Program Manager, Fellowship Affairs

Council on Foreign Relations; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC or New York invites applications for a full-time Program Manager in its Fellowship Affairs team. The role supports the fellowship program, coordinates recruitment, marketing, and placements, and collaborates across offices; onsite four days per week beginning Sept 14, 2026.

The ideal candidate has a BA in International Relations and at least five years in program management or academic programs, with budget experience, strong writing and

Qualifications

• BA in International Relations or related field.
• 5+ years of work experience in programming and/or project management with budgetary responsibilities.
• Prior fellowship/academic program coordination experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage marketing and promotion efforts for the program and research new marketing outlets.
• Participate in recruitment processes including screening and logistics.
• Assist the director and selected fellows on placements.
• Respond to applicant inquiries regarding applications and interviews.
• Write, draft, edit, and proofread program content.
• Oversee the program’s budget management, grants, and reports.
• Coordinate event logistics for information sessions and conferences.

Skills

Organization skills

Writing

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Tools

Budget management software

Job description

Position Summary

CFR’s Fellowship Program offers unique opportunities for mid‑career and senior‑career professionals focusing on international relations. The program affords fellows the opportunity to broaden 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.

Program Manager Responsibilities

The program manager will report to the director of fellowship affairs on all activities related to the fellowship program. The program 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

• Manage marketing and promotion efforts for the program and research new marketing outlets
• Participate in the recruitment process for the program, including but not limited to collecting applications, serving as the first screener, distributing applications for review, and other recruitment logistics
• Assist the director and selected fellows on placements
• Respond to general applicant inquiries regarding the application process and interviews
• Write, draft, edit, and proofread program content
• Assist in overseeing the program’s budget management, including monitoring grant information, preparing vouchers for reimbursement, and drafting reports
• Coordinate event logistics for information sessions and conferences, travel support, and help to prepare materials for distribution
• Perform other related duties as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• 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, and ability to multi‑task and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and to coordinate multiple 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.

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.