Assistant Director, Government Affairs

CFR’s Government Affairs operation is focused on actively engaging members of Congress and their staff, executive branch officials, and Washington, DC-based diplomats to provide timely, relevant, and useful analysis to further inform policymaking. Through discussion and examination of the critical challenges facing the United States and the international community, the program seeks to serve as both a direct resource and convener of leading thinkers and practitioners in a nonpartisan forum.

This position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Effective Monday, September 14, 2026, CFR employees will be based on-site at least four days per week. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change. This position will also be required to be on-site on Fridays to support in-person programming on Capitol Hill.

• Organize roundtable meetings for members of Congress (including scheduling, arranging travel, drafting invitations, sending and monitoring event invitations, liaising with speakers, and making catering arrangements) to promote CFR experts and publications before foreign policy decisionmakers.
• Draft regular newsletters, issue briefs, and electronic outreach to promote CFR products and experts
• Coordinate with CFR programs and initiatives on joint, bespoke programming for policymakers and their staff.
• Schedule private consultations for congressional staff to ensure CFR expertise and products are incorporated into the policymaking process.
• Track international affairs developments on Capitol Hill.
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, government, public policy, or other related field.

• 4+ years of related experience, with some event planning experience preferred.
• Congressional or government relations experience, including internships, required.

• Strong research skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including exceptional proofreading and editing abilities.
• Superior skills in MS Word, Excel, Adobe suite, and database management.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to multi-task and problem solve independently.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment both independently and on a team.
• Ability to work flexible hours (many events are held over breakfast or in the evening).

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $70,000-75,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, CFR provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.