The Council on Foreign Relations

Program Manager, Fellowship Affairs

Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in International Relations or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in programming/project management and budgetary oversight
  • Preferred experience in fellowship or academic program coordination
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
  • Excellent writing and communication abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Responsibilities

  • Manage marketing and promotion efforts for the fellowship program
  • Participate in the recruitment process for the program, including application screening and logistics
  • Assist the director and fellows with placements at various institutions
  • Respond to applicant inquiries about the application process and interviews
  • Draft, edit, and proofread program content for clarity and effectiveness
  • Oversee the program's budget management and track grant information
  • Coordinate logistics for informational sessions and conferences

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Collaborative work environment with a diverse team
  • Networking opportunities within international relations community
Full Job Description
Position Summary

CFR’s Fellowship Program offers unique opportunities for mid-career and senior-career professionals focusing on international relations. The program affords fellows the opportunity to broaden their perspective of foreign affairs and to pursue proposed research, with a placement at CFR or another institution in New York City, Washington, DC, or selective international locations. 

 

The program manager will report to the director of fellowship affairs on all activities related to the fellowship program. The program manager will be part of a dynamic team working on activities in both Washington, DC, and New York.

 

This full-time position can be based in either CFR’s New York office or Washington 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
  • Manage marketing and promotion efforts for the program and research new marketing outlets, 
  • Participate in the recruitment process for the program, including but not limited to, collecting applications, serving as the first screener, distributing applications for review, and other recruitment logistics, 
  • Assist the director and selected fellows on placements, 
  • Respond to general applicant inquiries regarding the application process and interviews, 
  • Write, draft, edit, and proofread program content, 
  • Assist in overseeing the program’s budget management, including monitoring grant information, preparing vouchers for reimbursement, and drafting reports, 
  • Coordinate event logistics for information sessions and conferences, travel support, and help to prepare materials for distribution, 
  • Perform other related duties as needed. 
Minimum Qualifications

Experience 

  • Bachelor of Arts in International Relations or a related field.
  • A minimum of 5 years’ work experience that includes programming and/or project management experience and budgetary experience. Prior fellowship/academic program coordination experience preferred. 

 

Related Skills & Other Requirements 

  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, as well as ability to multi-task and meet deadlines, 
  • Ability to work independently and to coordinate multiple assignments, 
  • Excellent writing and communication skills. Able to work with all levels of faculty and staff, 
  • Outstanding professional judgment and demeanor, 
  • Proven ability to work in a fast-paced deadline driven environment, both independently and as part of a team, 
  • Excellent computer and database management skills. 
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 $78,000-$87,000, depending on experience.
  • In addition to competitive salaries, CFR provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

About The Council on Foreign Relations

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a nonpartisan think tank and membership organization focused on foreign policy and international affairs. The organization was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in New York City. The CFR conducts research, publishes reports and books, and hosts events and discussions on a wide range of topics related to foreign policy and international relations. The organization is made up of members from a variety of backgrounds, including business, academia, and government. The CFR is widely regarded as one of the most influential foreign policy organizations in the United States.
Learn more about The Council on Foreign Relations
Size
500 employees
Industry
Founded
1921

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