiarity with CDI’s mission and priorities.
• Ability to work with and protect sources.
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
• (+) Experience in critical thinking, writing, and self-directed research in relevant areas.
• (+) Previous work in the Department of Defense, on Capitol Hill, or in another relevant executive branch role.
• (+) Skills in data analysis, legislative research and drafting, and knowledge of how appropriations and regulatory processes work.

Compensation, benefits, and other information:

Washington, DC based preferred; remote work is available for this position, but candidates must be willing (with reasonable accommodations) to travel to DC for occasional in-person meetings when needed.

This is a full-time position and includes the listed benefits:

• Competitive nonprofit salary in the range of $ 78K – 92K
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) employee investment plan available, with employer retirement contribution once eligible
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave

To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume. No phone calls please.

Application Deadline: March 20th, 2025

POGO is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to apply.