Program Coordinator/Research Assistant - Missile Defense Project

Program Coordinator/Research Assistant - Missile Defense Project

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Missile Defense Project (MDP) is seeking a program coordinator / research assistant (PC/RA) to provide both administrative program support and to support its efforts to provide analysis on missile defense, long-range strike, and related strategic issues. The Missile Defense Project develops objective commentary, analysis, and multimedia research and hosts events related to these topics. This position supports all aspects of the project's activity. Because of the fast-paced work environment, candidates should be flexible and enjoy a wide variety of analytic and logistical work. The position is full-time. The expected start date is June 22, 2026.

The minimum annual salary for this position is $57,000 - $58,000.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Office Administration & Management (70%)
• Organizes and coordinates logistics for program events including meetings, briefings, roundtables, public events, and conferences;
• Tracks and records project activity in support of project and proposal reporting;
• Monitors all financial transactions (revenue and expenses) for the program on a monthly basis;
• Manages external communications, including event invitations, for MDP events, projects, newsletters, and publications;
• Develop and execute social media campaigns across platforms to promote MDP events, reports, and other commentary;
• Assists with conceptualizing new project ideas;
• Assists with other administrative tasks as needed.
• Research, Writing, & Editing (30%)
• Supports the program's research agenda through research and writing, particularly on missile defense, long-range strike, and emerging military technologies;
• Contributes to research for the project's website, MissileThreat.CSIS.org, such as producing new missile and missile defense profiles and maintaining public databases;
• Assists with data collection, management, and visualizations;
• Provides copyediting support for written publications.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience

Bachelor's degree required;

· Must have at least a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non-U.S. institution;

· Strong communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills;

· Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple responsibilities under tight deadlines;

· Ability to work independently and cooperatively;

· Interest in missile defense, long-range strike, or strategic forces;

· Interest or experience in defense budget analysis, including data collection, management, and visualization is a plus;

· Experience in graphic design or illustrating software such as Canva is a plus;

· Experience with Salesforce, Pardot, Adaptive or other budget programming is a plus.

Our Benefits

Medical insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Life insurance Short-term and long-term disability 403(b) for retirement planning Tuition Assistance Flexible Spending Account Health Savings Account Military Leave 12 Paid Holidays Sick leave Vacation leave

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Individuals must be committed to regularly working from headquarters in Washington, DC. Virtual employment will not be accepted for this role. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested applicants should submit a resumé, cover letter, and college transcript at