Associate Director of Research to the President

Position Summary:

As the primary researcher for the President of CFR, the Associate Director of Research to the President is responsible for holding the pen for in-depth analyses on a wide range of foreign policy topics, crafting compelling written materials, and delivering timely briefings that inform the President's thought leadership and public engagements. This position also extends beyond research to include strategic support as necessary to coordinate across departments and regularly represent the Executive Office with both poise and professionalism. A successful researcher will possess not only strong analytical and writing skills but also the adaptability, discretion, motivation, and interpersonal finesse necessary to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, where attention to detail and working long hours is expected.

 

This full-time position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC 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. 

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

• Research, draft, fact-check, and/or proofread short-form and long-form articles, opinion pieces, columns, speeches and remarks, memoranda, and long-form analyses on a variety of topics
• Produce the President’s weekly newsletter, The World This Week
• Collaborate with CFR staff, including Vice Presidents and Senior Fellows, to gather relevant information and insights for written and researched products
• Deliver detailed and timely briefings for the President ahead of speaking engagements, including moderated panels and fireside chats
• Provide regular briefings on domestic and foreign policy news developments and stay informed ongoing developments in U.S. foreign policy
• Prepare briefings on tight turnarounds for in-person, virtual, and live media engagements
• Correspond with speakers and presiders to prepare background materials ahead of speaking and media engagements
• Staff the President during events at CFR’s offices as well as outside engagements and business travel beyond regular business hours as needed
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree a plus. International Relations, international economics and/or strong experience in a related field preferred.
• At least 2 years related experience as a foreign policy researcher and/or speechwriter

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Demonstrable expertise in written communication, strong verbal communication skills, and skills in proofreading and copyediting.
• Demonstrated experience and success with ghostwriting and capturing the authentic voice of executive leadership in written communications, speeches, and remarks
• Demonstrated track record of quickly producing original copy.
• Track record of coordinating multiple priorities under tight deadlines and completing deliverables on schedule
• Superior attention to detail
• Able to quicky and fully accept and incorporate feedback in written material
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as on a team

Required Application Materials:

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

Compensation and Benefits:

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $80,000 – $87,000, 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.

About CFR:

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.