Scowcroft-Nye Fellowship 2026 at the Aspen Institute: Paid Six-Month National Security Fellowship in Washington, DC ($25/Hour)

The Scowcroft-Nye Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, paid, full-time fellowship hosted by the Aspen Strategy Group (ASG), a leading nonpartisan foreign policy program of the Aspen Institute. Designed as a stepping-stone for young leaders pursuing careers in U.S. foreign policy and national security, this six-month fellowship offers hands-on exposure to high-level strategic dialogue, policy convenings, and global security discussions.

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid – minimum three days per week in office)
Compensation: $25 per hour
Fellowship Term: April–May 2026 through October–November 2026 (Six months, with potential extension up to twelve months)
Application Review: Rolling basis

About the Aspen Institute

Founded in 1949, the Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a free, just, and equitable society. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with a campus in Aspen, Colorado and an international network of partners, the Institute convenes leaders, policymakers, scholars, and practitioners to address critical global challenges through dialogue, leadership development, and policy innovation.

The Aspen Strategy Group (ASG) serves as one of the Institute’s flagship policy programs, focusing specifically on U.S. foreign policy and national security.

What Is the Scowcroft-Nye Fellowship?

The Scowcroft-Nye Fellowship is a temporary, full-time fellowship aimed at young professionals seeking practical experience in foreign policy and national security. It offers direct involvement in organizing high-level strategic convenings and working alongside prominent leaders in diplomacy, defense, intelligence, and policymaking.

Originally launched in 2003 as the Brent Scowcroft Award Fellowship, the program was renamed in 2025 to honor Joseph S. Nye, Jr., recognizing four decades of leadership within the Aspen Strategy Group.

This fellowship places participants at the center of:

• Strategic foreign policy dialogue

• High-profile security forums

• Track II diplomacy initiatives

• Rising Leaders programs

• Public and private convenings

Fellowship Responsibilities

Scowcroft-Nye Fellows contribute across three core pillars:

1. Aspen Strategy Group

2. Aspen Security Forum

3. Rising Leaders Program

Key responsibilities include:

Administrative & Logistical Support

• Preparing for major conferences and strategic convenings

• Coordinating details for ASG Summer Workshop, Rising Leaders Program, Aspen Security Forum, ASF DC Edition, and Track II dialogues

Policy & Research Work

• Conducting background research on current foreign affairs

• Drafting briefings, memos, summaries, grant proposals, and reports

• Proofreading and editing policy materials

Conference Support

• Attending sessions and taking substantive notes

• Generating conference materials

• Drafting communications to speakers, participants, and vendors

Digital & Communications Support

• Managing social media content (Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram)

• Supporting the ASG weekly newsletter

• Curating strategic messaging

This fellowship operates in a fast-paced, small-team environment where fellows are entrusted with significant responsibility.

Why Apply?

The Scowcroft-Nye Fellowship offers:

• Direct exposure to senior foreign policy leaders

• Experience in strategic dialogue and convening

• Policy research and briefing development skills

• Networking with national security experts

• A launchpad into careers in:

  • Government

  • Think tanks

  • Policy institutions

  • Defense and intelligence sectors

  • International organizations

This fellowship is particularly valuable for individuals considering graduate studies or careers in foreign policy.

Skills and Qualifications Required

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Master’s degree strongly preferred

Academic Background
Strong academic record in:

• International Relations

• Political Science

• Economics

• Or related fields

Professional Skills

• Excellent writing and communication skills

• Meticulous attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple priorities

• Strong problem-solving abilities

• Comfort working under pressure

Technical Skills

• Proficiency or ability to learn tools such as:

  • WordPress

  • Canva

  • Twitter/X

  • Instagram

  • iContact

  • FormAssembly

  • Event registration platforms

Preferred Experience

• Office or events management experience

• Long-term interest in U.S. foreign policy and national security

Work Environment and Structure

The fellowship is:

• Full-time

• Temporary (six months)

• Hybrid (minimum three days in Washington, DC office)

• Collaborative and small-team oriented

Selected candidates must be located in the Washington, DC area for the full fellowship term.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $25 per hour

In addition to compensation, fellows receive access to:

• Health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits

• Retirement benefits

• Paid leave

• Professional exposure to leading policymakers and thinkers

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

1. One-page cover letter

2. Resume/CV including at least two references

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early due to competitive selection.

Click HERE to submit an application.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. Qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Application Deadline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. No fixed deadline is specified.

Learn more about the Scowcroft-Nye Fellowship 2026 HERE.

Click HERE to discover more global fellowship opportunities on OFY.