Senior Defense Policy Analyst

Organization: Project On Government Oversight (POGO)
Location: Remote
Date Posted: 03/07/2025

Job Title: Senior Defense Policy Analyst

Job Description

Founded in 1981 in partnership with whistleblowers, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that works to expose waste, corruption, abuse of power, and other instances where the government fails to serve the public. We champion reforms to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles. POGO has an over $7 million annual budget that supports a staff of over 50 employees.

POGO is looking for a talented Senior Defense Policy Analyst to analyze and investigate issues of government waste, mismanagement, abuse, and corruption with a primary focus on the spending and operations of the Department of Defense. This position will identify investigations and topics of analysis that will reveal systemic issues and develop policy solutions to identified problems. This position reports to the Director of the Center for Defense Information.

We encourage potential applicants to apply even if they only have experience or familiarity in some of the areas described below. We fully recognize that many great candidates will not have experience in all of the areas we list, or may have relevant experiences and skills that we have not listed or considered.

Responsibilities include:

Independently monitor issue portfolio and determine what new developments warrant further investigative, analysis, and advocacy work. Recommend POGO policy positions/recommendations in response to emerging issues.
Perform in-depth research, analysis, and writing within the issue portfolio, centering affected communities in framing problems and identifying solutions. Publish major reports and investigations designed to impact critical national security strategy and provide a framework for greater accountability and effectiveness in a changing national security environment.
Assist the CDI Director in developing, coordinating, and tracking program strategy across the national security portfolio.
Analyze legislative and regulatory text to determine whether POGO should offer an organizational endorsement and/or suggest improvements to the language.
In coordination with the Civic Engagement, Government Affairs, and other internal teams, envision, execute, and support advocacy campaigns on POGO’s policy recommendations within an individual portfolio. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Setting short-term and long-term policy goals related to the campaign in conjunction with the Director of the Center for Defense Information.
- Identifying key civil society allies and opponents.
- Identifying targets for advocacy (on Capitol Hill, in executive branch agencies, or through in-district civic engagement).
- Setting up advocacy meetings and recording/reporting progress made.
Strategically disseminate POGO’s investigative and policy work to congressional offices and various coalitions and listservs POGO participates in.
Work collaboratively with internal teams to advance POGO’s goals and ensure coordination, including POGO’s policy, civic engagement, government affairs, and other internal teams.
Draft fact sheets, hearing questions, oversight letters, agency public comments, reports, analysis pieces, testimony, op-eds, and other articles.
Envision, establish, lead, coordinate, and participate in advocacy coalitions and develop relationships with key stakeholders to inform and advance POGO policy goals.
Represent POGO at meetings with executive branch officials, congressional staff, and in news media.
Other duties as required to accomplish POGO’s mission.

Qualifications include:

A passion for reforming the Pentagon for more effective, affordable, and ethical national security policy.
Demonstrated commitment to working in a nonpartisan, collaborative, and respectful manner with diverse stakeholders.
Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in journalism, research, communications, the military, and/or policy work.
Deep familiarity with or experience in reviewing the defense budget, budget process, appropriations process, and military oversight.
Understanding of and commitment to addressing historical practices of inequity and discrimination to shape more effective national security policy.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff at all levels of the organization.
Ability to work independently, displaying a familiarity with CDI’s mission and priorities.
Ability to work with and protect sources.
Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
(+) Experience in critical thinking, writing, and self-directed research in relevant areas.
(+) Previous work in the Department of Defense, on Capitol Hill, or in another relevant executive branch role.
(+) Skills in data analysis, legislative research and drafting, and knowledge of how appropriations and regulatory processes work.

Compensation, Benefits, and Other Information

Washington, DC-based preferred; remote work is available for this position, but candidates must be willing (with reasonable accommodations) to travel to DC for occasional in-person meetings when needed.

This is a full-time position and includes the listed benefits:

Competitive nonprofit salary in the range of $78K – $92K
Health, dental, and vision insurance
403(b) employee investment plan available, with employer retirement contribution once eligible
Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage
Paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume. No phone calls, please.

Application Deadline: March 20th, 2025

POGO is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to apply.