Program Manager - 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 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 some 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Middle East Program seeks a creative, hard-working, and energetic individual to work on a wide range of substantive and programmatic activities in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment. The successful candidate will be a team player, possess excellent communication skills, and have a keen interest in and aptitude for the Middle East and public policy. The position reports directly to the Director of the Middle East Program.

The successful candidate for this position will have a superb grounding in Middle East studies and strong interest in supporting a broad regional portfolio, exceptional analytical skills, and an entrepreneurial bent. She/he will be proactive and goals-oriented in balancing a diverse array of tasks. Responsibilities cover all program components, including budgetary matters, program development, project management and implementation, management and development of new and existing partnerships, program representation at internal and external functions, and external relations. Although this is not a research-focused position, the successful candidate would be able to help with research tasks on an ad hoc basis. 

The salary range for this position is $60,000-$67,000, depending on experience.

Essential duties and responsibilities

I. Program and Project Management 

• Provide programmatic support to the director;

• Ensure that director and staff are kept apprised of all program developments and are able to prioritize them accordingly. This includes coordination internally with other CSIS programs and with the central offices;

• Lead management and development of all program and project finances including all project-related budgets, expense management, preparation for internal budget reviews, contribute to funder reporting, and development of a strategy for long term budgetary needs and program growth;

• Assist in development of program branding and outreach to targeted and general audiences;

• Draft program correspondence, MOUs, and other agreements;

• Contribute to development and evaluation of major program initiatives;

• Contribute to managing and developing existing and new partnerships and funder relationships;

• Ensure funder requirements, preferences, and commitments are met;

• Manage the Middle East Program’s podcast;

• Supervise interns.

II. Strategic/Future Planning 

• Assist with development of ideas for new projects, partnerships, collaborations, events, and speakers; 

• Identify, in coordination with program director and CSIS strategic planning, new partnerships and sources of revenue in addition to basic grant and proposal writing;

• With senior staff, contribute to the development and management of short- and long-term strategic program goals and research as well as project timelines and goals;

• Develop analytics and metrics of success for projects and the program to assess program’s goals;

III. Research

• Perform independent research for research projects, publications, multimedia, and speaking engagements;

• Provide research support for senior staff;

• Edit and fact-check program materials with a critical perspective and strong attention to detail;

• In coordination with senior staff, develop and draft multimedia products and web presence;

• Conduct literature reviews for new research proposals.

Knowledge, education, and experience

• Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Conflict Studies or a relevant field;

• Two years’ experience in project management and development, research and administrative assistance, and managing and developing external partnerships; prior experience with think tanks preferred; 

• Ability to work independently, in a team, and closely with a range of individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures;

• Strong organization and time management skills;

• Strong communication skills including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from partners, constituency groups, media, government entities, and the general public;

• Computer and social media literacy, including MS Office, and familiarity with web-based research tools;

• Strong demonstrated knowledge of the Middle East and policy-related research;

• Proficiency in at least one of the following languages preferred Arabic, Farsi, or French.

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 accommodation 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.

OUR BENEFITS

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

403(b) for retirement planning

Tuition Assistance

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

Military Leave

12 Paid Holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave