What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Coordinator / Research Assistant - Americas Program position at CSIS Middle East Program?
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
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.
To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.
Apply
To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.
Apply
About Us
CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center’s 220 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.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.
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.
- 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.
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.
To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.
Apply
To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.
Apply
About Us
CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center’s 220 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.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.
Salary : $57,000 - $65,000