Regional Engagement Director (West Coast)

Council on Foreign Relations•New York, NY

1d•$145,000 - $165,000•Remote

About The Position

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)—the nation’s premier national membership organization and think tank dedicated to U.S. foreign policy—seeks an experienced Regional Engagement Director based in Northern California to lead strategic outreach and engagement efforts on the West Coast. Working under both the Vice President and Senior Director of the National Program and Outreach department, this role will strengthen and expand CFR’s network of constituents in the region, comprised of CFR members, state and local officials, technologists, college and university students and educators, religious leaders, local journalists, corporate contacts, and other civil society voices to deepen understanding of U.S. policy, foreign affairs, and the global-local nexus, while connecting regional audiences with CFR’s research, expertise, and programming. The Director will cultivate relationships with community and policy leaders, participate in regional convenings and briefings, develop a regional outreach and engagement strategy to elevate CFR’s presence in collaboration with other senior leaders in the department, inform regional programmatic strategy, and support efforts to broaden CFR’s impact among decision-makers at all levels on the West Coast. This is a relationship-building and engagement role that will interface with contacts in person extensively; the bulk of programming logistics will remain with the Directors of the National Program and Outreach teams who will be thought partners on regional strategy and execution. This is a fully remote position. Frequent travel within the Bay Area and West Coast and periodic travel to CFR’s offices in New York and Washington, DC is required.

Requirements

BA in international relations, public policy, political science, communications, or related field and interest in current U.S. foreign policy and international affairs issues.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs, public policy, outreach, community organizing, government relations, and/or strategic partnerships; experience working with local leaders in the Bay Area is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with senior leaders across sectors, including government, academia, business, and civil society on the West Coast.
Deep understanding of the tech sector in the Bay Area and regionally on the West Coast
Experience planning large meetings and events, producing high quality programming, and managing external partnerships.
Strong communication, writing, and public speaking skills, with the ability to translate complex international issues for diverse audiences.
Proven ability to manage projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.

Nice To Haves

MA preferred.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain a diverse regional network of leaders who can amplify CFR’s mission and bring global insights into their communities, institutions, and policymaking environments.
Develop a comprehensive strategy to expand CFR’s reach throughout the region in collaboration with senior leaders in the National and Outreach department by identifying and engaging influential civic, business, technology, academic, military, religious, and local government leaders.
Strengthen CFR’s connections with all constituency groups on the ground, ensuring they have access to CFR experts, resources, and briefings on critical foreign policy issues.
Gain insights from local audiences to shape and tailor regional programming and content strategies
Identify and engage strategic partner organizations to raise CFR’s profile with West Coast audiences.
Attend regional events hosted by CFR and other institutions and source venues and format ideas.
Facilitate ongoing communication and engagement with CFR members and stakeholders across the region.
Support cross-departmental initiatives, including special projects, delegation visits, national convenings, and digital outreach.
Work closely with senior staff in other CFR departments including Membership, Corporate, and Studies to engage key contacts and deepen relationships with the Council.
Serve as a representative for CFR at regional events, conferences, and convenings.
Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.