Council on Foreign Relations
Associate Director, Open Source Observatory
Council on Foreign Relations, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
OverviewThe associate director will support the work of the Open Source Observatory, part of the China Strategy Initiative (CSI). CSI seeks to answer the questions that go to the heart of American China strategy through fresh analysis, granular policy recommendations, and convenings with experts from around the world. Critical to that effort is the Open Source Observatory which will acquire, digitize, and translate vast quantities of Chinese-language material.
The associate director will report to and work closely with the Director of the China Strategy Initiative. Qualified candidates will have related experience in managing Chinese translation projects.
This position is based in CFR’s Washington D.C. office on a hybrid basis. CFR currently defines hybrid status as working at least three days a week onsite, with Tuesdays and Thursdays considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite.
The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):
Work with the CSI Director to drive the Observatory’s growth by developing long-term strategies, securing funding, and identifying new areas for expanding the program's capabilities and influence in the field of strategic translation and analysis.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Open Source Observatory and ensure all projects are delivered to the CSI Director on time, within scope, and within budget.
Manage team members, coordinate with external partners, and ensure smooth workflow across different translation and research initiatives.
Identify high-value documents and translation sources.
Support the CSI Director in communication to internal stakeholders and external partners to foster Observatory partnerships
Manage research projects based on analysis of translated documents at the direction of the CSI Director.
Collaborate with subject matter experts to enhance the impact of translated materials.
QualificationsExperience
2+ years of experience in program management, translation services, or related fields, with a strong background in overseeing large-scale research or translation projects
Degree in a related field with an interest in Chinese language, Chinese foreign policy and international relations with high academic achievement
Related Skills & Other Requirements
High proficiency in Mandarin, with proven experience in translation and interpretation
Excellent communication skills, including exceptional writing, proofreading, and editing skills, both across departmental lines and with high-profile and senior executives
Ability to manage teams and communicate effectively with stakeholders
Excellent organizational skills and ability to work within deadlines
Detail oriented, self-starter that can work effectively, both independently and on a team
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Dynamics database management experience strongly preferred, and the aptitude to learn and utilize different technologies
Required Application MaterialsPlease submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.
Compensation and BenefitsThe full-time annual compensation range for this position is $68,000 – $80,000 depending on experience.
In addition to competitive salaries, 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.
About CFRFounded 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.
Diversity Commitment
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.
The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.
The associate director will report to and work closely with the Director of the China Strategy Initiative. Qualified candidates will have related experience in managing Chinese translation projects.
This position is based in CFR’s Washington D.C. office on a hybrid basis. CFR currently defines hybrid status as working at least three days a week onsite, with Tuesdays and Thursdays considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite.
The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):
Work with the CSI Director to drive the Observatory’s growth by developing long-term strategies, securing funding, and identifying new areas for expanding the program's capabilities and influence in the field of strategic translation and analysis.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Open Source Observatory and ensure all projects are delivered to the CSI Director on time, within scope, and within budget.
Manage team members, coordinate with external partners, and ensure smooth workflow across different translation and research initiatives.
Identify high-value documents and translation sources.
Support the CSI Director in communication to internal stakeholders and external partners to foster Observatory partnerships
Manage research projects based on analysis of translated documents at the direction of the CSI Director.
Collaborate with subject matter experts to enhance the impact of translated materials.
QualificationsExperience
2+ years of experience in program management, translation services, or related fields, with a strong background in overseeing large-scale research or translation projects
Degree in a related field with an interest in Chinese language, Chinese foreign policy and international relations with high academic achievement
Related Skills & Other Requirements
High proficiency in Mandarin, with proven experience in translation and interpretation
Excellent communication skills, including exceptional writing, proofreading, and editing skills, both across departmental lines and with high-profile and senior executives
Ability to manage teams and communicate effectively with stakeholders
Excellent organizational skills and ability to work within deadlines
Detail oriented, self-starter that can work effectively, both independently and on a team
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Dynamics database management experience strongly preferred, and the aptitude to learn and utilize different technologies
Required Application MaterialsPlease submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.
Compensation and BenefitsThe full-time annual compensation range for this position is $68,000 – $80,000 depending on experience.
In addition to competitive salaries, 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.
About CFRFounded 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.
Diversity Commitment
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.
The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.