Research Assistant, Executive Office

The Atlantic Council seeks a driven, self-directed, intellectually curious, and enterprising researcher, with writing, editing, research, organizational, and upward management skills to serve as Research Assistant to the President and CEO.

This individual will primarily be responsible for research work regarding the President and CEO’s latest book project. Foreign and domestic travel to archives will be a key part of this role, as will fluency in speaking and reading German. This individual will be responsible for finding and incorporating primary source documents, fact-checking the President and CEO’s work related to the book project, and ensuring the President and CEO has the necessary materials available to complete the book on schedule.  

A two-year commitment is encouraged, to see the book project to completion.

As a core member of the Executive Office, this individual works in close coordination with the President and CEO, his chief of staff, and the Atlantic Council’s Engagement team, as a point of contact between the two teams. This individual also will be responsible for research and working with the Engagement team to ensure a smooth editorial process for the President and CEO’s recurring newsletters, Inflection Points and Inflection Points Today, which examine the defining geopolitical issues facing the United States and its global community of allies, as well as any other writing the President and CEO may do.

Archival research experience is required, as the position demands long-term historical research work on a book project. Those with a background in journalism are especially encouraged to apply. This role requires experience writing and editing against tight deadlines, with a clear understanding of how to edit within the confines of a style guide. The position also demands excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills.

This may occasionally include work on the weekends and on evenings.

This individual will also be expected to work closely with the President and CEO of a large, dynamic, and growing organization. As a result, this individual must have experience managing up, dealing with unanticipated schedule changes, and adapting quickly to dynamic schedules.
 

Moreover, this individual must be a highly capable self-starter with a demonstrated aptitude for analytical thinking, exceptional writing, effective editing, and communication skills. They must also be comfortable working in an ever-changing environment while managing multiple projects as a core member of a collaborative, high-impact Executive Office team. The Executive Office seeks candidates who have international experience and are comfortable in a global working environment.

This position will be based in our Washington, DC headquarters, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office. Pay is commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $65,000 to $70,000.

 Responsibilities:

• Conduct research for book projects, speaking engagements, writing, and special projects as assigned, and place findings into a quickly digestible format for President and CEO.
• Extensive work in archives and ability to read and apply primary source documents in German and English to the President and CEO’s current book project.
• Research and manage content and workflow for the President and CEO’s newsletter, Inflection Points, and use entrepreneurial approaches to seeking new opportunities to expand thought leadership opportunities and brand.
• Oversee the President and CEO’s social media engagement while tracking key metrics and data to develop a strengthened online presence.
• Other research and administrative duties, as necessary.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in history, journalism, international relations, or related fields.
• Fluency in speaking and reading German.
• Minimum of two years archival research experience, with a preference of additional editorial experience.
• Excellent analytical abilities and experience absorbing, condensing, and synthesizing large amounts of complex information into quickly digestible briefs.
• Familiarity with archives and archival work.
• Experience working with high-level individuals and managing work amidst a busy and rapidly changing schedule.
• Ability to take on research assignments and write and edit quickly and clearly, with minimal supervision, against tight deadlines.
• Ability to liaise between different programs and centers on short notice to ensure the best and most up-to-date information reaches the President and CEO.
• Positive, flexible, get-it-done attitude, and ability to multitask in an often-changing environment, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and within teams across the organization.
• Robust technical skills, including but not limited to HTML and web expertise (knowledge of WordPress and Adobe Marketo are a plus), layout design, data management, visualization, and analysis.
• Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• International experience.
• Experience with social media management preferred, though not required.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.