Program Associate Jobs in District of Columbia
Program Associate jobs in District of Columbia concentrate heavily in policy research, nonprofit advocacy, international development, and federal grant management, making D.C. one of the most active markets in the country for this role at every level from entry-level coordinator to senior associate. Most hiring clusters in Washington D.C. proper, with additional openings in nearby Arlington and Bethesda, where established organizations like the World Bank, AARP, and the Urban Institute maintain large program teams. The most in-demand specialties are policy analysis, grants administration, and stakeholder engagement. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 19+ Program Associate jobs
Position Summary
As part of the Studies Program, the program associate will spend about half their time supporting a senior fellow whose work focuses on South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and China. They will also support the work of other fellows and programs within the Studies Program.
This full-time position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC, office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Effective Monday, September 14, 2026, CFR employees will be based on-site at least four days per week. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support, including handling correspondence, scheduling, managing travel, and responding to requests for information.
- Coordinate events and meetings, including corresponding with speakers and presiders, and providing other logistical support.
- Assist with the program’s finances, including budgeting, tracking monthly statements and preparing vouchers for reimbursement.
- Assist fellows with website management, including updating profiles, posting content, and/or using social media.
- Assist with copyediting, formatting, and preparation of newsletters, reports, and other publications.
- Conduct research, as needed.
- Support other fellows and departments and perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required
Minimum Qualifications
- BA in a field related to International Relations.
- Two or more year(s) related administrative and/or internship experience
- Exceptional organizational skills
- A high level of attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects and tasks independently and under deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Required Application Materials
Compensation and Benefits
- The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $55,000-$58,000, depending on experience.
- In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a generous benefits package.
About CFR
Position Summary
As part of the Studies Program, the program associate will spend about half their time supporting a senior fellow whose work focuses on South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and China. They will also support the work of other fellows and programs within the Studies Program.
This full-time position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC, office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Effective Monday, September 14, 2026, CFR employees will be based on-site at least four days per week. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support, including handling correspondence, scheduling, managing travel, and responding to requests for information.
- Coordinate events and meetings, including corresponding with speakers and presiders, and providing other logistical support.
- Assist with the program’s finances, including budgeting, tracking monthly statements and preparing vouchers for reimbursement.
- Assist fellows with website management, including updating profiles, posting content, and/or using social media.
- Assist with copyediting, formatting, and preparation of newsletters, reports, and other publications.
- Conduct research, as needed.
- Support other fellows and departments and perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required
Minimum Qualifications
- BA in a field related to International Relations.
- Two or more year(s) related administrative and/or internship experience
- Exceptional organizational skills
- A high level of attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects and tasks independently and under deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Required Application Materials
Compensation and Benefits
- The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $55,000-$58,000, depending on experience.
- In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a generous benefits package.
About CFR
See All 19 Program Associate Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find Program Associate JobsProgram Associate Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Associate Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
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What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program associate jobs across District of Columbia.
- Bachelor's degree in public policy, international affairs, or a related field required
- One to three years of experience in program coordination or policy research preferred
- Demonstrated ability to manage federal grant compliance and reporting cycles
- Proficiency in data analysis tools and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
- Strong written communication skills for policy memos and stakeholder reports
- Experience coordinating across government agencies, nonprofits, or multilateral organizations
Program Associate Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program associate in District of Columbia?
Most program associate roles in D.C. require a bachelor's degree in public policy, international relations, political science, or a closely related field, though some nonprofit and federal contractor roles accept other disciplines with relevant experience. D.C. does not require a state-issued license for this role. The most direct path is completing an undergraduate program and gaining practical experience through internships with D.C.-based think tanks, advocacy organizations, or federal agencies before applying.
Which companies hire program associates in District of Columbia?
Employers hiring program associates in District of Columbia right now include The National Academies, NASDAQ, and New America, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. D.C.'s dense concentration of nonprofits, federal contractors, and international institutions means hiring is consistent year-round across multiple sectors.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most program associate jobs?
The most program associate openings in District of Columbia are concentrated in Washington. Washington D.C. itself dominates due to its unmatched density of federal agencies, think tanks, and advocacy organizations, while Arlington and Bethesda attract openings from federal contractors and international health and development organizations headquartered just across the district line.
Are there remote program associate jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 67% of program associate openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting how much of this work involves research, writing, and coordination that can be done off-site. Policy analysis, grant writing, and stakeholder communications roles are the most likely to offer fully remote or flexible arrangements.
How can I get hired as a program associate in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a paid internship or fellowship with a D.C.-based organization before applying to associate roles. Large employers like the Brookings Institution, the American Red Cross, and major federal contractors regularly run structured internship and post-graduate fellowship programs. Candidates who have served in AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, or a Congressional internship hold a significant edge. Transitioning from adjacent roles like program coordinator, research assistant, or grants assistant at a D.C. nonprofit is also a well-worn path.
Where can I find and apply to program associate jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to program associate jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the district. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 19 Program Associate Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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