Program Assistant/Office Manager
Program Assistant/Office Manager
The Jamestown Foundation, August 2025
Job Description
The Jamestown Foundation is a think tank for decision-makers that helps Americans understand their allies and adversaries in their own words and on their own terms. We provide primary-source analysis on global developments of strategic importance to the United States and its allies.
We’re held in high regard by the people who know us. Part of our reputation comes from the editorial standard of excellence to which we hold ourselves. Jamestown publishes research and analysis that our readers can’t find anywhere else, but maintaining editorial excellence when doing so takes a village!
Jamestown’s coverage matters. Our newsletters go to thousands of individuals, informing the policy discussion around a number of topics for an audience that ranges from the policymaker to the general public. We influence what traditional media outlets cover and how they handle specific issues. Want to join a team that popularized the concept of military-civil fusion, or warned the world about the full-scale invasion of Ukraine months in advance? Then this job is for you!
You will report to Jamestown’s president. This is a full-time position with standard healthcare benefits. Compensation and job title will be commensurate with experience.
About the Job
Jamestown is going through a period of significant transition as we launch a new website, pilot new analytic products, and modernize the ways in which we disseminate our products. Jamestown has a small team, which means that this role offers an outsized opportunity to help build something new. Your role is critical in making every other part of the team function: a good administrator expands everyone’s capacity! Among your responsibilities will be the following:
- Running Jamestown’s in-house financial and administrative operations;
- Manage Jamestown’s primary public-facing email;
- Liaising directly with external vendors for in-office and event-related needs;
- Serving as Jamestown’s primary event planner, organizing and executing periodic conferences and events;
- Overseeing and implementing new projects and programs;
- Drafting and revising external communications, such as press releases or newsletters;
- Assisting Jamestown’s president with high-priority items as they arise;
- Acting as the main administrator for Jamestown’s tech stack;
- Supporting one of Jamestown’s three main programs—China, Eurasia, or Terrorism—based on interest and experience; and
- Any other duties as assigned.
You and Your Experience
We’re looking for someone with familiarity with Microsoft Excel, WordPress, and copy editing. Candidates with previous experience as an administrative assistant, office manager or in accounting will be given preference. That being said, teachability and a drive for self-improvement are just as important! This role can be a bit of a catch-all for our small team, so you need to be able and willing to learn new things to succeed.
The list below sets out the kind of experience we’re looking for in our ideal candidate:
- At least a Bachelor’s degree; preferably in international affairs, public administration, communications, journalism, or related fields;
- Demonstrated interest in international affairs, especially related to Jamestown’s areas of analytic coverage;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with an ability to adapt tone and style; and
- Careful attention to detail with an interest in learning more and the drive to bring ideas to reality.
How to Apply
Please send us an email at pubs@jamestown.org with the subject line “Program Assistant” or “Office Manager” and attach the following documents:
- A cover letter that includes your answer to the following question:
- What skills can you bring to the team that make you unique?
- Your resume.