Program Coordinator & Research Assistant OR Program Manager & Research Associate - Freeman Chair in China Studies

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 decisionmakers 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, policymaking 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. The PCRA or PMRA will play a critical role in supporting the operational and substantive goals of the program. This includes managing day-to-day operations, coordinating events, supporting fundraising and outreach efforts, and contributing to the program’s research agenda. A strong understanding of Chinese domestic politics and/or foreign policy is required for this role.

The salary range for a Program Coordinator and Research Assistant (PCRA) is $57,000-$62,000, based on experience. The salary range for a Program Manager and Research Associate (PMRA) is $60,000-$67,000, based on experience.

DEADLINE TO APPLY - MARCH 13, 2026

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

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

Program Coordination & Administration

• 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.
  
  

Research & Analysis

• 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.
  
  

Outreach & Communications

• 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.
  
  

Knowledge, education, and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, or a related field required. For PMRA, masters degree preferred.
• For PCRA, 1–2 years of relevant professional experience. For PMRA, more than two years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of Chinese domestic politics and/or Chinese foreign policy.
• Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. The successful candidate should be able to 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
  
  

Physical requirements and work conditions

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

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please apply at https://careers.csis.org/ 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@csis.org).

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.