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 Editor of Special Projects leads the transformation of CFR's research and analysis into compelling, accessible formats for broader audiences. This role serves as a key bridge between CFR's Studies department and the digital team, developing comprehensive content packages that extend the impact of CFR's research initiatives. The position is crucial in fulfilling CFR's mission to provide in-depth resources on key international topics and regions.

This role reports to the Managing Editor, Digital Content, and must be based in our Washington, D.C., or New York City offices. 

• Lead development and editing of multi-format content packages based on CFR research initiatives
• Manage the editorial calendar to align upcoming reports with our team’s priorities
• Collaborate with Studies department to identify opportunities for extending research impact
• Transform research and analysis into engaging digital experiences partnering with our visuals and design team
• Oversee the writing and editing of comprehensive backgrounders and explainers on key topics, working alongside the content strategy lead
• Be an active participant in our editorial leadership group
• Manage relationships between Studies department and digital team
• Develop innovative approaches to presenting complex data and analysis
• Design and implement editorial processes for long-form digital projects
• Track performance metrics and optimize content approach based on data
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, International Relations, or related field preferred
• 5-7+ years of experience in editorial direction or content strategy, with significant time spent in a newsroom or fast-paced media environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects while meeting critical deadlines
• Experience leading high-impact editorial projects in news environments
• Proven track record translating research into engaging content for general audiences
• Success managing relationships between editorial and research teams
• Experience developing and executing multi-format content projects under time pressure

• Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $80,000 - $115,000 depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, 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 (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 (DEI) 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-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.

The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.