The Institute for Security and Technology designs and advances solutions to the world’s toughest emerging security threats. We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit network based in the San Francisco Bay Area dedicated to solving critical international security challenges through better technology and policy. We are a close-knit team with an excellent remote workflow and take pride in providing our employees with reliable mentorship. We work with all staff to advance their professional development by providing access to our network in each team member’s field of interest, and support opportunities for professional exposure. We look forward to your application.

The Institute for Security and Technology (IST), a 501(c)(3) critical action think tank that unites technology and policy leaders to create solutions to emerging security challenges, is actively seeking highly motivated practitioners to join our team as an Operations Assistant within IST’s Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure portfolio. We are a passionate, tight-knit team, excited about the challenges we are tackling — join us at the cutting edge of emerging technology security policy! If you’re excited about keeping a fast moving cybersecurity policy team running smoothly, supporting a President of a portfolio, bridging operations with the broader organization, and helping high impact research reach the world, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to national security. IST takes collaborative action to advance national security and global stability through trustworthy technology, guiding businesses and governments with hands-on expertise, in-depth analysis, and a global network. Since its founding in 2020, IST has launched an array of impactful initiatives addressing challenges such as ransomware, the resilience of lifeline critical infrastructure, trust and safety, nuclear risk reduction, the role of artificial intelligence, and more.

Position

We are seeking an individual who is eager to apply both organizational and operational knowledge and experience to provide critical executive and operational support for IST’s cyber and critical infrastructure team. The Operations Assistant will work directly with the President of the Cyber and Critical Infrastructure portfolio, managing her calendar, approval processes, and travel, while also serving as the liaison between the team and IST’s shared business operations functions. Additionally, the Associate will assist cyber and critical infrastructure staff on operational elements of their projects and help plan and execute portfolio-wide events and meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Support for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure portfolio President
• Calendar and Schedule Management: coordinate, organize, and prepare for meetings, including gathering necessary documents, managing logistics, and ensuring all details are attended to
• Travel Coordination & Logistics: plan, book, and manage comprehensive travel itineraries and logistics for the President, ensuring alignment with cyber portfolio priorities and budget
• Approval Processes & Workflows: manage and track critical sign-offs, document approvals, and executive decisions requiring the President’s attention to ensure zero operational bottlenecks
• Expense Reporting: handle expense management and submission with attention to detail and adherence to organizational policies
• Communication: draft, review, and send communications on behalf of the President ensuring clarity, professionalism, and accuracy in all correspondence
• Portfolio Operations and Project Support
• Project Logistics: provide hands-on operational support across various cyber and critical infrastructure portfolio projects and coordinate resources as needed
• Meeting Infrastructure: organize, run, and facilitate Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Portfolio-wide team meetings
• Event Planning and Execution: own or co-lead the coordination, logistics, vendor management, and execution for all events sponsored or hosted by the Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Portfolio
• Research Support: provide secondary support to applied research and policy development projects as time and capacity allows within the the Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Portfolio
• Business Operations Liaison
• Primary Shared Services Interface: act as the main communication bridge and operational point of contact between the Cyber & Critical Infrastructure team and IST’s Business Operations (including Finance, HR, Communications, and Development)
• Information Routing: ensure IST policies, updates, and timelines are clearly communicated and integrated within the the Cyber & Critical Infrastructure team
• Process Alignment: assist in aligning the Cyber & Critical Infrastructure portfolio-specific tracking or administrative practices with broader organization-wide systems

Qualifications

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High degree of discretion and ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-moving environment
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all work products
• Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to task shift quickly and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining high standards
• As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), IST only employs persons legally eligible to work in the US. New employees must complete an I-9 Form and provide actual documents verifying their identity and eligibility to work in the US within three (3) business days of the date of hire. IST participates in the E-Verify program to electronically verify employment eligibility.
• This position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

Preferred 

• Experience with cybersecurity policy
• Experience providing executive or administrative support
• Experience in project management
• Experience in 501(c)(3) organizations
• Are proactive and can identify emerging opportunities and risks that merit leadership’s attention
• Enjoy working cross-functionally with highly technical and specialized colleagues
• Have high emotional intelligence and are able to navigate complex cross-team projects effectively
• 0-3 years relevant experience

Compensation and benefits

The expected annual base salary range for this role is $55,000 - $62,500.

IST’s generous compensation package consists of three core elements: base salary, benefits, and the potential for bonuses. We are committed to pay fairness and aim for these three elements collectively to be highly competitive with market rates in the non-profit sector. Benefits we offer include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and all your dependents.
• 401(k) plan with up to 4% matching, immediate vesting. Eligible to enroll after a 90-day waiting period.
• 12 weeks paid parental leave.
• Unlimited PTO after the introductory period. Most staff take between 3-4 weeks each year, sometimes more!
• Potential stipends for education, home office, commuting, and wellness.

Compensation is dependent on experience and is based on IST’s good faith estimate for this position, in Washington, D.C., as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. The level of pay, exact job title and role will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including where you place on our internal performance ladders, which is based on factors including past work experience, relevant education, and performance on our interviews or in a work trial.

Location

IST is a remote organization. Due to our focus on convening stakeholders for in-person meetings and working groups, candidates based in the Washington, DC area are preferred. IST has established a physical office in downtown Washington, DC, and in-office work may be required if job duties necessitate on-site collaboration and engagement.

How to apply

Kindly utilize this link to submit your application and feel free to reach out to [email protected] if you have any inquiries.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from communities that are historically underrepresented in foreign affairs and national security.  Read IST’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging statement.

For more information, visit www.securityandtechnology.org.