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BPIA U.S. Foreign Affairs Leadership Project 

Preparing the People and Policy for the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy

Strong foreign policy requires more than good ideas. It requires people who know how to govern.

The BPIA U.S. Foreign Affairs Leadership Project is a selective initiative focused on strengthening the policy, talent, and governing capacity needed for the future of U.S. foreign policy.

The United States spends enormous energy debating what its foreign policy should be, but far less attention on whether we are preparing the people and institutions capable of carrying it out. The Project seeks to build a stronger governing bench of professionals prepared not only to contribute ideas, but to develop policy, manage institutions, navigate Congress and the interagency process, translate strategy into implementation, and serve effectively during periods of political and institutional transition.



Leadership Seminar Series

Open to the public. Join senior government officials, former political appointees, foreign policy practitioners, national security leaders, and public service experts for an eight-part virtual series on preparing for and leading in senior public service.

The BPIA U.S. Foreign Affairs Leadership Project Leadership Seminar Series is presented in collaboration with the Partnership for Public Service and the Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS). The series provides participants with practical insight into how government works, how policy moves from idea to implementation, how political appointments operate, and what effective leadership inside public institutions requires.

Each monthly session focuses on a different dimension of government readiness, public service leadership, and institutional fluency. Sessions are held virtually at 6:30 PM ET and are conducted off the record to encourage candid conversation with featured experts.



Programming Schedule

ZOOM LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9794618227

October 15, 2026 | Are You Actually Ready to Serve? Register here
Assess the experience, credibility, networks, judgment, and preparation needed for political appointment and senior public service.

November 19, 2026 | How Government Actually Works Register here
Explore how foreign policy decisions move through the White House, agencies, Congress, career officials, and the interagency system.

December 17, 2026 | From Policy to Action Register here
Learn how to translate policy recommendations into executable government action with clear authority, ownership, resources, and outcomes.

January 21, 2027 | The Path to a Presidential Appointment Register here
Demystify Presidential Personnel, transition teams, role targeting, sponsorship, vetting, validators, and appointment categories.

February 18, 2027 | Political Judgment: Governing in the Gray Register here
Examine how senior officials navigate competing political, legal, operational, institutional, and reputational considerations.

March 18, 2027 | Leading Inside Government & the Interagency Table Register here
Explore how political appointees build trust with career staff, manage institutional dynamics, and lead during the critical first 100 days.

April 15, 2027 | Ethics, Vetting & Public Trust Register here
Prepare for the ethical, financial, professional, and personal scrutiny associated with senior government service.

May 20, 2027 | Ready to Serve Register here
Reassess readiness, sharpen target roles, identify remaining gaps, and develop a clearer pathway toward future service.





Program Seminar Deck

The Leadership Development Seminar Series deck provides an overview of the BPIA U.S. Foreign Affairs Leadership Project, including the purpose of the series, monthly seminar topics, featured experts, and key themes related to public service readiness, government leadership, policy implementation, and political appointments.

Participants may use the deck as a reference throughout the series to follow the program framework, revisit key concepts, and prepare for upcoming monthly sessions.

View Program Seminar Deck



Download Zoom Background

The BPIA U.S. Foreign Affairs Leadership Project Zoom Background provides participants and partners with a branded virtual backdrop for use throughout the Leadership Development Seminar Series. The background reflects the project’s visual identity and recognizes the organizations collaborating to support the series.

Participants are encouraged to use the background during monthly seminars, partner convenings, and other virtual activities connected to the Leadership Project.

Download Zoom Background




BPIA Congressional Staff Resume Bank

The BPIA Congressional Staff Resume Bank – 2026 is a nonpartisan talent-pipeline initiative designed to help connect qualified professionals with potential congressional staff opportunities, particularly in foreign policy, national security, international affairs, and related policy portfolios.

As offices prepare for the next Congress, BPIA is building a strong bench of professionals interested in serving on Capitol Hill. Submitted resumes may be shared with congressional offices and other relevant hiring contacts seeking qualified candidates. Offices will contact individuals directly if there is interest, and submission does not guarantee consideration or placement.

Participation is open without regard to political party or affiliation. Hiring timelines vary by office, and opportunities may emerge over the coming months.

Submit Your Resume

BPIA is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization. The Resume Bank is a professional development and workforce-pipeline initiative and does not constitute political campaign activity, candidate support, endorsement, or opposition.


ARE YOU A CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES?
To learn more about the BPIA Congressional Staff Resume Bank or request information about prospective candidates, contact leadershipproject@iabpia.org.



Apply to Join the Leadership Project Cohort

Seminars and public briefings are open to everyone. This application is for professionals seeking inclusion in BPIA’s selected participant cohort and leadership talent list.

The BPIA U.S. Foreign Affairs Leadership Project is a competitive and selective initiative designed to strengthen the pipeline of professionals prepared for future public service in U.S. foreign affairs, national security, diplomacy, international development, Congress, government, and related policy fields. Selected participants will contribute across three core areas: policy and implementation, talent and leadership development, and public service preparation.

Participants may engage in policy working groups, research and writing, practitioner seminars, simulations, congressional and executive branch engagement, and other activities designed to strengthen understanding of political appointments, agency leadership, the interagency process, federal decision-making, and policy implementation.

Applicants may range from emerging professionals to senior practitioners, former public servants, scholars, congressional professionals, and policy experts. U.S. citizenship is required. Selection is based on professional experience, demonstrated expertise, policy judgment, leadership potential, and ability to contribute meaningfully to the Project. Applicants should plan to spend approximately 45 minutes to one hour completing the application. Selected participants will be assessed a $75 administrative fee, with limited need-based scholarships available.

The Project is an independent BPIA initiative and is not affiliated with or recruiting on behalf of any political campaign, transition organization, political party, federal agency, or presidential administration. Participation does not constitute an offer, promise, or guarantee of government employment, political appointment, nomination, recommendation, or placement.

Complete the application

Join the BPIA E-newsletter Mailing List

BPIA sends monthly e-newsletter to the BPIA community highlighting upcoming events, job announcement, fellowships, news, and more.


BPIA membership is open to all applicants who support our mission and goals without regard to race, religion/creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual preference or identity.

Email
bpiaoutreach@iabpia.org

Mailing Address

BPIA

P.O. Box 55922

Washington, DC 20011


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