Research Associate, U.S. Foreign Policy
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 14, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 6, 2026.
Overview
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.
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’s aim is to advance the discussion of U.S. foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions.
As part of the Studies Program, the research associate will support a variety of fellows and programs, including a senior fellow whose work focuses on international relations, foreign policy, and diplomatic history. This role encompasses both administrative and research support, with the balance between the two fluctuating based on fellow and program needs.
This position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC, office on a hybrid basis. CFR defines hybrid status as working at least four days a week onsite, with Tuesday through Thursday considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
- Provide logistical and administrative support to fellows, including scheduling and calendar management, handling phone calls, and media requests, making travel arrangements, and drafting correspondence
- Coordinate events, including preparing invitations, making travel arrangements, corresponding with speakers, presiders, and participants, and providing logistical support for the event
- Conduct research and editing for articles, book chapters, and other publications
- Assist with budgeting, including tracking monthly income statements, monitoring grant information, potentially drafting grant reports and proposals, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement
- Assist fellows with social media outreach, including website maintenance and posting and/or using social media platforms, as needed
- Support other fellows and departments, upon request
- Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required
Minimum Qualifications
Experience and Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as political science, history, or international relations or other related fields.
- Demonstrated interest in foreign policy studies, diplomatic history, or related fields
- Master’s degree preferred, but not required
- One or more years of related administrative and/or internship experience preferred
Related Skills & Other Requirements
- Excellent research, writing, editing, and communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with others
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive information with discretion.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other digital productivity tools, with strong online research and information-management 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 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.