Program Assistant, Washington External Affairs - Council on Foreign Relations

Overview

CFR’s Washington External Affairs operation is focused primarily on actively engaging members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives and their staff to provide timely, relevant, and useful analyses to further inform policymaking at the U.S. Capitol. Through discussion and examination of the critical challenges facing the United States and international community, the program seeks to serve as both a direct resource for Congress and a convener of leading thinkers and practitioners both on and off the Hill in a variety of nonpartisan fora. The secondary focus on this program is facilitating limited engagement with the diplomatic community and executive branch. This is a full-time position with a hybrid work schedule based in our Washington office.

The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):

• Providing general support for the work and activities of the Washington External Affairs team
• Assisting team members with direct outreach to members of the U.S. Senate, House, executive branch, and foreign embassies
• Drafting internal and external correspondence and documents including weekly reports, board updates, and responses to general inquiries for the Washington External Affairs program
• Tracking international affairs developments on the Hill
• Coordinating logistics for a variety of meetings, including scheduling, arranging travel, drafting invitations, sending and monitoring event invitations, and making catering arrangements
• Maintaining internal records, calendars, and shared databases, including development of strategic distribution lists
• Drafting regular newsletters, issue briefs, and electronic outreach for CFR products
• Administrative duties as directed

Qualifications

• BA in international relations, political science, or a related field with high academic achievement
• Congressional or government relations experience, including internships, required
• Strong research skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including exceptional proofreading and editing ability
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and problem solve independently
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment both independently and on a team
• Superior computer skills in MS Word, Excel, Adobe suite, and database management
• Ability to work flexible hours (many events are held over breakfast or in the evening)

Pay Range

$51,000 to $54,000 per year

Pay commensurate with experience and education

About CFR

Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading nonprofit membership organization, research center, and publisher, with headquarters in New York, an office in Washington, DC, and programs nationwide. It is dedicated to increasing America's understanding of the world and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy. CFR's 5,000+ members are leaders in international affairs and foreign policy. CFR also publishes Foreign Affairs, the preeminent magazine on global issues, and provides up-to-date information about the world and U.S. foreign policy on its award-winning website, CFR.org.

The Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.

The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.