Policy Advisor (Volunteer)

Policy Advisor (Volunteer)

Alliance for American Leadership

Location: Washington, DC

The Alliance for American Leadership (A4AL) is a coalition of 70,000 development professionals, students, diplomats, veterans, and engaged citizens committed to strengthening U.S. global leadership through effective civilian foreign assistance.

Policy Advisors serve as key contributors to A4AL’s policy development and advocacy efforts. Working alongside the Policy Director, Deputy Policy Directors, and fellow advisors, Policy Advisors help research emerging issues, develop policy recommendations, support legislative engagement, and contribute to the organization’s thought leadership on international development, national security, and American global engagement.

This position is ideal for individuals seeking meaningful experience in foreign policy, public affairs, advocacy, international development, or government while helping shape policy initiatives that support effective U.S. leadership abroad.

Core Responsibilities

• Policy Research & Development
• Conduct research and analysis on issues related to international development, foreign policy, national security, global health, democracy and governance, technology, and related topics.
• Support the development of policy recommendations, issue briefs, white papers, talking points, legislative resources, and advocacy materials.
• Monitor policy developments, congressional activity, and emerging trends relevant to A4AL’s mission.
• Contribute expertise and strategic insights within designated policy working groups.

Legislative & Advocacy Support

• Assist in preparing materials for congressional meetings, coalition engagements, public events, and advocacy campaigns.
• Support efforts to communicate complex policy issues to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives designed to strengthen support for American global engagement and civilian foreign assistance.

Working Group Participation

• Actively participate in policy working groups and special projects.
• Collaborate with fellow advisors, interns, and organizational leadership on research and policy initiatives.
• Help identify emerging opportunities, risks, and policy developments that may impact A4AL’s priorities.

Thought Leadership & External Engagement

• Contribute articles, policy analyses, presentations, and other thought leadership products.
• Represent A4AL in meetings, conferences, webinars, and stakeholder discussions when appropriate.
• Support efforts to expand the organization’s policy expertise and external credibility.

Qualifications

• Interest in public policy, foreign policy, international development, national security, political affairs, government relations, or related fields.
• Strong research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a volunteer team environment.
• Professional, academic, military, nonprofit, private sector, or government experience relevant to policy issues is welcome but not required.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Commitment to A4AL’s mission and values.

Screening Questions

General

• Do you understand this is an unpaid, volunteer position?
• Do you have at least 5–10 hours per week to dedicate to this role?
• Are you authorized to work in the United States?

Policy Experience

• Please describe any experience you have conducting policy research, analysis, advocacy, or legislative work.
• Have you published articles, policy papers, research reports, or other written work? If so, please provide examples.
• What policy areas are you most interested in or knowledgeable about?
• Please describe any experience working with government agencies, congressional offices, advocacy organizations, think tanks, campaigns, nonprofits, academia, or related institutions.

Mission Alignment

• What draws you to the Alliance for American Leadership’s mission?
• In your view, why does U.S. global engagement matter to America's national security, economic prosperity, or global influence?
• What international or domestic policy issue do you believe deserves greater public attention, and why?

Collaboration & Initiative

• Describe a project, research effort, campaign, or initiative where you contributed to a team effort.
• How do you approach balancing multiple priorities and deadlines?
• What unique expertise, perspective, or experience would you bring to A4AL’s policy team?

Availability & Commitment

• Are you based in the Washington, DC area?
• We frequently work in person from the Rayburn House Office Building and George Washington University. How often, if at all, would you be able to participate in person?
• How many hours per week can you realistically dedicate to this role?
• How many months do you see yourself committing to this position?