← All Positions
Posted Apr 10, 2026

Program Associate, Local Journalists Initiative

Apply Now
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is dedicated to fostering a more representative foreign policy community in the United States. They are seeking a Program Associate for the Local Journalists Initiative to support programmatic offerings, manage communications, and assist with outreach efforts aimed at local journalists. Responsibilities - Support the CFR Local Journalists Initiative virtual and in-person programmatic offerings and events, which include a webinar series, media briefings, an annual workshop, and CFR representation at external conferences and professional gatherings across the country - Tasks include administrative support for scheduling events, initiating and editing draft correspondence including event invitations and thank you notes, preparing meeting materials, and contributing to reports for initiative activities - Growing the initiative’s constituency by researching and compiling new contacts to the master list - Supporting CFR communications and content dissemination efforts by updating webpages, preparing email campaign templates—including newsletters and surveys—and placing advertisements - Collecting qualitative and quantitative data across program offerings for reporting purposes and strategic decision-making - Maintaining CFR databases with accurate contact and participation information for journalists, scheduling meetings, taking and circulating meeting notes, and compiling follow-up tasks and action items - Collaborating on a bi-monthly newsletter for journalists featuring a curated selection of CFR content - Researching annual conferences and networking opportunities that align with initiative goals - Coordinating across departments and with external partner organizations to align schedules, assist with event execution, and share information relevant to multiple crosscutting projects - Providing general project support to the department, including attending and working at events held outside of business hours - Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required Skills - Bachelor's degree in political science, journalism, international relations, or a related field - One year of experience working in outreach, partnerships, international relations, academia, government, or community engagement - Ability to multitask and manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously; superior organizational and time management skills, as well as attention to detail - Excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate effectively with multiple audiences; strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills - Ability to meet demanding deadlines with a positive attitude - Professional conduct in all interactions with CFR members, invited dignitaries, and the general public. Judicious use of confidentiality and discretion when necessary - Team player with capacity to take initiative, demonstrate flexibility, and work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment - Familiarity with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Dynamics 365 - Availability to work flexible hours and overtime, as necessary - Capacity for domestic travel a few times each year - Ability to assist with packing, shipping, and set up of publications and meeting materials for internal and external workshops, conferences, and events - Event or program management experience - Experience with Quorum or other public affairs database Benefits - An award-winning health and wellness program - An on-site fitness center - Generous leave policies - Health insurance programs Company Overview - Council on Foreign Relations operates as a non-partisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher. It was founded in 1921, and is headquartered in New York, New York, USA, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is https://www.cfr.org/.