Economic Statecraft Initiative - Fall 2026 Young Global Professionals Program

Atlantic Council Of The U S • Washington, DC

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Economic Statecraft Initiative (ESI), housed within the GeoEconomics Center, focuses on research and analysis concerning sanctions and the use of economic power for foreign policy and national security objectives. ESI convenes events and discussions, providing data-driven analysis and recommendations to policymakers and the private sector. The initiative leverages government experience, regulatory expertise, and proprietary data, producing widely recognized work such as the Global Sanctions Dashboard and Russia Sanctions Database. ESI also leads the Council's work on sanctions evasion and illicit finance. The GeoEconomics Center aims to foster thought leadership at the intersection of economics, finance, and foreign policy, bridging these sectors to shape a better global economic future. The Center is organized around three pillars: The Future of Capitalism, The Future of Money, and the Economic Statecraft Initiative. Young Global Professionals are integral to ESI, actively engaging with events and publications. This role supports the economic statecraft mission by conducting research for the director's public appearances, assisting staff with event planning, preparing invitations and participant lists, producing social media content, and conducting research and data visualizations for initiative trackers. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for the work, an entrepreneurial spirit, collegiality, effective communication skills, a culture of continual learning, an inclination toward deadlines, and a demonstrated interest in international affairs and economics. Strong writing and editing skills are prioritized.

Requirements

• Must be at least a college junior in good standing, a graduate student, or a recent graduate, preferably in Economics or International Affairs or a relevant discipline.
• Applicants must be able to work full-time (40 hours per week) and be in the office four days per week.
• Strong international affairs background from academic and/or professional experience.
• Interest in national security and how economic power is leveraged to advance foreign policy and national security.
• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn and step outside comfort zones.
• Experience with WordPress and developing/editing webpages.
• Experience organizing events or leading groups from academic or professional experience, or extracurricular activities.
• Data analysis and research skills – Python, R, excel.
• Strong analytic skills.
• Strong communication skills – verbal and written communication.

Nice To Haves

• Language skills are a plus.
• A work culture of continual learning, an inclination toward deadlines and a demonstrated interest in international affairs and economics through class work and/or experience is strongly preferred.
• Applications reflecting strong writing and editing skills will be prioritized for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Support the ESI staff in planning and executing Economic Statecraft Initiative events, including drafting invite language, tracking RSVPs, and supporting in-person logistics on the day of events.
• Regularly create social media content synthesizing ESI’s publications and current events.
• Draft memos for the director’s speaking engagements and events while following guidance from the ESI staff and incorporating feedback.
• Conduct research as needed to support Initiative activities, including briefings on current events, key stakeholders, and emerging issues.
• Assist the ESI staff in daily operations and programming of the Initiative.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree