Research Assistant, Russia Program

Research Assistant, Russia Program

FTE: 100%

Salary: $51,000

Location: Washington, DC

About Stimson

The Henry L. Stimson Center (Stimson), a nonpartisan global security think tank located in Washington, DC, seeks a Research Assistant reporting to Peter Slezkine, Senior Fellow and Director, Russia Program. This role ensures that our practices support our mission-driven work, align with Stimson's vision, values, strategic goals, standards of conduct, and operational objectives, and demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee well-being.

We seek a highly motivated, organized, entrepreneurial, and collaborative individual committed to Stimson's mission and core values. This person understands that any organization is only as good as the people working there and the relationships they build and sustain. This job will require building authentic relationships with staff and affiliates that facilitate the successful candidate's ability to challenge, develop, and support them.

About the Program and Position Summary

Term length: 12 months

The Henry L. Stimson Center seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Research Assistant to contribute to the Russia Program, the Stimson Graduate Course, and the Trialogue Project. This position includes administrative duties, logistics support, and basic research. The ideal candidate is reliable, attentive to detail, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Strong organizational skills, professionalism, and clear communication are essential. Proficiency in Russian is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel;
• Prepare logistical support for internal and external meetings, including scheduling rooms, preparing and distributing prep materials, arranging catering, or taking notes, when needed;
• Assist with preparation and formatting of agendas, correspondence, and reports;
• Track and submit monthly expense reports;
• Assist with syllabus development;
• Perform other administrative duties as may be required.

Qualifications – required:

• Ability to keep pace in a high-speed work environment and an ability to respond to requests quickly;
• Meticulous organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and schedule work activities while managing time efficiently;
• Ability to follow instructions and the capacity to self-manage;
• Ability to work both independently and with a team successfully;
• An innovative spirit, a way with people, a calm-under-pressure and flexible approach when things move quickly;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and manage relationships with all staff, donors, and others within the Stimson community;
• Accountability, professionalism, and commitment to excellence;
• Maintains discretion; and
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), SalesForce, and academic/foreign policy research.

Qualifications – preferred:

• MA degree in international relations, history, political science or similar.
• Proficiency in Russian

We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet all preferred qualifications.

Application requirements:

• Qualified candidates should submit cover letter with salary requirements and resume.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Employee Benefits

15 Vacation Days, 10 Sick Days, 13 Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Retirement Match, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Plan, Commuting, Wellness, Education Benefits, Parental Leave, and Bereavement Leave.

Stimson is an equal-opportunity employer. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable laws.