CFR’s David Rockefeller Studies Program is one of the country’s largest foreign policy think tanks with a widely respected and influential research staff. The Studies Program’s aim is to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions.

The Research Associate will work under the direction of the Director of the Maurice R. Greenberg Center for Geoeconomics, with an expectation of collaboration with fellows across the Center. The Greenberg Center examines how geopolitical and economic forces interact to shape the world. This position is based in CFR’s New York City 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.

• Conducting research on high-priority research projects of the Greenberg Center for Geoeconomics, with an opportunity to collaborate fellows across the Center. Subjects will include trade, international finance, industrial policy, technology, and economic statecraft.
• Assisting with fact-checking, editing, and formatting for writing projects, which include a various articles and major reports.
• Providing administrative support to fellows in the Center, including managing travel, coordinating with external organizations, handling correspondence, and responding to requests for information
• Coordinating events, including preparing invitations, making travel arrangements, corresponding with speakers and presiders, helping prepare background papers, and providing other logistical support
• Assisting in managing the program’s finances, including preparing budgets and tracking monthly statements, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement
• Assisting the Center fellows with social media outreach, including publishing a blog, website, video, and/or using social media applications such as X, as needed
• Providing support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, history, economics, area studies, or another similar field, with a superlative undergraduate academic record
• Demonstrated interest in U.S. foreign policy and international economics
• A minimum of 1 year of relevant internship or work experience
• Familiarity with economic concepts and a comfort gathering and analyzing data; candidates who lack coursework in these areas will still be considered if they have a willingness to learn.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Strong writing and editing skills in English
• Exceptional organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and tasks independently and under deadlines

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

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $55,000-$58,000 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 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.