Application Guide
How to Apply for National Security Policy Specialist (Contract)
at Protect Democracy
🏢 About Protect Democracy
Protect Democracy is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to preventing authoritarianism in the U.S. It combines legal, policy, and advocacy expertise to defend democratic institutions. Working here means joining a mission-driven team focused on safeguarding national security from politicization.
About This Role
As a National Security Policy Specialist, you'll support the National Security team by strengthening coalitions, conducting policy analysis, and monitoring legal trends. This contract role offers high impact through direct contributions to advocacy and research projects that protect the integrity of U.S. national security agencies.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve monitoring congressional hearings on defense policy, drafting a coalition sign-on letter regarding military politicization, and coordinating with legal and communications teams on a research memo. You might also attend a strategy call with partner organizations and update project timelines.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Protect Democracy Is Looking For
- Has 3+ years of experience in policy, organizing, or research specifically related to U.S. national security, with a focus on threats like politicization of the military.
- Possesses a solid understanding of recent and emerging threats to the proper use of U.S. national security agencies, including legal and policy frameworks.
- Is a strong team player who can quickly build trusting relationships with internal and external partners, including coalition members.
- Demonstrates high autonomy in driving policy or communications projects from idea to execution, with excellent project management skills.
📝 Tips for Applying to Protect Democracy
Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with national security policy, especially regarding politicization or improper use of military/intelligence agencies.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your past work to Protect Democracy's mission of preventing authoritarianism.
Showcase any experience working in coalitions or with diverse stakeholders, as the role emphasizes strengthening partnerships.
Provide examples of projects you've driven independently, detailing your role from conception to completion.
Mention familiarity with recent legal and policy debates around the Insurrection Act, Posse Comitatus, or intelligence oversight.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your commitment to nonpartisan defense of democratic norms and your understanding of authoritarian threats.', 'Highlight specific experience analyzing or countering politicization of national security agencies.', 'Demonstrate your ability to work autonomously and manage projects, with concrete examples.', 'Show enthusiasm for building coalitions and supporting advocacy efforts across legal, policy, and communications teams.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Protect Democracy's recent publications and campaigns, especially on national security and executive power.
- → Understand their approach to nonpartisanship and how they engage with policymakers across the spectrum.
- → Read about their key focus areas: preventing abuse of military force, protecting intelligence community independence, and countering disinformation.
- → Check out any recent lawsuits or advocacy efforts they've led related to national security.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid partisan language or framing; Protect Democracy is nonpartisan and focuses on democratic norms, not party politics.
- Don't overlook the contract nature – be prepared to discuss your flexibility and project-based work style.
- Steer clear of vague policy interests; instead, show deep knowledge of specific national security threats and legal mechanisms.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Protect Democracy!