Program Coordinator/Research Assistant - Missile Defense Project

CSIS Middle East Program; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 57,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Tuition Assistance

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

The CSIS Middle East Program is seeking a full-time Program Coordinator/Research Assistant in Washington, DC. You'll provide administrative program support and conduct research on missile defense and related issues.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.5 GPA, strong organizational skills, and an interest in strategic defense. Offers competitive benefits including health and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; must have at least a 3.5 GPA from an accredited U.S. institution.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Interest in missile defense or strategic forces.

Responsibilities

• Organize logistics for program events and track project activities.
• Support research agenda through research and writing.
• Manage external communications for MDP events and projects.

Skills

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.5 GPA)

Tools

Salesforce

Canva

Job description

Job Summary

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. It employs some 250 staff, of which more than 120 are analysts who address the changing dynamics of international security worldwide. The CSIS Missile Defense Project (MDP) seeks a program coordinator / research assistant to provide both administrative program support and research on missile defense, long‑range strike, and related strategic issues. The position is full‑time. The expected start date is June 22, 2026. Minimum annual salary: $57,000‑$58,000.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

Office Administration & Management (70%)

• Organizes and coordinates logistics for program events including meetings, briefings, roundtables, public events, and conferences;
• Tracks and records project activity in support of project and proposal reporting;
• Monitors all financial transactions (revenue and expenses) for the program on a monthly basis;
• Manages external communications, including event invitations, for MDP events, projects, newsletters, and publications;
• Develops and executes social media campaigns across platforms to promote MDP events, reports, and other commentary;
• Assists with conceptualizing new project ideas;
• Assists with other administrative tasks as needed.

Research, Writing, & Editing (30%)

• Supports the program’s research agenda through research and writing, particularly on missile defense, long‑range strike, and emerging military technologies;
• Contributes to research for the project’s website, MissileThreat.CSIS.org, such as producing new missile and missile defense profiles and maintaining public databases;
• Assists with data collection, management, and visualizations;
• Provides copyediting support for written publications.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience

Bachelor’s degree required; must have at least a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non‑U.S. institution.

• Strong communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills;
• Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple responsibilities under tight deadlines;
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively;
• Interest in missile defense, long‑range strike, or strategic forces;
• Interest or experience in defense budget analysis, including data collection, management, and visualization is a plus;
• Experience in graphic design or illustrating software such as Canva is a plus;
• Experience with Salesforce, Pardot, Adaptive or other budget programming is a plus.

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

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions

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. Individuals must be committed to regularly working from headquarters in Washington, DC. Virtual employment will not be accepted for this role.

Equal Opportunity

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer. We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.