The Program Associate will be a member of CFR’s Meetings Program, which brings major international and domestic officials, thought leaders, and others together with CFR members over the course of more than 100 meetings each year. 

• Coordinating meetings, including drafting meeting announcements, speaker and presider invitations, maintaining database of event information, audience development, and posting meeting information.
• Developing and researching ideas for the substance of select CFR meetings, including relevant topics, potential speakers, and intellectual structure of events on U.S. foreign policy, international economics, and other related issues
• Acting as a liaison between CFR and the presiders and speakers for events, including providing all the necessary details for each meeting such as room set-up, discussion format, run of show, and registered attendees
• Handling post event work, including writing thank-you letters, processing vouchers, and entering attendance data
• Providing administrative support for Meetings leads of events, as well as attending and staffing meetings to assist with logistics. For virtual meetings, also acting as back up operator on Zoom
• Working closely with the Program Assistant on handling registrations for over 100 CFR meetings, conferences, and symposia, as well as preparing programs for events and conferences
• 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
• Drafting, sending, and following up on invitations to potential speakers
• Preparing vouchers for payment to vendors
• Communicating professionally with CFR members, visitors, media, and staff; by phone, email, and in person
• Helping to schedule internal staff meetings and performing other administrative duties as needed for departmental functions

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations or a related field with high academic achievement

• One-year related experience, with some event planning experience preferred

• Knowledge of current foreign policy issues, ongoing debates, and structures of U.S. and international policymaking

• 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)

Pay Range

$56,000 to $59,000 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.