Program Coordinator/Research Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

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 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

JOB SUMMARY

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 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Economics and Security Technology (EST) Department advances policy research and dialogue at the intersection of economics, technology, national security, and global competitiveness. The department convenes policymakers, business leaders, academics, and subject matter experts to develop practical solutions to emerging challenges and opportunities facing the United States and its partners.

EST is seeking a Program Coordinator/Research Assistant (PCRA) to support the EST Front Office. This role requires strong skills in program management, strategic communications, event coordination, research support, and stakeholder engagement. The PCRA will play a central role in coordinating department-wide initiatives, managing executive-level administrative and operational activities, supporting strategic communications efforts, and ensuring successful execution of EST priorities.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has experience supporting senior leadership and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Has experience conducting policy research on technical, economic, technology, or national security topics.

• Has experience planning and executing events, meetings, travel logistics, and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Demonstrates exceptional organizational and project management skills.

• Has strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level writing.

• Can work independently, exercise sound judgment, and proactively identify solutions.

• Has experience coordinating cross-functional teams and department-wide initiatives.

• Has experience supporting fundraising, donor engagement, and proposal development efforts.

• Is highly proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Coordination and Front Office Operations

• Provide administrative, operational, and project management support to EST Front Office leadership.

• Manage competing priorities and support multiple department-wide initiatives simultaneously.

• Track project deliverables and deadlines and proactively inform leadership of upcoming milestones.

• Coordinate calendars, meetings, travel logistics, and stakeholder engagements as needed while ensuring timely follow-up and communication.

• Support budget tracking, expense reporting, and administrative processes.

• Coordinate and support special projects and other department-wide initiatives as assigned.

• Provide administrative and operational support for intern onboarding, departmental processes, and other Front Office priorities as assigned.

• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, scheduling, and coordinating interns, including supporting day-to-day administrative and operational activities.

Departmental Flagship Initiatives

• Help coordinate the department's flagship Tech Edge workstream, including scheduling meetings, tracking deliverables, coordinating stakeholders, and supporting content development and execution.

• Coordinate the EST Front Office podcast portfolio, including scheduling, production logistics, guest coordination, communications, and publication support.

• Support the development and execution of additional department-wide strategic initiatives and cross-program collaborations.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct policy and background research on economic security, technology, innovation, trade, energy, emerging technologies, and related policy issues.

• Assist with drafting reports, memos, briefing materials, presentations, and other research products.

• Support the preparation of publications, analyses, and external-facing materials for policymakers, partners, and donors.

• Monitor key developments and maintain situational awareness across EST issue areas.

Events, Roundtables, Forums, and Workshops

• Lead the planning and execution of public and private events, roundtables, workshops, conferences, podcasts, and strategic meetings.

• Coordinate event logistics, speaker outreach, participant management, and post-event follow-up activities.

• Manage travel logistics for speakers, delegations, and staff as needed.

• Support event communications, briefing materials, and stakeholder engagement efforts.

Strategic Communications, Stakeholder, and Donor Engagement

• Support strategic communications efforts across the EST Department, including content development, outreach, and audience engagement.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, donors, and partner organizations.

• Engage in outreach and follow-up efforts to expand the department's network and strategic partnerships.

• Assist with fundraising activities, including preparing and editing grant proposals, donor reports, concept notes, and renewal documentation.

• Support coordination of agreements, donor reporting requirements, and compliance-related documentation.

• Support strategic communications efforts across the EST Department, including managing social media content and publishing schedules, newsletters, website updates, podcasts, promotional materials, and audience engagement initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, international relations, economics, political science, business, communications, or a related field.

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills.

• Demonstrated interest in economic security, technology policy, innovation, energy, international affairs, or related policy issues.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level writing.

• Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and exercise sound judgment.

• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams), Salesforce, Pardot, Concur, Asana, and related collaboration tools.

• Computer and mobile technology proficiency to work remotely when needed.

• Experience supporting events, research projects, strategic communications, or operational functions is preferred.

• Must be eligible to work in Washington, DC, and commit at least 35 hours per week.

Salary Range

$57,000—$65,000 USD

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.


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.