Research Associate - Global Development Department

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 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Global Development Department is hiring a highly motivated and exceptionally driven research associate for a full-time, in-person position. The Research Associate reports directly to the Department President and plays a pivotal role in supporting high-impact research at CSIS. This position involves conducting rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis, drafting research outputs, and contributing to policy-relevant publications. The Research Associate also supports department operations through event planning and grant development. The ideal candidate brings strong writing and analytical skills, and a demonstrated ability to communicate complex findings to audiences in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The salary range for this position is $63,000 to $75,000 based on experience.

Essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

Research, Writing, and Editing (100%)

* Contribute to the department's research priorities through extensive analysis and writing in direct collaboration with the Department President.

* Ability to conduct independent research, quantitative and qualitative analysis data analysis, and the development of policy papers, studies, and reports with minimal supervision.

* Prepare and edit written materials including reports, articles, executive summaries, policy recommendations, and commentaries.

* Assist with data collection, management, and visualizations as needed.

* Draft and prepare any necessary written materials ahead of the department presidents' internal and external engagements.

* Monitor relevant research, policy developments, and regional trends; provide updates and briefings as needed to the GDD President and leadership.

* Attend and participate in meetings and events at CSIS and external organizations for research development; provide debrief summaries and memos as needed.

* Contribute substantively to the department programming and activities including roundtable discussions and public events through preparation of agendas, memos, summaries, and any other materials.

* Manage workflow coordination for the department's research agenda.

* Assist with the department's special projects.

* Master's degree OR bachelor's degree in political science, economics, international affairs, public policy, or other relevant fields with 2-3 years of relevant work experience;

* Experience working in one or multiple sectors related to global development;

* Experience working in think tanks, research institutions, government, or international policy environments is preferred;

* Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple responsibilities under tight deadlines;

* Strong writing and editing skills;

* Experience with data visualization and presenting findings to non-technical audiences is preferred;

* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments;

* Effective interpersonal skills

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

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.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume at https://careers.csis.org/opportunities.