Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Coordinator & Research Assistant OR Program Manager & Research Associate - Freeman Chair in China Studies

at Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

🏢 About Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to providing strategic insights and practical solutions to global challenges. Its Freeman Chair in China Studies is a leading voice on U.S.-China relations, offering a unique opportunity to influence high-level policy debates. Working here means engaging with top experts and policymakers in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

About This Role

This role supports the Freeman Chair's research and programmatic activities, focusing on China's foreign policy, security, and economic issues. As a Program Coordinator/Research Assistant or Manager/Associate, you will conduct research, organize events, and contribute to publications that shape U.S. policy toward China. The position offers a direct impact on policy analysis and public discourse.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve monitoring China-related news and policy developments, drafting a memo for the Chair on a breaking issue, coordinating logistics for an upcoming virtual event with speakers from government and academia, and attending a team meeting to discuss ongoing research projects. You'll also spend time on administrative tasks like managing schedules and updating databases.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS) Is Looking For

  • Strong background in international relations, political science, or China studies, with demonstrated knowledge of U.S.-China relations.
  • Excellent research and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, policy-relevant analysis.
  • Experience in program coordination, including event planning, stakeholder management, and administrative support.
  • Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work independently in a remote setting while collaborating effectively with a small team.

📝 Tips for Applying to Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

1

Tailor your resume to highlight China-specific research, publications, or internships, and quantify achievements (e.g., number of events coordinated).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your skills to CSIS's mission and the Freeman Chair's recent work; mention specific reports or events you admire.

3

Submit a writing sample on a China-related policy issue (e.g., trade, technology, or security) that demonstrates analytical depth and policy relevance.

4

If applying for the Manager/Associate level, emphasize leadership experience, such as managing research projects or supervising junior staff.

5

Network by reaching out to current or former CSIS staff on LinkedIn for informational interviews; mention this in your application to show initiative.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of CSIS's role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and the Freeman Chair's specific focus areas.", "How your research background and skills directly support the Chair's ongoing projects (e.g., on Taiwan, technology competition, or economic decoupling).", "Your experience with program coordination, including examples of successful events or projects you've managed.", 'Your ability to thrive in a remote, fast-paced environment while maintaining clear communication and meeting deadlines.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Freeman Chair's recent publications and blog posts to understand their current research priorities.
  • → Familiarize yourself with CSIS's organizational structure, including other Asia-focused programs and cross-center initiatives.
  • → Read about CSIS's impact on U.S. policy, such as congressional testimonies or media mentions by the Freeman Chair.
  • → Understand the competitive landscape: other think tanks focusing on China (e.g., Brookings, CFR, RAND) and how CSIS differentiates itself.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss a recent CSIS Freeman Chair publication or event and how you would contribute to similar work.
2 Describe your approach to researching a complex China-related policy issue and synthesizing findings for a policy audience.
3 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple research and programmatic deadlines?
4 What is your experience with virtual event platforms and tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams, event management software)?
5 How would you handle a situation where a key stakeholder (e.g., speaker or partner) cancels last minute for an event?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference CSIS or the Freeman Chair specifically.
  • Neglecting to demonstrate knowledge of current U.S.-China dynamics (e.g., tariffs, tech war, Taiwan).
  • Failing to proofread or tailor your resume—any typos or irrelevant experience can hurt your chances in a competitive applicant pool.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →