Program Coordinator / Research Assistant - Americas Program

C

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Posted 2 months ago

Full Time

Washington, District of Columbia

Hybrid

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The Program Coordinator/Research Assistant will support the Americas Program by drafting publications, conducting research, and managing day-to-day administrative operations. They will also coordinate public and private events, monitor regional developments, and assist with communications and stakeholder outreach.

Qualifications

You have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as international affairs, political science, or economics, and possess professional fluency in Spanish. Your strong research, writing, and editing skills are essential for drafting publications, compiling data, and supporting program operations in a fast-paced policy environment.

Must Have Skills for ATS

Spanish

Microsoft Office

research

writing

editing

event planning

Pardot

Canva

Salesforce

Asana

Job Description

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 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.   The Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) addresses the most urgent challenges and opportunities shaping the Western Hemisphere. Our work examines issues such as democratic resilience, citizen security, economic competitiveness, regional integration, economic security, and the evolving role of Latin America and the Caribbean in global affairs. Through in-depth research, innovative convenings, and policy engagement, the program generates insights and recommendations that inform decisionmakers and strengthen cooperation across the region.   The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) seeks a highly motivated Program Coordinator/Research Assistant (PC/RA) to support the Americas Program in a full-time capacity. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, organized, and proactive professional with strong research, writing, and administrative skills who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative policy environment. The successful candidate will support the Americas Program’s research, writing, events, outreach, and day-to-day operations. This role is especially well suited to a candidate with demonstrated interest in Western Hemisphere affairs, excellent written communication skills, Spanish-language fluency, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with professionalism and attention to detail.   This role pays between $57,000 and $65,000, depending on the candidate’s experience.   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:   • Drafting, editing, and fact-checking Americas Program publications, newsletters, correspondence, and other written materials.  • Compiling research and data into literature reviews, summaries, backgrounders, memos, and short publications to support the program’s research portfolio.  • Coordinating public and private events, including content development, logistics, outreach, materials, and on-site support.  • Assisting with ongoing Americas Program research and projects as specified by staff.  • Monitoring political, economic, and security developments in Latin America and the Caribbean.  • Supporting the program’s communications and outreach efforts, including website updates, social media platforms, newsletters, and other digital content, ensuring consistency with CSIS standards.  • Assisting with contact management, event invitations, and other forms of stakeholder outreach.  • Providing day-to-day administrative and operational support for program activities as needed.  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.   KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE: • Bachelor’s degree required in international affairs, political science, Latin American studies, economics, public policy, history, or a related field. • Strong academic record and demonstrated interest in Latin America and the Caribbean.  • Professional fluency in Spanish required; Portuguese is a plus.  • Excellent analytical, research, and writing abilities.  • Strong editing skills and attention to detail.  • Ability to synthesize complex information clearly, accurately, and concisely for different audiences.  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.  • Experience supporting event planning and execution, including identifying and tracking participants, preparing and sending invitations, coordinating pre-event logistics, supporting on-site event needs, and assisting with post-event follow-up, • Proficiency in Microsoft Office required; familiarity with digital communications, CRM, project management, and design platforms such as Pardot, Canva, Salesforce, and Asana preferred. • Previous internship or professional experience in a think tank, research institution, government office, nonprofit organization, newsroom, or similar setting preferred.  • Must be authorized to work in the United States.   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS: The candidate should be able to come into the office at least four times per week. 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. Equal Opportunity Employer.   HOW TO APPLY:  Apply early! We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should submit a résumé and cover letter.  Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered, and you must apply before May 15, 2026.

C

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Established in Washington, D.C., over 60 years ago, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to providing strategic insights and policy solutions to help decisionmakers chart a course toward a better world. Founded in 1962 by David M. Abshire and Admiral Arleigh Burke, CSIS is one of the world’s preeminent international policy institutions focused on defense and security; geoeconomics and technology; Asia and other regional studies; and transnational challenges ranging from energy and climate to global health policy and food & water security. For nine consecutive years, CSIS was named the world's number one think tank for international security by the University of Pennsylvania's “Go To Think Tank Index.” The Center’s over 275 full-time staff and large network of affiliated scholars conduct research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look to the future and anticipate change. CSIS is regularly called upon by Congress, the executive branch, the media, and others to explain the day’s events and offer recommendations to improve U.S. strategy. In late 2015, Thomas J. Pritzker was named chairman of the CSIS Board of Trustees. Mr. Pritzker succeeded former U.S. senator Sam Nunn (D-GA), who chaired the CSIS Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2015. CSIS is led by John J. Hamre, who has served as president and chief executive officer since 2000. Twitter: cs.is/U4RJEq LinkedIn: cs.is/33W0gX8 Instagram: cs.is/2ZbBTkF Threads: cs.is/3vamuH2 YouTube: cs.is/2TKVQ0k Podcasts: cs.is/2NuWcaD
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