Program Manager, Fellowship Affairs

Council on Foreign Relations; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) offers a Fellowship Program for mid- to senior-career professionals in international relations, enabling fellows to broaden perspectives and pursue proposed research with placements at CFR or another institution in New York City, Washington, DC, or select international locations.

The program manager reports to the director of fellowship affairs and will be part of a dynamic team with activities in DC and New York.

Qualifications

• BA in International Relations or related field is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience including programming and/or project management and budget experience.
• Prior fellowship/academic program coordination experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, writing, and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage marketing and promotion efforts for the fellowship program.
• Participate in recruitment processes and logistics for applications.
• Assist the director and fellows with placements.
• Respond to applicant inquiries regarding the process and interviews.
• Draft, edit, and proofread program content.
• Assist in overseeing budget management, including grant information and reports.

Skills

Organizational skills

Writing and communication

Independent work

Professional judgment

Deadline-driven

Database management

Education

BA in International Relations or related field

Job description

Position Summary

CFR’s Fellowship Program offers unique opportunities for mid-career and senior-career professionals focusing on international relations. The programaffords fellows the opportunity tobroaden their perspective of foreign affairs and to pursue proposed research, with a placement at CFR or another institution in New York City,Washington, DC, or selective international locations.

Theprogram managerwill report tothe directoroffellowship affairs on all activities related to the fellowship program. Theprogram manager will be part of a dynamic team working on activities in both Washington, DC, and New York.

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 considered 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

• Managemarketing and promotion efforts for the program and researchnew marketingoutlets,
• Participatein the recruitment process for the program, including but not limited to, collecting applications, serving as the first screener, distributing applications for review, and other recruitmentlogistics,
• Assistthe director andselectedfellows on placements,
• Respond to general applicant inquiriesregardingthe application process and interviews,
• Write, draft, edit,and proofreadprogram content,
• Assistin overseeing the program’s budget management, including monitoring grant information, preparing vouchers for reimbursement, and drafting reports,
• Coordinateeventlogisticsfor information sessions and conferences, travel support, and help to prepare materials for distribution,
• Performother related duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years’ work experience that includes programming and/or project management experience and budgetary experience.Prior fellowship/academic program coordination experience preferred.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, as well as ability to multi-task and meet deadlines,
• Ability to work independently andto coordinatemultiple assignments,
• Excellent writing and communication skills. Able to work with all levels of faculty and staff,
• Outstanding professional judgment and demeanor,
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced deadline driven environment, both independently and as part of a team,
• Excellent computer and database management skills.

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 $78,000-$87,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, CFR provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.