The Program Assistant, Task Forces, Washington External Affairs, and Executive Office is responsible for supporting the work of the Independent Task Force team, the Washington External Affairs team, and the Executive Office. The position works closely with staff in all three of these areas. This role will primarily be onsite in the Washington, DC office.
Task Force Support
• Assisting with the development, convening, writing and editing, marketing, distribution, and outreach for each Independent Task Force. (Independent Task Forces assess issues of critical importance to U.S. foreign policy.)
• Assisting with logistics for Task Force meetings, including scheduling, drafting invitations, sending and monitoring event invitations, making catering arrangements, and conducting follow-up
• Supporting the research, editing, and publication process for Task Force report drafts
• Researching and identifying experts for consideration for Task Force membership or consultation during the research process
• Communicating professionally with Task Force chairs and members by phone, email, and in person
• Planning research trips, including arranging travel, building itineraries, and preparing briefing documents
• Drafting internal and external correspondence and documents, such as weekly reports, board updates, and responses to general inquiries for the Independent Task Force Program
• Monitoring news and events related to Task Force topics
• Tracking the impact of the report among policymakers, stakeholders, and the public
• Supporting cross-departmental coordination with the Communications, Digital, Product & Design, and Publications teams to ensure on-time and successful delivery of the Task Force report and related promotional assets
• Assisting with administrative duties as needed for departmental functions
Washington External Affairs Support
• Supporting planning, implementation and follow-up for outreach initiatives to Congress, Executive Branch, and diplomatic community
• Providing administrative support to Washington External Affairs including maintenance of constituent records in CFR’s database
• Drafting internal and external correspondence and documents including weekly reports, board updates, and responses to general inquiries for the Washington External Affairs program
• Maintaining internal records, calendars, and shared databases, including development of strategic distribution lists
• Drafting regular newsletters, issue briefs, and electronic outreach for CFR products
• Coordinating logistics for and staff variety of meetings, including scheduling, arranging travel, drafting invitations, sending and monitoring event invitations, and making catering arrangements. Most events held offsite (at U.S. Capitol) and many outside business hours.
Executive Office Support
• Supporting the day-to-day operations of CFR’s president when he is in Washington
• Providing general assistance as needed (provide printouts, give background materials for meetings, scan documents)
• Meeting and greeting guests
• Bachelor’s degree in international relations or a related field with high academic achievement
• One year of related experience/internship experience, with some event planning or project management experience, preferred.
• Congressional experience, including internships, required
• Strong research skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proofreading and editing ability
• Proactive and resourceful mindset with excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills
• Knowledge of current foreign policy issues, ongoing debates, and structures of U.S. and international policymaking
• Ability to work both independently and on a team
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and database management
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed—must plan to be in the DC office on those days CFR’s president is onsite in the Washington office and congressional staff events held over breakfast or in the evening
Pay Range
$51,000 to $54,000 per year
Pay commensurate with experience and education
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 publishes Foreign 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 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.
The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.