Research Associate, History and Foreign Policy

As a Research Associate at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), you'll engage in a range of responsibilities that include conducting in-depth research on topics requested by the senior fellow. Your tasks will also involve assisting in the fact-checking and editing of significant writing projects, providing administrative support, coordinating events, and managing program finances. This position allows for involvement across different departments, thus enhancing your experience in handling social media outreach and logistical coordination.

To qualify for the Research Associate role at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), you need a bachelor's degree in international relations, political science, history, or a related field. Ideally, you'll have at least one year of relevant administrative or internship experience. Fluency in Chinese, strong writing and editing skills in English, and exceptional organizational skills are also required. Your ability to manage projects independently and attention to detail will be crucial in this role.

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) offers a hybrid work environment for the Research Associate position, requiring at least three days a week in the New York office. You’ll engage with a team-filled atmosphere that values collaboration and communication, specifically on institutional anchor days every Tuesday and Thursday. This setup optimizes both remote flexibility and in-person interaction, fostering a dynamic work culture.

The full-time annual compensation for the Research Associate in History and Foreign Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is competitively set between $55,000 to $58,000, depending on your experience. Along with this, CFR provides an excellent benefits package, ensuring that employees are well-supported in their professional journeys.

For the Research Associate position at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), applicants must submit a résumé along with a cover letter outlining their interest in the role. These materials are essential for showcasing your academic background, relevant experience, and enthusiasm for contributing to CFR’s mission in foreign policy and international affairs.

When discussing your research experience, highlight specific projects that demonstrate your ability to conduct thorough, analytical research. Mention any topics focused on foreign policy, particularly relating to China and Russia, to align with CFR's needs. Provide examples of where your research impacted decision-making or contributed to significant discussions.

In your response, emphasize your attention to detail and any specific strategies you use for fact-checking, such as cross-referencing multiple sources or employing checklists for editing. Illustrate your process with an example where your conscientious efforts led to improved quality in a published article or report.

Discuss how you utilize tools like project management software or techniques like the Eisenhower Box to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. Share an example from your past where you successfully balanced various responsibilities, showcasing your ability to meet deadlines without compromising on quality.

Express your enthusiasm for CFR’s mission and its role in shaping foreign policy discussions. Talk about your passion for international relations and how CFR’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion resonates with you personally and professionally, indicating that you are looking forward to contributing to their impactful work.

Explain your method for researching historical topics, including identifying credible primary and secondary sources, using academic databases, and potentially integrating interdisciplinary perspectives. Highlight any personal familiarity with Cold War history and discuss how you would apply these insights to provide robust analysis.

Detail any previous experience organizing events such as speaker panels, workshops, or conferences. Emphasize your ability to manage logistics, such as invitations, budgets, and coordination with speakers, while also discussing how you handled unexpected challenges to ensure a successful event.

Indicate your openness to feedback and how you view it as an opportunity for growth. Provide an example of a time you received constructive criticism and how it ultimately improved your work quality or skills, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

Discuss your familiarity with software such as Excel or budget management systems. Explain your processes for tracking expenses and preparing financial statements, and provide an example of how you've successfully managed a budget in a previous role.

Demonstrate your understanding of CFR's focus on clear, analytical writing by discussing your commitment to clarity and precision. Provide an example of a written work that reflects these qualities, emphasizing how your writing serves to engage and inform the audience.

Explain your strategies for utilizing social media platforms to promote research projects or events, including crafting engaging content and identifying target audiences. Discuss any previous experience with social media management, illustrating how you've effectively increased outreach and engagement.