Program Associate Jobs in Washington, DC
Program Associate jobs in Washington, District of Columbia are in strong and consistent demand, concentrated in Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, and the K Street corridor across nonprofits, policy organizations, federal agencies, and international development groups. Employers hiring right now include The National Academies, NASDAQ, and New America. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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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 Washington
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Find Program Associate JobsProgram Associate Job Market in Washington
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Banking & Financial Services
Program Associate Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a program associate job in Washington?
Washington's strongest hiring comes from nonprofit organizations, think tanks, advocacy groups, federal contractors, and international development institutions, many clustered around Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, and the National Mall area. Candidates who stand out typically have direct experience in policy research, program coordination, or grant administration. Familiarity with the federal budget cycle or experience working with government partners gives applicants a clear edge in this city's market.
Which companies hire program associates in Washington?
Employers hiring program associates in Washington right now include The National Academies, NASDAQ, and New America, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Washington's employer base skews heavily toward mission-driven organizations, federal agencies, and global policy institutions, making it one of the most active cities in the country for this role.
Are there remote program associate jobs in Washington?
Yes, though availability depends on the role. Program associate work tied to research, communications, or grants coordination tends to be remote-friendly, while positions involving in-person convenings or government stakeholder meetings are usually on-site. About 67% of program associate openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with policy and communications-focused roles offering the most flexibility.
How can I get a program associate job in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through internships or fellowship programs at Washington nonprofits, advocacy organizations, or federal contractors, which frequently convert to associate roles. Entry-level program coordinator or research assistant positions at think tanks, foundations, and international development organizations are common stepping stones locally. Demonstrated writing ability, experience with community outreach, and any volunteer or academic work tied to policy issues all strengthen a candidacy in this market.
Which industries hire the most program associates in Washington?
Washington program associate roles concentrate in Technology & Software and Banking & Financial Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Washington's unique position as the seat of federal government and a hub for international institutions drives unusually high demand across these sectors compared to most other U.S. cities.
Related Jobs in District of Columbia
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