Program Assistant, LEAD AI

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 program assistant will support the work of senior fellows and the LEAD AI program.

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

• Provide administrative and operational support to the fellows and LEAD AI program, including managing complex travel itineraries, scheduling, coordinating with external organizations, handling correspondence, and responding to requests for information,
• Coordinate 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,
• Assist with the program’s finances, including tracking monthly statements and preparing vouchers for reimbursement,
• Assist with editing, formatting, and preparation of reports and other publications,
• Assist the LEAD AI program with website management, including updating profiles, posting content, and/or using social media,
• Support other fellows and departments, upon request,
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bacherlor's degree in related field,
• One or more year(s) related administrative and/or internship experience.

Related Skills and Other Requirements

• Exceptional organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail,
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and tasks independently and under deadlines,
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills,
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

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.