Communications Assistant, Global Communications and Media Relations

The Global Communications and Media Relations department is responsible for positioning and promoting CFR and its scholars via the full spectrum of media, social media, marketing, and public relations. The Communications Assistant, based in CFR’s DC office, must have an excellent understanding of international issues, the media landscape, and CFR scholars and content, and how they relate to the news cycle.

The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):

• Acting as a liaison for press, including fielding journalists’ requests for CFR experts, and proactively pitching scholars to media outlets 
• Drafting press releases, pitches, media guides, and other communications content 
• Assisting CFR scholars with op-eds and media interviews 
• Coordinating virtual and in-person press briefings on major news events  
• Coordinating media attendance at virtual and in-person on-the-record events and coordinating livestreams 
• Supporting marketing and press outreach for select CFR publications and projects 
• Maintaining and updating press contact lists  
• Monitoring and reporting on media coverage
• Identifying newsworthy quotes from on-the-record events for social media clips
• Administrative and team support as needed, including scheduling media trainings, booking photographers, processing invoices, assisting with intern recruitment and supervision, and participating in staff orientations 

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of related work/internship experience in communications, journalism, or international relations 
• Communications background in media relations or journalism strongly preferred 
• Degree in a related field with high academic achievement 
• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of current U.S. foreign policy and international issues 
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills 
• Experience with print, broadcast, or digital media preferred 
• Proven ability to work effectively and proactively in a fast-paced team environment 
• Candidates must have the ability and willingness to work flexible hours when necessary and occasionally travel to CFR’s NY office 

About CFR

Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading nonprofit membership organization, research center, and publisher, with headquarters in New York, an office in Washington, DC, and programs nationwide. It is dedicated to increasing America's understanding of the world and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy. CFR's 5,000+ members are leaders in international affairs and foreign policy. CFR also publishes Foreign Affairs, the preeminent magazine on global issues, and provides up-to-date information about the world and U.S. foreign policy on its award-winning website, CFR.org.

The Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.

The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.

The Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.