Digital Communications Coordinator - External Relations

JOB SUMMARY:

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity.  Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is seeking a Digital Communications Coordinator to support the organization’s social media and web presence. This role within CSIS’s Office of External Relations is designed for a highly creative, adaptable communicator who can translate complex policy ideas into clear, engaging, and accessible digital content. This position requires someone who is adept and experienced at shifting between formats, platforms, and priorities—whether drafting social copy, packaging a new report, or supporting real-time communications. The ideal candidate brings exceptional editorial instincts and an eagerness to experiment with how policy content is presented across digital channels, all while maintaining a strictly nonpartisan voice.

What We’re Looking For:

• A creative thinker who enjoys experimenting with how ideas are communicated—not just 
what is communicated
• An adaptable team member who can shift quickly between projects and priorities without 
losing attention to detail
• A strong writer with sharp editorial judgment and an instinct for clarity
• Someone who is intellectually curious and energized by engaging with policy content
• A reliable collaborator who can balance creativity with the discipline required in a 
nonpartisan environment

The minimum annual salary for this position is $57,000 - $58,000 commensurate with experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Manage day-to-day operations of the organization’s social media channels, including drafting, scheduling, and publishing content
• Write compelling, accurate, and platform-specific social media copy that distills complex policy ideas into engaging language
• Collaborate with graphic designers and video producers to develop dynamic digital content.
• Adapt messaging and format across platforms (e.g., X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube) to maximize reach and clarity
• Support creative promotion of publications, events, and multimedia content, including identifying new ways to package and present research
• Play a leading role managing the editorial vision of the organization’s website, including working with the web administrator around the posting of articles, reports, and event pages
• Collaborate with scholars and research teams across the Center to translate policy insights into accessible digital content
• Assist with real-time communications needs, including live event coverage and rapid response content
• Monitor performance and contribute ideas to continuously improve digital engagement and content strategy

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, journalism, communications, or a related field
• 1–2 years of relevant experience in digital communications, journalism, or public affairs
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a demonstrated ability to adapt tone and format for different audiences and platforms
• Strong interest in foreign policy, national security, and global issues
• Ability to interface with scholars across the building by demonstrating professionalism, responsiveness, and a solutions-oriented approach.
• Ability to maintain a neutral, fact-based, and nonpartisan voice
• Demonstrated experience managing major social media platforms, with a strong understanding of how to create and adapt innovative digital content for different audiences and formats.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing demands across a broad range of issues
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

PREFFERED SKILLS

• Experience with content management systems
• Basic understanding of digital analytics tools (e.g., platform insights, Google Analytics)
• Experience working in a newsroom, policy environment, or mission-driven organization
• Comfort working with multimedia content (video clips, graphics, etc.)

OUR BENEFITS
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
403(b) for retirement planning
Tuition Assistance
Flexible Spending Account
Health Savings Account
Military Leave
12 Paid Holidays
Sick leave
Vacation leave

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
 
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer.

 
HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should submit a resumé, cover letter, and college transcript at https://careers.csis.org/opportunities.