About The National Bureau of Asian Research

NBR is an independent, nonpartisan research institution based in Seattle and Washington, D.C. We bring world-class scholarship to bear on the evolving strategic environment in Asia through original, policy-relevant research, and we invest in our future by training the next generation of Asia specialists.

With power, risk, and opportunity concentrating in Asia, we tackle those critical issues that America's leaders need to understand - because the decisions they make matter and the stakes are high. As the nation's Asia policy think tank, we envision a future that is free, open, secure, and prosperous for all.

This is an opportunity to work in a supportive environment with a group of high performing, dedicated, and friendly colleagues.

Position Overview

The Project Manager for the Political and Security Affairs group (PSA) provides project management and development support for a portfolio of research projects focusing on specific countries or a region of Asia. Reporting to the Director, PSA, the project manager may also supervise one Political and Security Affairs Intern or Project Associate. 

Responsibilities

Project Managers work on project teams to accomplish specific project objectives and take the lead on managing specific project tasks on schedule and within budget. Project Managers are responsible for country-specific portfolios of work but may occasionally support projects outside their portfolio.

• Project Management: managing part or all of projects across all parts of the project cycle (including project scoping, research, publications, events, and distribution) on schedule and within budget; drafting project descriptions, concept papers, correspondence, etc.; maintaining project documentation, webpages, and filing systems.
• Research Management: coordinating substantive research assistance for project teams and scholars; summarizing research papers; working with experts to scope and develop lines of research inquiry; reviewing and undertaking quality control on expert pieces and intern research support.
• Grant Development: contributing to the development of new proposals and projects including researching new funding opportunities and assisting the scoping, methodology, and framing of project concepts; drafting proposal narratives and supporting the drafting of proposal budgets.
• Publications Editing: reviewing and providing substantive feedback and edits to project publications; coordinating publications distribution.
• Grant Reporting: drafting grant progress reports according to sponsor requirements, and responding to other sponsor requests or questions.
• Budgeting: developing project budgets, tracking project expenses, and preparing budget reports.
• Event Management: designing and coordinating conferences, workshops, presentations, and government briefings for projects.
• Staff Management: supervising project associates, fellows, and interns to achieve specific project objectives.
• Relationship Management: maintaining relations with project research leads; liaising with external experts and senior officials; developing relations with sponsors and other stakeholders.
• Outreach: representing NBR (esp. projects) before a range of audiences (e.g., project stakeholders and constituents).
• Database Administration: coordinating the maintenance of and updating project databases.
• Participating in and managing other NBR activities as needed.

Qualifications

Project Managers have substantive expertise on a range of countries and issues and understand each project's scope/relevance in order to work effectively with scholars and other stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in security studies, Asia Studies, international relations, foreign policy, or other relevant discipline.
• 2 or more years of relevant experience, including at least 1 year of experience managing projects and/or project development, including budget management responsibilities.
• Experience organizing and executing professional events and convenings, including workshops, roundtables, or conferences, in the United States and/or internationally.
• Knowledge and experience in political and security issues in the Indo-Pacific.
• Excellent communication, research, and editing skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Relationship development and management experience.
• Self-motivated with ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a relevant field.
• Proficiency with Japanese, Korean or Mandarin Chinese language.
• Experience developing proposals, including drafting narrative sections and contributing to budgets or budget justifications.
• Strong relationships with professional contacts in the Asia policy community, including academic scholars, policy experts, and practitioners.

Application Instructions

The application period for this position will close on 3/13/2026; however, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning 2/11/2026. To apply, submit the following materials with your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Cover letter summarizing your experience as it applies to the outlined responsibilities and qualifications.
• Resume
• Recent 3-5 page writing sample that has not been edited by anyone else.

As you progress through the screening and interview process, please be prepared to provide the following:

• Contact information for 3 professional and/or academic references (Will not be contacted until final interview stage).

Additional Information

This is a hybrid position based in our Washington, DC office. Full-Time staff are expected to work in-office at least two days per week. The expected pay range for this position is $55,000 to $59,000 per year, depending on experience.

This full-time position includes medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and their family, 401k retirement plan with 5% match, 100% employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance, and paid time off. NBR's paid time off includes 10 days of vacation (awarded as 3.33 hours per pay period), 25 paid company holidays per year, (including 2 floating holidays), up to 56 hours of paid sick leave (calculated at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked), and 5 days of paid professional development leave. Additionally, NBR offers 4-weeks of paid Sabbatical leave for all full-time staff after every 5 years of service. NBR covers 80% of employees' Public Transit commuting costs.

NBR is committed to a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We're an equal opportunity employer and strive to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy or parental status, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry, or national origin, disability, or other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during either the application or the recruiting process, please email your request to employment@nbr.org.