What's Happening?
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a prominent international affairs institution, is actively seeking a Program Manager for its Technology and International Affairs (TIA) Program, based in Washington, D.C. This role is crucial for managing
the administrative, development, and financial operations of the program, which focuses on global policy related to emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, and biotech. The TIA program aims to enhance national and international security, political economy, and democracy through its research and policy shaping efforts. The Program Manager will work closely with the Program Co-Directors and collaborate with various internal departments, including finance, development, and communications. Key responsibilities include budgeting, financial oversight, grant writing and management, internal coordination, drafting communications for funders, and organizing public and private events. The position requires an undergraduate degree and 3-4 years of experience in program administration or management, with skills in AI usage being a strong advantage. Knowledge of tech policy, foreign policy, or think tanks is beneficial but not mandatory. The anticipated salary range for this D.C.-based position is $72,500 - $82,500. This position is part of the staff bargaining unit, Carnegie Endowment Workers Alliance (CEWA), affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union.
Why It's Important?
This hiring initiative by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace underscores the growing recognition of technology's profound impact on international relations, national security, and democratic processes. The TIA Program's focus on AI, cybersecurity, and biotech highlights critical areas where policy expertise is urgently needed to navigate complex global challenges. By seeking a dedicated Program Manager, Carnegie is investing in strengthening its capacity to influence policy discussions and provide informed analysis on these rapidly evolving fields. The program's work is vital for U.S. interests, as it contributes to understanding and shaping global norms around emerging technologies, which can have significant implications for economic competitiveness, national defense, and international stability. The emphasis on strengthening national and international security, political economy, and democracy through technology policy reflects a strategic effort to address the multifaceted risks and opportunities presented by technological advancements. The role's administrative and financial management aspects are crucial for ensuring the program's operational efficiency and its ability to secure funding for impactful research and initiatives, thereby sustaining its influence in the policy arena.
What's Next?
The Carnegie Endowment will proceed with the hiring process to fill the Program Manager position, aiming to integrate a qualified individual into its Technology and International Affairs Program. Once onboarded, the new Program Manager will be instrumental in streamlining the program's operations, enhancing its financial stability through effective grant management, and coordinating its various research and event initiatives. This will likely lead to an increase in the program's output, including more policy briefs, research papers, and public discussions on critical technology-related issues. The successful candidate will also play a role in fostering collaborations within Carnegie and with external stakeholders, potentially expanding the program's reach and influence. The ongoing work of the TIA program, supported by this new role, will continue to inform policymakers and the public on the implications of emerging technologies for U.S. foreign policy, national security, and democratic values. The program's efforts will contribute to shaping future policy debates and strategies concerning the responsible development and governance of AI, cybersecurity, and biotech on a global scale.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment and expansion of programs like the Technology and International Affairs Program at the Carnegie Endowment reflect a broader societal and governmental recognition of the need for specialized expertise at the intersection of technology and policy. This trend highlights a shift in how think tanks and policy institutions are adapting to the digital age, moving beyond traditional geopolitical analysis to incorporate technological dimensions. The focus on AI, cybersecurity, and biotech raises ethical and legal questions about data privacy, autonomous weapons, and genetic engineering, which will require careful consideration in policy formulation. The program's work could influence the development of international norms and treaties governing these technologies, potentially shaping global governance frameworks for decades to come. Furthermore, the demand for professionals with both administrative skills and an understanding of tech policy indicates a growing interdisciplinary need in the job market, signaling a future where technological literacy is increasingly vital for roles in policy, diplomacy, and international relations. The union affiliation of this position also subtly points to the evolving landscape of labor relations within non-profit and research organizations, reflecting broader trends in worker representation.
