What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate, History and Foreign Policy position at Council on Foreign Relations?
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.
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.
The research associate will work under the direction of the senior fellow for history and foreign policy. This position is based in CFR’s New York 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 when all staff are required to be onsite.
Please note that this position will begin in summer 2025.
The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):
- Conducting research on specific topics as requested by the fellow, particularly with regard to China and Russia
- Assisting with fact-checking, editing, and formatting for the fellow’s writing projects, which include a book and various articles
- Providing administrative support to the fellow, including managing travel, coordinating with external organizations, handling correspondence, and responding to requests for information
- Coordinating events, including preparing invitations, making travel arrangements, corresponding with speakers and presiders, helping prepare background papers, and providing other logistical support
- Assisting in managing the program’s finances, including preparing budgets and tracking monthly statements, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement
- Providing support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request
- Assisting the fellow with social media outreach, including publishing a blog, website, video, and/or using social media applications such as X, as needed
- Supporting other fellows and departments, upon request.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, history, economics, area studies, or another similar field, with a superb undergraduate academic record
- One or more year(s) related administrative and/or internship experience
Related Skills and Other Requirements
- Fluency in Chinese
- Strong writing and editing skills in English
- Top-notch research skills, including the ability to track down obscure sources
- Familiarity with Cold War history and U.S. foreign policy
- Exceptional organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects and tasks independently and under deadlines
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.
The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.
Salary : $55,000 - $58,000
