Special Assistant to CEO

ISD is an independent non-partisan non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding elections freedom national security public safety and individual rights by reversing the rising global tide of polarization extremism foreign interference and authoritarianism.

For 20 years ISD has been at the forefront of analyzing exposing and combatting all forms of terrorism extremism foreign interference digital manipulation and authoritarianism helping equip institutions communities and the private sector with the tools policies and skills to achieve impact at scale. Combining research and analysis with government advisory work and the design and delivery of training education and communications programs ISD works to implement real-world evidence-based responses to these challenges.

Why work for ISD
ISDs Guiding Principles of integrity collaborationagilityandcouragedefine who we are as a team and an organization. These principles reflect our culture and guide the way we work and the choices we make.

ISD is not your ordinary think tank. We turn research into action that changes the world. Our insights dont gather dust on shelves - they power the fight to protect democracy and human rights on the front lines. Were committed to delivering real change from the grassroots to the highest levels of global institutions. And were looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to making a difference. Join us and be part of an organization thats making an impact.

Our benefits

• Flexible and remote working based on ISDs Time Principles of trust communication and flexibility

• 20 days paid time off plus an average of 11 public holidays observed annually

• Up to 6 weeks of paid sick leave per year

• 1 week of additional paid time off over Christmas outside of your annual leave entitlement

• Company-sponsored health insurance policy including comprehensive health vision and dental plans

• Other ancillary benefits such as FSA/HSA and commuter savings in certain metro areas

• 401k including competitive company match

• Annual personal development budget remote working allowance and more!
  
  

Salary

$47500 - $55000 per annum depending on experience

Location

Metro D.C. areahybrid remote workingarrangement preferred. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work from our D.C. office at least 2 days a week though fully remote candidates will also be considered. Please note that we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship or to accept applicants living outside of the US for this role.

Hours

This is a full-time salaried (exempt) position 40 hours per week.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

ISD is committed to promoting diversity throughout its workforce and aims for its team to be truly representative of all sections of society. We make a concerted effort to ensure our workplace employment policies and organisational culture creates an inclusive positive and progressive environment in which all members of our team are treated with dignity and respect. For further information about this policy or our recruitment practices please email

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour the LGBTQ community people with disabilities neurodivergent people carers and people from diverse backgrounds.

The role

The Special Assistant will support the global Chief Executive Officer and will work closely with the leadership team and other senior team members on critical projects. The post holder will support the CEO in correspondence and administration; help with the development of proposals bids and programs; will assist in stakeholder communications on behalf of the CEO; and will support on special projects at both a local and international level.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide practical support to the CEO in implementing ISDs mission.

• Anticipate tasks and priorities on behalf of the CEO particularly before meetings (e.g.: coordinating talking points and speeches taking notes and preparing written summaries and preparing materials for meetings and events).

• Support follow-through from the CEOs engagements in an effective and timely fashion.

• Support the CEO and wider ISD team members to maximize and capitalize on opportunities by proactively engaging with stakeholders and colleagues.

• Support in the preparation of new business development proposals in partnership with relevant senior programmatic and operations colleagues.

• Maintain the CEOs business development contacts and support global development teams reflecting in the CEOs latest language outreach and follow up.

• Provide prioritization guidance to the Executive Assistant on the CEOs project/task tracker upcoming follow-up and decisions.
  
  

Please review the full job description for all of the expected responsibilities required here.

The ideal candidate willpossess exceptional multitasking skills excellent written and verbal communication skills and be highly organized with excellent attention to detail. This position will require the ability and willingness to travel up to 10% and will require occasional work outside traditional office hours.

Please review our job description for essential criteria and keep in mind that no candidate will meet every requirement. If your experience looks a little different from what weve identified but you think you can bring value to the role wed love to hear from you.

How to apply

Please submit your application by April 20th 2026. ISD reserves the right to interview and appoint candidates prior to the advertised closing date. Candidates with the ability to start working on or before May 18 will be prioritized.

If you have any further questions about this vacancy or want to speak to a member of our recruitment team please contact