Stanley A. Weiss Fellowship - Spring 2026

STANLEY A. WEISS FELLOWSHIP – SPRING 2026 

The Stanley A. Weiss Fellowship program places high-performing candidates at the intersection of national security and the private sector. In today’s complex and dynamic environment, threats to U.S. national security increasingly require public and private sector perspectives to merge. Stanley A. Weiss Fellows help the Business Executives for National Security in its mission to connect national security and private sector leaders.  

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

The Stanley A. Weiss Fellows are integral to the BENS team through their work supporting BENS’ organizational goals and work with government partners and Members in the national security community.  

Fellows will: 

• Gain subject matter expertise in a national security topic through in-depth research and presentations to BENS senior leadership. 
• Track and analyze developments of relevant policy issues, including critical infrastructure; geopolitics and economic statecraft; efforts to recruit and retain a talented national security workforce; and security implications of emergent technology.  
• Support BENS staff in outreach and engagement with national security-focused government partners and business leaders. 
• Assist with event preparation, draft media pieces, reports, and memos; and cover Congressional hearings and key meetings. 
• Maintain and update membership databases. 
• Set up and break down office events. 
• Provide general administrative support. 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

• Event Participation: Fellows will attend in-person and virtual events, such as panels, roundtables, and speaker series, gaining exposure to key national security figures and ideas. 
• Mentorship: Fellows will receive mentorship from BENS staff and private sector leaders with experience in the military, government, and key industries. 
• Networking: Fellows will have the opportunity to connect with BENS staff and program alumni with prestigious Washington backgrounds. 
• Brownbag Lunches & Visits: Fellows will attend informal discussions with senior professionals and visits to institutions like the State Department, White House, and NGA. 

TERM  

The spring fellowship will start in the beginning of January and end in mid-May. Fellows will be paid an hourly wage set at the current D.C. minimum wage and receive metro travel benefits. Fellows will be expected to work full-time— barring exceptions for outstanding candidates with academic conflicts. 

REQUIREMENTS  

Education 

Candidates are selected depending on their skills and prior experience. However, most applicants recently completed, or are in the process of completing, an undergraduate or graduate degree.  

Skills  

• Effective research, writing, data analysis, communication, and organizational skills required.  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment and manage multiple tasks.  
• Exceptional interpersonal and professional skills—candidates should feel comfortable interacting at a high level with senior business executives, military/government leaders, and staff in other non-profits.  
• Collaborative and independent work skills. 
• Computer-literate and internet-savvy 
• Preferred interest or experience in, but not required: 
• Critical Infrastructure  
• Economic Security 
• Private Capital  
• Emerging Technologies 
• Defense Industrial Base  
• Critical Supply Chains 

To apply, please email a current resume, cover letter, and a 2-3 page writing sample to Initiatives Associate Ethan Ingram at EIngram@bens.org. To be considered for the spring term, please submit all application materials by COB Wednesday, October 15th.