Job Location: Atlantic Council Headquarters – Washington, DC
Employment Type: Full-Time
Seniority Level: Associate
Job Category: Staff

Overview

The Atlantic Council seeks an ambitious, well-organized, and resourceful Special Assistant to support the President and CEO in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.

This role requires a proactive and strategic professional who can seamlessly manage complex scheduling, prioritize competing demands, and serve as a trusted partner and force multiplier for the President and CEO.

This is a high-trust, high-responsibility role that goes beyond typical administrative support.  The Special Assistant must demonstrate sound judgement and unshakeable discretion, elite organizational skills, and a sharp ability to “connect the dots” across internal and external priorities. The successful candidate will be a self-starter with a proven history of operating at the highest level of executive support, anticipating needs before they arise, and taking full ownership of outcomes with excellence.

You will work in close collaboration with the Chief of Staff and other senior executives to advance organizational priorities. The ideal candidate will thrive under pressure, possess sound judgment, and communicate effectively across all levels of an international organization. Given the demands of the Executive Office, flexibility and availability outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, are essential, along with availability for international travel.

The position is based in our Washington, DC headquarters. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $90,000 – $120,000.

A passion for international affairs is strongly preferred, with international experience and foreign language skills regarded as valuable advantages.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the day-to-day “gatekeeper” to the President and CEO—managing a demanding schedule, tracking priorities, and ensuring exceptional execution of all commitments.
  • Maintain proactive and timely communication with the Chief of Staff, ensuring alignment on priorities, seamless coordination across the CEO’s office, and effective execution of organizational objectives.
  • Own complex calendar and travel management, including last-minute changes and rapid internal and external coordination during standard and non-standard hours, particularly during the President and CEO’s business travel.
  • Demonstrate initiative in identifying and solving problems before they reach the executive level through proactive task management.
  • Manage the President and CEO’s inbox, ensuring timely responses, alignment with strategic priorities, and flawless follow-through with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide clear and concise briefings to CEO and senior leadership in real time, effectively and efficiently summarizing complex issues and delivering key insights for decision-making.
  • Draft, edit, and finalize high-level communications and correspondence that reflect the voice and priorities of the President and CEO.
  • Monitor relevant news, foreign policy developments, and organizational activities to anticipateneeds and provide strategic context and materials.
  • Prepare, consolidate, and review briefings for external and internal engagements, often under tight deadlines.
  • Maintain and constantly update high-level contact databases and relationship records.
  • Manage Executive Office systems, workflows, and projects to enable smooth operations in close coordination with relevant Executive Office staff.
  • Availability during non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends, when needed.

Qualifications

  • BA in international relations, business, communications, or a related field.
  • Minimum 2–5 years supporting C-Suite executives or senior-level principles, ideally in high-stakes, high-visibility environments.
  • Elite organizational skills with a passion for detail and follow-through.
  • Demonstrated track record of independently leading projects from start-to-finish requiring minimal oversight. micro-management
  • Proven capacity to thrive under pressure and remain composed and clear-thinking in demanding situations.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write with polish, clarity, and executive tone.
  • High EQ and discretion; capable of handling confidential and sensitive matters with complete professionalism.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.

Apply now

Please note: The Atlantic Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any classification protected by law, including but not limited to those protected characteristics covered by the DC Human Rights Act, including age, skin color, credit information, disability, family responsibilities, familial status, gender identity & expression, genetic information, homeless status, marital status, matriculation, national origin, personal appearance, place of residence or business, political affiliation, race, religion, seal eviction record, sex, sexual orientation, source of income, status as a victim or family member of a victim of DVSOS, or status as a victim of an intrafamily offense. The Atlantic Council is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. For more information, please connect with us at recruitment@atlanticcouncil.org. Eligibility to work in the United States is confirmed with E-Verify; employment at the Atlantic Council is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).