Research Associate, U.S. Foreign Policy
Council on Foreign Relations · Washington, DC, US · United States · On-site
Pay: USD 55,000 – 58,000 a year
Posted Oct 6, 2026
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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
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