Program Associate, Fellowship Affairs

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 aims to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions. It is also the home of the Council’s Fellowship Program, which offers a variety of year-long fellowship opportunities including the Military Fellowship Program.

The Council is seeking a Program Associate to work closely with and report to the Director of the Fellowship Program and provide support for the Fellowship Program as well as the annual class of Military Fellows that come through the program. The Council usually awards five to six Military Fellowships annually. The program enables selected officers to broaden their understanding of international relations by spending approximately a year in residence at the Council’s headquarters in New York. Military Fellows expand their knowledge of international relations through extensive participation in the Council’s active program of meetings and events, interaction with the Council’s diverse membership, and research and writing.

This position is based in CFR’s New York City office on a hybrid basis. CFR currently defines hybrid status as working at least three days a week onsite, with Tuesdays and Thursdays considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite.

The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):

• Work with the director of the Fellowship Program to provide support for the Military Fellows
• Keep the director apprised of all Military Fellowship activities
• Coordinate (and attend when necessary) events, meetings, and military trips, including preparing invitations, travel arrangements, corresponding with speakers and presiders, helping to prepare background papers and materials for distribution, and providing other logistical support
• Assist in managing budgets, including preparing budgets and tracking monthly statements, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement
• Draft, edit, and proofread written material, including speeches, meeting summaries, memos, and summaries of research findings
• Provide research assistance and tracking news and data sources on requested foreign policy issues for the Military Fellows
• Handle correspondence, scheduling, and responding to requests for information
• Provide support in the Fellowship Affairs Program and Studies Program when the need arises

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• BA in International Relations, or related field, with strong academic credentials
• Familiarity or experience with the U.S. Military
• 1 or more year(s) related administrative experience

Related Skills and Other Requirements

• Strong research, writing, and editing skills
• Strong organizational and program planning skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office

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, CFR provides employees with an outstanding 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.