Program Assistant, Meetings

Council on Foreign Relations; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is looking for a full-time Program Assistant to support its Meetings Program in Washington, DC. The role includes managing registrations for over 200 meetings, working with databases, and coordinating logistics for events. Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in international relations or a related field, have knowledge of foreign policy issues, and possess strong organizational and communication skills. The compensation range is $55,000–$58,000 annually, with an outstanding benefits package.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of current foreign policy issues and ongoing debates.
• At least one year of related experience, with some event planning experience preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours for events.

Responsibilities

• Handle registrations for CFR meetings and events.
• Execute statistical queries and manage attendee data in databases.
• Prepare rosters and program booklets for events.
• Draft and send invitations to speakers.
• Provide administrative support and assist in meeting logistics.

Skills

Excellent attention to detail

Strong organizational skills

Research skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Experience with database management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in international relations or a related field

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Position Summary

The Program Assistant will be a member of the Meetings Program, which brings major international and domestic officials, thought leaders, and other experts together with CFR members over the course of more than 200 meetings each year. This full‑time position can be based in either CFR’s New York office or Washington office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Effective Monday, September 14, 2026, CFR employees will be based on‑site at least four days per week. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change.

Essential Functions / Responsibilities

• Handle registrations for over 200 CFR meetings, conferences, and symposia on the member website (taking place virtually, in New York, and in Washington, DC).
• Extensive use of membership database requiring advanced skills to write and execute statistical queries, enter event attendance data, generate general database reports, and compile meeting statistics.
• Prepare program rosters for all events and create program booklets for special lectureships, symposia, and conferences.
• Track and report daily on audience development for upcoming events.
• Draft, send, and follow up on invitations to potential speakers.
• Prepare vouchers for payment to vendors.
• Provide administrative support for Meetings leads of events, attend and staff meetings to assist with logistics, and act as back‑up operator on Zoom for virtual meetings.
• Help to schedule internal staff meetings and perform additional administrative duties as needed for departmental functions.
• With experience, coordinate logistics for select meetings each year, including drafting meeting announcements, speaker and presider invitations, maintaining a database of event information, audience development, and posting meeting information on the CFR member website.
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications / Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations or a related field.
• Knowledge of current foreign policy issues, ongoing debates, and structures of U.S. and international policymaking.
• At least one year of related experience, with some event planning experience preferred.

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.
• Strong research skills and 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 (many events are held over breakfast or in the evening).

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, CFR provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

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‑ranging programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.