Program Assistant, Council Trips

Council on Foreign Relations; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

An established nonprofit organization is seeking a dedicated Program Assistant to enhance the Council Trips program. This exciting role involves coordinating logistics for high-end travel experiences focused on foreign policy, managing member registrations, and providing exceptional support to the Director of Council Trips. You will play a vital part in developing agendas, tracking audience engagement, and ensuring seamless communication with speakers and partners. If you possess strong organizational skills, a passion for international affairs, and a commitment to providing top-notch service, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health and Wellness Program

On-site Fitness Center

Generous Leave Policies

Health Insurance Programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations or related field required.
• Knowledge of current foreign policy issues and U.S. policymaking structures.

Responsibilities

• Support trip development and logistics for international and domestic trips.
• Manage correspondence with vendors and outreach partners.
• Provide administrative support for traveler information collection.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Database Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in International Relations

Relevant Equivalent Experience

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Outlook

Job description

Overview

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 publishesForeign 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 (CFR) is seeking a Program Assistant to support the Council Trips program, which offers high-end, foreign policy-focused travel experiences for CFR's membership and staff. This role involves assisting with trip development, outreach, and member registration. The Program Assistant will report to the Director of Council Trips.

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

• Supporting the Director of Council Trips with agenda development for more than 15 international, domestic, and day trips annually by coordinating logistics, scheduling meetings, and managing correspondence with vendors and outreach partners
• Drafting, sending, and following up on invitations to potential speakers and sites
• Preparing program rosters, delegation bios, suggested reading lists, and program booklets for all trips
• Tracking and reporting daily on audience development for upcoming trips
• Moderate use of membership database requiring advanced skills to set up and manage trip invitations, write and execute statistical queries, enter attendance data, generate general database reports, and compile trip statistics
• Providing administrative support to collect traveler information, including but not limited to flights, passports, contact information, dietary and health information, deposits, and liability waivers
• Sending post-trip surveys and compiling member feedback for review
• Placing orders and managing inventory for speaker gifts and traveler swag
• Helping to schedule internal staff meetings and perform additional administrative duties as needed for departmental functions
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations or a related field with high academic achievement or relevant equivalent experience required, with some project management experience preferred
• Knowledge of current foreign policy issues, ongoing debates, and structures of U.S. and international policymaking

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Self-starter with excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks
• Flexible, positive, team-oriented attitude
• Ability to provide concierge-level customer service with high-level individuals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proofreading and editing ability
• Strong computer skills in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and database management
• Ability to work flexible hours

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 $55,000– $58,000, 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.

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