Project Manager, Political and Security Affairs

About The National Bureau of Asian Research

N  is an independent, nonpartisan research institution based in Seattle and Washington, D.C. We bring world-class scholarship to bear on the evolving strategic environment in Asia through original, policy-relevant research, and we invest in our future by training the next generation of Asia specialists.

With power, risk, and opportunity concentrating in Asia, we tackle those critical issues that America's leaders need to understand - because the decisions they make matter and the stakes are high. As the nation's Asia policy think tank, we envision a future that is free, open, secure, and prosperous for all.

This is an opportunity to work in a supportive environment with a group of high performing, dedicated, and friendly colleagues.

The Project Manager for the Political and Security Affairs group (PSA) provides project management and development support for a portfolio of research projects focusing on specific countries or a region of Asia. Reporting to the Director, PSA, the project manager may also supervise one Political and Security Affairs Intern or Project Associate.

Project Managers work on project teams to accomplish specific project objectives and take the lead on managing specific project tasks on schedule and within budget. Project Managers are responsible for country-specific portfolios of work but may occasionally support projects outside their portfolio.

• Project Management: managing part or all of projects across all parts of the project cycle (including project scoping, research, publications, events, and distribution) on schedule and within budget; drafting project descriptions, concept papers, correspondence, etc.; maintaining project documentation, webpages, and filing systems.
• Research Management: coordinating substantive research assistance for project teams and scholars; summarizing research papers; working with experts to scope and develop lines of research inquiry; reviewing and undertaking quality control on expert pieces and intern research support.
• Grant Development: contributing to the development of new proposals and projects including researching new funding opportunities and assisting the scoping, methodology, and framing of project concepts; drafting proposal narratives and supporting the drafting of proposal budgets.
• Publications Editing: reviewing and providing substantive feedback and edits to project publications; coordinating publications distribution.
• Grant Reporting: drafting grant progress reports according to sponsor requirements, and responding to other sponsor requests or questions.
• Budgeting: developing project budgets, tracking project expenses, and preparing budget reports.
• Event Management: designing and coordinating conferences, workshops, presentations, and government briefings for projects.
• Staff Management: supervising project associates, fellows, and interns to achieve specific project objectives.
• Relationship Management: maintaining relations with project research leads; liaising with external experts and senior officials; developing relations with sponsors and other stakeholders.
• Outreach: representing N  (esp. projects) before a range of audiences (e.g., project stakeholders and constituents).
• Database Administration: coordinating the maintenance of and updating project databases.
• Participating in and managing other N  activities as needed.

Project Managers have substantive expertise on a range of countries and issues and understand each project's scope/relevance in order to work effectively with scholars and other stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in security studies, Asia Studies, international relations, foreign policy, or other relevant discipline.
• 2 or more years of relevant experience, including at least 1 year of experience managing projects and/or project development, including budget management responsibilities.
• Experience organizing and executing professional events and convenings, including workshops, round tables, or conferences, in the United States and/or internationally.
• Knowledge and experience in political and security issues in the Indo-Pacific.
• Excellent communication, research, and editing skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Relationship development and management experience.
• Self-motivated with ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Master's Degree in a relevant field.
• Proficiency with Japanese, Korean or Mandarin Chinese language.
• Experience developing proposals, including drafting narrative sections and contributing to budgets or budget justifications.
• Strong relationships with professional contacts in the Asia policy community, including academic scholars, policy experts, and practitioners.

The application period for this position will close on 3/13/2026; however, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning 2/11/2026. To apply, submit the following…