Research Associate, Energy and Climate

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.

As part of the Studies Program, the research associate will support the work of the Philip D. Reed senior fellow and director of the Energy, Security, and Climate Change program.

This full-time position is based in CFR’s New York City office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change. 

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Assisting with research, fact checking, organization of study groups, and related editorial tasks involved with the writing and publishing of a book on energy and climate
• Assisting with editing, formatting, and preparation of reports and other publications
• Providing administrative support to the fellow, including managing complex travel itineraries, coordinating with external organizations, handling correspondence, scheduling, and responding to requests for information
• Conducting research on topics related to the fellow's work
• Coordinating events and meetings, including preparing invitations, making travel arrangements, corresponding with speakers and presiders, helping to prepare background papers and materials for distribution, and providing other logistical support
• Assisting the fellow with social media outreach, including publishing a blog, website, video, podcast, and/or using social media applications such as X, as needed
• Supporting other fellows and departments, upon request.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• BA / BS in an area related to energy and climate economics, innovation, or geopolitics. Master’s degree preferred but not required.
• At least one year of related administrative and/or internship experience
• Specific experience writing or producing content for podcasting and social media

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• 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
• Ability to work together with team members, in person and remotely, in a collegial and cooperative fashion under deadline

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 $55,000.00 – $58,000.00, 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.