Research Associate, U.S. Foreign Policy
Council on Foreign Relations · Washington, United States
- On site
- Volunteer
- $58,000 / year
- Washington, United States
Job highlights
- Support senior fellow in foreign policy research.
- Conduct research on global politics and U.S. strategy.
- Coordinate events, manage travel, and handle correspondence.
- Assist with editing, formatting, and publications.
- Engage in social media outreach and financial management.
About the role
Research Associate, U.S. Foreign Policy
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.
Position Overview
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 and 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.
Key skills/competency
- Research
- U.S. Foreign Policy
- International Affairs
- Writing
- Publications
- Event Coordination
- Project Management
- Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Social Media
Skills & topics
- Research Associate
- Foreign Policy
- U.S. Foreign Policy
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Think Tank
- Research
- Writing
- Event Coordination
- Project Management
- Washington DC
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight research, writing, and administrative experience relevant to foreign policy.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Clearly articulate your interest in CFR and the U.S. Foreign Policy role.
- Showcase research skills: Provide examples of your ability to conduct in-depth research on complex topics.
- Emphasize organizational abilities: Detail your experience managing projects, coordinating events, and handling logistics.
- Research CFR: Understand their mission and recent work to demonstrate genuine interest.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary focus of the Research Associate role at CFR?
- The primary focus of the Research Associate role at the Council on Foreign Relations is to provide comprehensive research and administrative support to a Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy, contributing to the advancement of discussions on American foreign policy and international affairs.
- What qualifications are essential for the Research Associate position?
- Essential qualifications for the Research Associate position include a Bachelor's degree in international relations, political science, or a similar field, at least one year of related professional or internship experience, strong research and writing skills, exceptional organizational abilities, and detailed knowledge of current U.S. foreign policy issues.
- What is the expected work arrangement for this Research Associate role?
- This is a full-time position based in CFR's Washington, DC office. Initially, staff are expected to be onsite at least three days per week, with a planned increase to at least four days per week starting September 14, 2026. CFR's remote working schedule is subject to change.
- What is the salary range for the Research Associate position?
- The full-time annual compensation range for this Research Associate position is $55,000 to $58,000, with the final salary determined by the candidate's experience.
- What kind of research topics might a Research Associate at CFR work on?
- A Research Associate at CFR may conduct research on a variety of topics including U.S. foreign policy, grand strategy, technology and geopolitics, strategic competition with China and Russia, and transatlantic relations.
- How does CFR promote diversity and inclusion in its hiring?
- CFR is committed to fostering a foreign policy community that is more representative of American society. They actively work to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion by building a more diverse membership and staff and producing analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues.
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