Assistant Director, Studies Operations

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’s aim is to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions.

The Director of Studies office oversees staffing, budgeting, and the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures. The assistant director supports the effective operation of the David Rockefeller Studies Program by coordinating departmental activities, managing administrative processes, preparing communications on behalf of senior leadership, and supporting special projects across the program.

This position is based in CFR’s New York City office on a hybrid basis. CFR defines hybrid status as working at least four days a week onsite, with Tuesday through Thursday considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Coordinate within the Director of Studies office and across the Studies Program, including organizing department-wide meetings and events, preparation of notes for high-level meetings, ad hoc research, logistics for books and reports, website management, and special projects.
• Oversee onboarding for new fellows, working closely with other departments on coordination.
• Draft communications on behalf of the Senior Vice President of Studies, including monthly updates for the department and notes on major publications.
• Coordinate with fellows to draft annual stewardship letters and reports, including gathering information, editing text, and liaising with the Development department.
• Act as departmental liaison for special projects, as needed.
• Support the development, implementation, and improvement of departmental processes and procedures to strengthen operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Track project deadlines, deliverables, and outstanding action items for departmental initiatives, following up with relevant stakeholders to support timely completion and identify potential challenges.
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Experience

• Bachelor degree required
• A minimum of four years of work experience in operations, program coordination, or a related field.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Excellent professional judgment, discretion, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including the ability to draft communications for senior leadership.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
• Strong project management and coordination skills, including the ability to work collaboratively across teams and independently manage assigned responsibilities.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess operational needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop practical solutions to departmental challenges.
• Adaptability and initiative, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, respond to changing priorities, and take ownership of new projects and responsibilities as they arise.

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 $70,000 – $75,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.

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.