Program Coordinator and Research Assistant - Global Food and Water Security Program - CSIS 

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of approximately 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program conducts independent research and analysis and provides policy recommendations to address dynamic threats to global food security and global water security, with a distinct focus on the relationship between global food and water security policy under the CSIS Project on Water Security.

CSIS GFWSP seeks a highly motivated, exceptionally organized program coordinator and research assistant (PCRA) to support its food and water security programming in support of GFWSP’s goals. The PCRA is an integral part of the team and responsible for overseeing a wide range of program components, focusing on creating and implementing the program’s communications and media strategy. While this role is first and foremost a communications and media position, there is room for additional growth in communications, research, or other areas after mastery of essential duties and responsibilities.

The salary band for this position is $55,000-$65,000, commensurate with experience.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following

I. Communications and Media Management (55%), including but not limited to:

Manage GFWSP’s communications and outreach activities, including but not limited to:

• Manage the GFWSP’s social media accounts and strategy across multiple platforms (e.g., Twitter/X and LinkedIn), including creating programming-specific social media campaigns, drafting social media copy, creating graphics, and clipping videos and soundbites from program events, podcasts, etc.

• Launch the GFWSP BlueSky account, including drafting and operationalizing a strategy based on the platform’s algorithm and opportunities for growth alongside the platform and other program accounts.

• Produce the GFWSP newsletter and email campaigns in Pardot, highlighting GFWSP analysis, media engagement, and events for a broad range of recipients.

• Track, update, analyze, and report on relevant engagement data from GFWSP social media accounts, CSIS webpages, and newsletters.

Coordinate GFWSP’s programming with the CSIS External Relations team, including but not limited to:

• Support senior staff media engagements by coordinating interviews with the press, External Relations, and program staff, and tracking all media references of program staff and research.

• Manage GFWSP’s publication pipeline in collaboration with External Relations’ publications team, including coordinating the copyediting process between CSIS staff and authors, drafting and reviewing web-posting information in line with CSIS and GFWSP guidelines and ethos, and informing relevant program staff of publication timelines.

•Track media-related details of all GFWSP programming, including events, publications, videos, podcast episodes, press mentions, and external engagements, for internal reporting and promotion purposes.

II. Administration (25%), including but not limited to:

Coordinate GFWSP’s public and private events, including but not limited to:

• Working closely with program staff to secure public event speakers and private event participants and support day-of event logistics.

• Oversee event promotion through social media and CSIS webpage engagement.

•Backstop the Director and/or staff on key administrative tasks and project portfolios, including the program’s podcasts, events, publications, etc.

III. Research (20%), including but not limited to:

• Support senior staff engagements, including media appearances, events, publications, and podcast episodes through the preparation of research materials.

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, International Development, Public Policy/Administration, or related field; and 1-2 years of relevant experience (including internships).

• Experience with external communications, multimedia production, social media, and event planning in a professional setting.

• Demonstrated knowledge of global food security and/or water security (e.g., policies, programs, stakeholders, and coordination platform). Experience in U.S. food and agriculture policy a plus.

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to plan and execute multiple deliverables (e.g., events, publications, meetings, and others) concurrently, and to operate successfully in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate diplomatically with high-level partners and external stakeholders across sectors.

• A self-starting, entrepreneurial mind-set and ability to work well independently and in teams; sound judgment and impeccable integrity, positive attitude, and creative outlook.

• A strong “team player” disposition, including willingness to support all other team members’ work, execute a variety of tasks as needed, which contribute to the success of the entire team.

• PC literate, specifically MS Office, and familiarity with web-based research tools.

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

OUR BENEFITS

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

403(b) for retirement planning

Tuition Assistance

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

Military Leave

12 Paid Holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Interested applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, 500-1000 word writing sample, and a college transcript as separate, clearly labeled PDF documents at http//csis.org/careers. Applicants must correctly submit the requested documentation in order to be considered. Other materials submitted will not be reviewed.

The selected candidate is expected to be located in D.C. and work five days a week, Monday through Friday, for a total of 35 hours per week.

For more information on the Global Food and Water Security Program please visit: https://www.csis.org/programs/global-food-and-water-security-program