CFR is truly a national organization, with a plurality of its membership based outside of our New York and Washington, DC, hubs. The National Program provides a forum for these members to discuss pressing foreign policy issues and contribute to CFR’s research by organizing approximately eighty on-the-ground meetings each year, as well as two large annual events and interactive virtual programming. The Outreach side of the department is dedicated to raising the profile of CFR beyond CFR’s membership and promoting an informed citizenry through programming and the dissemination of CFR resources. Current initiatives focus on state and local officials; local journalists; college and university educators, administrators, and students; and congregational leaders and representatives of faith-based organizations. We are also currently developing a fifth initiative focused on the technology industry.

The Assistant to the Vice President of CFR’s National Program and Outreach department will provide administrative support to department leadership and work closely with fellow National Program team members to assist with programming ideas and execution. This position will be based in CFR’s New York office on a hybrid work schedule.

• Providing administrative and logistical support to the department Vice President, including scheduling meetings and maintaining calendars, answering phones, arranging travel, handling correspondence, procuring office supplies, and supporting ad-hoc projects.
• Supporting the planning and execution of National Program events around the country and the annual National Symposium in Menlo Park and National Conference in New York, including managing emails, updating database records, organizing meeting materials, overseeing speaker travel and logistics, preparing rosters, editing bios, drafting speaker invitations, and researching background materials, under the direction of the National Program supervisors.
• Assisting with National Program virtual events, including identifying topics and speakers, composing meeting materials, scheduling events in Zoom, and drafting remarks.
• Overseeing details for the Committee on the National Program, including organizing annual meetings, coordinating schedules to accommodate multiple executives’ calendars, taking the lead on committee members’ rotations as necessary, preparing briefing materials, and drafting meeting minutes.
• Tracking departmental expenses, managing the Vice President’s corporate credit card, and coordinating invoice payments and reimbursements.
• Collaborating with staff in other departments and with external partner organizations on coordinating schedules, organizing events, and sharing information relevant to various crosscutting projects.
• Providing other general logistical and project support to the department, as needed.
• Helping staff large department events held in New York.

• Two years of office experience. Prior executive assistant experience preferred.
• BA in international relations or related field with high academic achievement and proven interest in current U.S. foreign policy and international affairs issues.
• Strong logistical and administrative support experience in program and/or event planning.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously, superior organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Ability to meet demanding deadlines with a positive attitude and interact with members and the public in a professional manner.
• Team player with capacity to take initiative, demonstrate flexibility, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Microsoft Word and Excel skills. Microsoft Dynamics CRM or other database experience preferred.
• Familiarity with managing budgets and tracking expenses.
• Availability to work flexible hours and overtime, as necessary.

Pay Range

$58,000 to $63,000 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.