Program Associate, Southeast Asia and U.S. Foreign Policy

Position Summary:

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 aims to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions.

 

As part of the Studies Program, the program associate will spend about half their time supporting a senior fellow whose work focuses on South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and China. They will also support the work of other fellows and programs within the Studies Program.

 

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:

• Provide administrative support, including handling correspondence, scheduling, managing travel, and responding to requests for information.
• Coordinate events and meetings, including corresponding with speakers and presiders, and providing other logistical support.
• Assist with the program’s finances, including budgeting, tracking monthly statements and preparing vouchers for reimbursement.
• Assist fellows with website management, including updating profiles, posting content, and/or using social media.
• Assist with copyediting, formatting, and preparation of newsletters, reports, and other publications.
• Conduct research, as needed.
• Support other fellows and departments and perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• BA in a field related to International Relations.
• Two or more year(s) related administrative and/or internship experience

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Exceptional organizational skills
• A high level of attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and tasks independently and under deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Required Application Materials:

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

Compensation and Benefits:

• 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 generous benefits package.

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.