Program Coordinator, U.S. Foreign Policy

Position Summary

As part of the Studies Program, the program coordinator will support the work of a major research initiative focused on the future of American strategy. 

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

• Assist initiative leadership in researching, preparing, drafting, and editing articles, op-eds, policy briefs, data interactives, congressional testimony, magazine submissions, newsletters, and other written material,
• Coordinate logistical and day-to-day administrative support for the initiative, including study groups and meetings, publications, budget, and staff collaboration,
• Coordinate events, including preparing invitations, making travel arrangements, corresponding with speakers and presiders, helping to prepare background materials for distribution, and providing other logistical support,
• Collaborate with a dynamic team of CFR colleagues on the editing, writing, layout, and promotion of a series of essays on the future of American strategy,
• Provide oversight of program grants in coordination with other departments, including drafting grant proposals and reports, budget management, and tracking deliverables,
• Provide support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, or a similar field, with high academic achievement. Master’s degree preferred but not required.
• A minimum of three years related work experience required.

Related Skills and Other Requirements

• Detailed knowledge of current issues in U.S. foreign policy and global politics
• Exceptional organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and tasks independently and under deadlines
• Strong research skills and ability to perform well on highly varied assignments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Editorial experience strongly preferred

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 $63,000-$67,000 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.