Program Assistant, Europe Center

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

Overview

The Atlantic Council is seeking a talented, dynamic individual to serve as Program Assistant in the Europe Center. The position supports the Center’s overall work and administrative functions, including public and private engagements both in the US and abroad. This is an excellent role for a self-starter looking for opportunities to work at one of Washington’s most dynamic global policy organizations.

This role will support the organization of the Europe Center’s public and private events, while also thoughtfully coordinating various meetings or projects with a diverse group of stakeholders. The program assistant will further contribute to the Center’s program development, analysis, and publications by assisting with research for staff, fellows, and Center or Council leadership. In addition, the candidate will support the Center’s day-to-day operations and support the Senior Director’s external engagement and communications strategy. This role will also be required to support the administrative functions of the Senior Director, including by supporting calendar management, meeting requests, and drafting briefing memos or other short-form writing.

This position requires a strong record of reliability, great attention to detail, strong administrative skills, and excellent oral and written communication skills. The successful candidate will be exceptionally organized, discreet, collegial, and have a strong customer service orientation. They will communicate effectively, thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, and help manage the high-level multitasking challenges of a busy Center. This role will partner with the rest of the Europe Center team to drive results and achieve Center’s goals. The successful candidate will have a proven passion for working on issues impacting Europe and the transatlantic partnership.

This position is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and education, with offers from $55,000 to $57,000. Applications submitted by August 14, 2026, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

• Track Center’s projects and events and help prioritize action items.
• With other Europe Center staff, organize and execute major, multi-day conferences and smaller public and private events through correspondence with high-level participants, event preparation materials, relationship management, and other tasks as required.
• Assist with research for staff, fellows, and Center or Council leadership.
• Coordinate as necessary with internal and external stakeholders to support leadership priorities.
• Draft, edit and proofread internal and external correspondence and other written products, including meeting preparation, proposals, and briefings.
• Track relationships with key donors and prospects, including updating contacts database.
• Support Center in researching and confirming travel arrangements or arranging international programming.
• Manage multiple processes and projects, supporting the work of staff, tracking commitments and deliverables, managing deadlines, and ensuring accountability.
• Support the administrative functions of the Senior Director, including by supporting calendar management, meeting requests, and drafting briefing memos or other short-form writing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required.
• 1-2 years of relevant work experience required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to write and edit clearly under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and project management skills, including the ability to identify, balance, and rapidly shift priorities as needed.
• Proven interest and prior experience in working on/researching political or policy issues in one or more of the following areas: European Union affairs, US-EU economic and/or tech policy issues, the Western Balkans, Poland and Central Europe, EU security and defense policy.
• Positive, flexible, get-it-done attitude with a desire to grow in responsibility over time.
• Able to manage upward to move assignments to completion in a timely and professional manner.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work well with a team in a dynamic environment and ability to work independently and proactively.
• Strong interpersonal skills appropriate for operating effectively in a multicultural, international team environment.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism while demonstrating a sense of maturity and trust.
• Experience using CRMs (Salesforce) is strongly preferred.
• Advanced computer skills using MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, along with the ability to quickly learn new software and platforms, is preferred.
• Ability to provide top-notch customer service and efficiency.
• Experience working with a non-profit or international organization is preferred.

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.

About the Program

The Europe Center promotes leadership, strategies, and analysis to ensure a strong, ambitious, and forward-looking transatlantic relationship.

Learn more