POSITION: Senior Fellow, US Foreign Policy
TEAM: Studies
LOCATION: Open
 

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on critical global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to people in Chicago, the United States, and around the globe.  As the premier, nonpartisan global affairs organization in America’s heartland, we believe an informed, engaged public with access to fact-based and balanced views on global issues helps to ensure effective US engagement and supports a more inclusive, equitable, and secure world.

The Council pursues its mission to promote deeper global understanding and address critical global issues through four centers of excellence: Public Programming and Engagement, Lester Crown Center on US Foreign Policy, Global Food and Agriculture, and Global Cities.  

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Senior Fellow will conduct original analysis and writing on critical issues of US foreign policy and actively engage in discussion and outreach with public audiences in Chicago and the Midwest.  To assure that debates and discussions in the region represent the range of important perspectives in the debate over the role of the U.S. in the world, the Council is seeking a senior fellow who favors the concept of “restraint” in American foreign policy, which constitutes a longstanding tradition that emphasizes focusing on America’s national interests, favors diplomatic engagement, and seeks to limit the deployment and use of military force to the defense of core U.S. national security interests. 

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual looking to both contribute to the local, regional, and national conversation on US foreign policy and America’s role in the world. 

The Senior Fellow will manage a research associate, have a budget for regional outreach activities, and work closely with colleagues in the Lester Crown Center on US Foreign Policy.

Specific responsibilities of the Senior Fellow include:

• Research and Analysis. Develop a policy-relevant research agenda on US foreign policy to further the mission of the Lester Crown Center and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs; conduct original research and analysis; publish articles in policy journals and op-eds in major newspapers and magazines; contribute commentary to the broadcast, print, and social media in response to new developments in his or her area of research; contribute to Council research projects and reports, including the public opinion research of the Lester Crown Center; meet with visiting foreign officials and experts; and communicate research to the Council’s leadership.
• Chicago and Midwest Outreach. Develop and implement a robust outreach strategy of presentations and engagement with members of the Chicago Council, the interested public, academic institutions, local and regional media, and other constituents locally and in the Midwest. The expectation is a minimum of 25 Chicago and Midwest outreach events per year.   
• Support Public and Leadership Programs. Assist in conceptualizing and recruiting speakers for Lester Crown Center speaker events at the Council on US foreign policy topics, including public programs, private roundtables, and the Lester Crown Distinguished Lecture on US Foreign Policy.  Moderate programs on topics relevant to expertise.
• Online and Digital Presence. Establish a significant online presence to distribute content, spur discussion and contribute to building the digital identity and brand of the Lester Crown Center locally, regionally and nationally.
• Fundraising.  Work closely with the Development team and Council leadership to identify new sources of funding and develop funding requests to support the fellow’s projects and long-term position funding, as well as support for the Lester Crown Center on US Foreign Policy and the Council more generally.  
• Management.  Manage and direct the work of research associate and interns in support of the fellow’s work and the Lester Crown Center.
   

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The Senior Fellow will be a major voice on America’s foreign policies with an established record of scholarship and, ideally, practice.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Advanced degree in International Affairs, Political Science, or a related field required; PhD preferred.
• 5-10 years of professional and research experience in US foreign policy.
• A strong record of research and writing about US foreign policy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts and topics clearly, thoroughly, and succinctly to a broad audience.
• Demonstrated success with grant proposals and fundraising preferred.
• Demonstrated success working in highly collaborative, team-based environments, with a commitment to professional development and mentoring.