Program Coordinator & Research Assistant OR Program Manager & Research Associate - Freeman Chai

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 over 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies is a leading source of insight and analysis on China’s evolving political system, domestic agenda, and foreign policy. Our work focuses on leadership politics, policy making and decision‑making processes, party‑state governance, political discourse and the role of ideology, sources of political stability and risk, and how these dynamics affect the broader world.

The Program Coordinator and Research Assistant (PCRA) or Program Manager and Research Associate (PMRA) will provide administrative and research support to senior staff of the Freeman Chair in China Studies. They will manage day‑to‑day operations, coordinate events, support fundraising and outreach efforts, and contribute to the program’s research agenda. A strong understanding of Chinese domestic politics and/or foreign policy is required for this role.

The salary ranges are $57,000–$62,000 for PCRA and $60,000–$67,000 for PMRA, based on experience.

March 13, 2026

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Manage calendars, correspondence, and travel itineraries for senior program staff.
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, conferences, seminars, and international trips.
• Oversee budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
• Draft contracts and process payments for consultants and associates.
• Support grant applications, donor communications, and reporting requirements.
• Hire and supervise interns, including recruitment and daily task management.
• Update web and social media content and assist with multimedia products.
• Liaise with internal CSIS teams and external partners, including U.S. and international officials.

• Conduct research (including Chinese language documents) to support publications and briefings.
• Draft and edit research products including policy briefs, commentaries, reports, and donor communications.
• Monitor developments in relevant policy areas.
• Assist in conceptualizing new project ideas and contribute to grant proposal development.

• Develop and manage the program’s social media presence.
• Liaise with funders, experts, partner organizations, and government officials.
• Maintain and improve databases of stakeholders and contacts.
• Draft concept papers and proposals for fundraising and partnerships.

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred for PMRA.
• PCRA requires 1–2 years of relevant professional experience; PMRA requires more than two years.
• Strong understanding of Chinese domestic politics and/or Chinese foreign policy.
• Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese; research and analyze Chinese language documents, and manage email correspondence in Chinese regarding program events. Facility with additional regional languages is preferred.
• Strong writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Facility with data analysis and quantitative research methods preferred.
• Experience with budgeting, scheduling, and event planning preferred.
• Experience with professional use of social media preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

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.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please apply at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). by no later than March 13, 2026
.

All applicants must submit the following in one PDF document:

• Resume/CV (one page).
• Cover letter.
• A short (no more than 3 pages) writing sample demonstrating the applicant’s policy analysis and written communication skills.
• A list of 2 references (including name, title, affiliation, email address, and phone number).

Should you have any inquiries about the position, please email Han Chen (hchen).