Assistant Director, Defense and National Security Program

careers-cfr; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC, seeks an Assistant Director for the Defense and National Security Program to manage day-to-day operations, publications, meetings, and events, while coordinating with researchers and authors.

This role requires strong writing, editing, and project management skills, plus budgeting and cross-department collaboration. It is based in CFR’s Washington, DC office with onsite days on Tue/Wed/Thu and flexibility as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 4+ years related experience in a research, government, consulting, journalism or other relevant role.
• Strong writing and editing ability; knowledge relevant to defense and national security.

Responsibilities

• Manage the program’s day-to-day operations and schedules, including publications, meetings, and events.
• Oversee program activities and editing of research papers for policymakers.
• Develop and monitor the program’s budget with directors.
• Coordinate events and conference logistics; prepare background papers and materials.
• Manage marketing, social media, and digital tools to expand reach to policymakers.
• Identify funding opportunities and draft grant proposals and reports.
• Collaborate with directors, fellows, researchers, and interns on projects.
• Arrange travel and scheduling tasks as needed.
• Provide cross-departmental support as needed.

Skills

Project management

Editing

Budgeting

Event logistics

Communications

Research coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in international relations

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Position Summary

CFR’s David Rockefeller Studies Program is one of the country’s largest foreign policy think tanks with a widely respected and influential research staff. The Studies Program aims to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions.

The Defense and National Security Program analyzes the world's rapidly changing defense environment. It focuses on U.S.defense strategy, the future of war, the defense industrial base, emerging capabilities, and technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber. The program and affiliated fellows enhance the public debate through books, articles, op-eds, interviews, congressional testimony, roundtables, and briefings.

The assistant director will work under the program directors on projects related to defense and national security.

This position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC office at least four days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Manage the program’s day-to-day operations and schedules, including publications, meetings, and events, with guidance from directors,
• Assist in overseeing and coordinating the program’s activities and published products, including working closely with outside authors on research papers intended for policymakers, and editing and proofreading written material,
• Work closely with directors to develop and monitor the program’s budget,
• Coordinate events and conference logistics, including preparing invitations, corresponding with speakers, helping to prepare background papers and materials for distribution, and providing other logistical support,
• Manage the program’s marketing activities, social media presence, and other digital tools, optimizing for ways to improve the program’s reach with policymakers,
• Work with other CFR departments to identify funding opportunities, and drafting grant proposals and reports,
• Work closely with program directors, fellows, research associates, and interns on the management of projects,
• Conduct miscellaneous administrative tasks such as making travel arrangements and scheduling, as needed,
• Provide support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations or related field
• Master’s degree preferred
• 4+ years related experience in a research, government, consulting, journalism or other relevant role
• Previous related experience that required strong writing and editing ability, knowledge relevant to defense and national security, and the ability to work with accomplished researchers and authors

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Exceptional organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and tasks independently and under deadlines
• Editorial experience
• Experience with event logistics, budgets, and/or website management

Required Application Materials

Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

Compensation and Benefits

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $70,000-$75,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, 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.

About CFR

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.