Founded in 1956, Asia Society’s purpose is to navigate shared futures for Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture, education, sustainability, business, and technology. We provide a platform for dialogue and encourage a diversity of views as we try to find the most effective ways forward. Headquartered in New York City, the organization has 12 other Centers around the world, a global staff of 235, and an annual global operating budget in excess of $44m.
The role
The Senior Program Officer provides program, research, administrative, and logistical support for Asia Society Policy Institute’s policy initiatives and operations, and specifically for the Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy in New York City. S/he reports to the Vice President and works closely with the Assistant Director.
Key roles and responsibilities
- Manage ASPI initiatives – with a particular focus on Asian and Indo-Pacific security, diplomacy, and development – including projects, advisory groups, dialogues, and other projects items as assigned.
- Provide research assistance to the Vice President and ASPI, including project-related information, research, and analysis; monitoring and summarizing relevant media, governmental or academic reports as appropriate; and reporting on relevant hearings, speeches, books, and conferences.
- Assist the Vice President in drafting reports, talking points, speeches and remarks, op-eds or articles, media Q&A, blog posts, and other content.
- Prepare materials for use in meetings, including but not limited to event announcements, handouts, background material and talking points, PowerPoint presentations, correspondence with participants, and social media or other promotional materials for the event.
- Manage grants that fund the projects, including budgeting, keeping track of expenses, timelines, deliverables, and drafting grant reports.
- Provide administrative support to the Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy including managing invitations, scheduling, press requests and tracking media appearances, contacts, correspondences, meeting preparations, travel arrangements, processing and tracking expenses, and forward planning.
- Maintain and improve office systems and procedures to ensure timely and efficient administrative workflow.
- Manage the Vice President’s team of interns, including assigning research tasks, providing feedback and guidance, and ensuring research quality.
- Assist in maintaining the Institute’s database of contacts and mailing lists.
- Coordinate arrangements for private and public events and meetings, including developing guest lists, drafting and distributing invitations, arranging meeting room and refreshments as needed, collecting/tracking RSVPs, staffing events, and handling necessary follow-up.
- Liaise regularly with ASPI’s DC office, Managing Director, and other senior staff on plans, programs, activities, and events.
- Collaborate on the development of new ASPI policy initiatives as well as providing logistical and coordination support as required for ongoing ones.
- Other duties as assigned.
Experience and skills
- College degree required (in social sciences preferred), with two-three years of related work experience (Master’s degree strongly preferred).
- Experience in Asia and Asia-related policy issues (Chinese language proficiency and research experience in Chinese development, economics, and other policies preferred).
- Excellent written and oral English communication skills, including proofreading and editing skills, and the ability to research information and present it concisely.
- Must be able to coordinate a variety of tasks effectively, simultaneously and consistently follow up on details.
- Highly organized, with a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to take initiative.
- Experience in interacting across cultures and skill in dealing with diverse constituencies (e.g. Asia experts, Asia Society trustees, foundation staff and other funders/donors), as well as dealing with senior and junior colleagues with tact, respect, and good judgment.
- Willing and able to travel both domestically and internationally.
- Excellent computer skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and other commonly used applications.
- Team player willing to assist where needed.