Career FAQs

Questions about the application process? Want to know more about the types of candidates we look for? If this FAQ doesn’t answer your question, contact us at [email protected].

Q: How do I apply for a position at the Stanley Center for Peace and Security?

All open positions are posted online at stanleycenter.org. If there is an opening that matches your skills, experience, and interests, please follow the instructions in the announcement to submit your application. We require cover letters and resumes to be submitted electronically. We do not accept paper or faxed applications. For many positions, you may also be required to submit a work or writing sample. Please see the specific announcement for detailed instructions on what to include with your application.

Q. How can I confirm my application was received?

After submitting your application online, you will receive a confirmation email. If you haven’t received an email within a few days, please contact us at [email protected] for an update. We strive to reply to every applicant as quickly as possible, but sometimes an unusually high volume of applicants can delay our response.

Q. If I’m interested in more than one open position, can I apply for more than one?

We encourage you to apply for multiple openings if they match your skills, experience, and interests. Because each opening may have unique requirements and a different interviewing team, we ask you to submit a separate application for each opening you are interested in. This ensures the right information is received by the right interviewing team as quickly as possible.

Q: What if I’m interested in working for the Stanley Center but don’t see any openings that match my experience and skills?

Continue to check our website. You might also consider signing up with LinkedIn to receive job alerts via our company page. Please note we only accept resumes for posted openings.

Q: What do you look for in candidates and applications?

In addition to the skills and qualifications outlined in each job posting, we look for candidates who exemplify our vision, mission, and values and share in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Stanley Center is an equal opportunity employer; people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, knowing that diverse perspectives lead to new and better ideas.

People who are successful at the Stanley Center tend to be:

  • Team oriented and collaborative
  • Strategic and analytical
  • Solutions oriented and committed to excellence

Q: Are all of your opportunities located in Muscatine, Iowa?

Yes. We do not typically have openings for candidates who would need to work remotely on a full-time basis. While on-site work in Muscatine is mandatory, the Stanley Center does provide its employees with flexible work hours and the ability to work remotely on occasion. For candidates currently living outside of the Muscatine area, we cover most expenses involved with relocation, including house- or apartment-hunting trips and temporary housing, if needed.

Q. Do you have closing dates for posted positions? How long do I have to apply?

We do not set a closing date for positions. We begin reviewing applications as soon as they are received and keep the position posted until it is filled.

Q. The job I’m interested in was reposted. Do I need to reapply?

Yes. Even if the titles are similar, each position is unique, and you must submit a new application to be considered.

Q. What is the interviewing and selection process?

After receiving your application, we will carefully consider your qualifications. While we strive to complete this process as quickly as possible, our response time may vary depending on the volume of applicants.

If your application indicates a good match with the position description, you will be contacted by Human Resources to schedule an initial phone interview with the hiring manager.

If your skills and background continue to align strongly with the opening, we will schedule a videoconference interview with the hiring manager and other members of the interview team.

Following the videoconference interview, you may be invited for an on-site interview at the Stanley Center, where applicants learn more about the role and meet with additional team members. This interview generally lasts a full day and most expenses for traveling to Muscatine (including hotel and airfare) are covered by the center. As part of this interview, you may be asked to complete prework or an on-site work sample, or to provide authorization to contact your references.

If an offer of employment is extended, you will be asked to authorize a preemployment background check.

Q: What kinds of benefits do you offer full-time employees?

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Our retirement plan includes an annual employer contribution of 7% of salary as well as employer matching contributions, and participants are fully vested from day one. To help balance work, family, and personal needs—and to further contribute to creating an environment that nourishes employee wellbeing—we offer generous paid-time-off benefits (including holidays, vacation, healthcare leave, and parental leave), a fitness reimbursement program, an employee assistance program, and access to professional coaching. In addition, our comprehensive employee wellbeing program includes flexible work arrangements; meditation and stress-reduction education programs; dedicated space for lactation, meditation, prayer, and reflection; and a Workplace Culture Committee that focuses on maintaining work satisfaction, inclusive staff activities and celebrations, and employee health and wellness.

Q. Does the Stanley Center sponsor employment visas?

No, we are not currently able to provide visa sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Q: Whom do I contact if I have questions, concerns, or technical problems with my application?

Please contact us at [email protected].