Research Associate, U.S. Foreign Policy

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 Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy, and will also spend a small portion of their time working with an adjunct, part-time, or visiting fellow. The research associate works directly with the fellows, providing administrative and research support. The research associate role is dynamic and ever evolving, giving the RA the opportunity to support different fellows and programs.  

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 with editing, formatting, and preparation of reports and other publications
• Provide administrative support to the fellow, including managing complex travel itineraries, coordinating with external organizations, handling correspondence, scheduling, and responding to requests for information
• Conduct research on topics including, but not limited to, U.S. foreign policy and grand strategy, technology and geopolitics, strategic competition with China and Russia, and transatlantic relations
• 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 in managing finances, including preparing budgets and tracking monthly statements, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement
• Assist the fellow with social media outreach, including publishing a blog, website, video, and/or using social media applications such as X, as needed
• Provide support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request
• Perform any other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• BA in international relations, political science, or other similar field. Master’s degree preferred but not required
• One or more year(s) related professional and/or internship experience

Related Skills and Other Requirements

• Detailed knowledge of current issues in American 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

Required Application Materials

• Please submit a résumé and cover letter explaining 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.