The Council on Foreign Relations

Program Manager, Fellowship Affairs

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts in International Relations or related field
  • Minimum 5 years of programming/project management experience
  • Prior fellowship or academic program coordination preferred
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments independently

Responsibilities

  • Manage marketing and promotion efforts for the program
  • Participate in the recruitment process, including screening applications
  • Assist the director and fellows with placements
  • Respond to applicant inquiries about the process
  • Draft and proofread program content
  • Oversee budget management and prepare reimbursement vouchers
  • Coordinate logistics for events and prepare materials

Benefits

  • Outstanding benefits package offered
  • Opportunities for professional development and networking
  • Flexible work environment with a mix of onsite and remote work
  • Engagement in high-impact international relations work
  • Dynamic team environment across locations in NYC and DC
Full Job Description
Position Summary

CFR’s Fellowship Program offers unique opportunities for mid-career and senior-career professionals focusing on international relations. The programaffords fellows the opportunity tobroaden 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.

Theprogram managerwill report tothe directoroffellowship affairs on all activities related to the fellowship program. Theprogram 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
  • Managemarketing and promotion efforts for the program and researchnew marketingoutlets,
  • Participatein the recruitment process for the program, including but not limited to, collecting applications, serving as the first screener, distributing applications for review, and other recruitmentlogistics,
  • Assistthe director andselectedfellows on placements,
  • Respond to general applicant inquiriesregardingthe application process and interviews,
  • Write, draft, edit,and proofreadprogram content,
  • Assistin overseeing the program’s budget management, including monitoring grant information, preparing vouchers for reimbursement, and drafting reports,
  • Coordinateeventlogisticsfor information sessions and conferences, travel support, and help to prepare materials for distribution,
  • Performother related duties as needed.
Minimum Qualifications

Experience

  • Bachelor of Arts in International Relations or a related field.
  • A minimum of 5 yearswork 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 andto coordinatemultiple 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 rsum 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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