Location: Hybrid. Washington, DC metro area required. Regular in-person attendance at events and periodic office visits are expected.
Commitment: Full-time
Start Date: Immediate
About the Role
Portulans Institute (PI) is seeking a proactive and highly organized Program and Operations Associate to support the day-to-day management and growth of the Institute. Working closely with the CEO, this position will help coordinate organizational operations, partnerships, events, communications, and flagship initiatives while ensuring projects remain on track across multiple workstreams. The ideal candidate is an early-career professional interested in technology policy, economic development, public policy, or international affairs who is eager to gain hands-on experience at a global think tank.
Knowledge of economics, public policy, digital transformation, or related fields is highly desirable, though the primary focus of this position is organizational coordination, stakeholder engagement, and institutional management rather than conducting independent research.
Key Responsibilities
Program and Project Management
- Coordinate and oversee the administration and delivery of PI programs and projects in close collaboration with PI’s President, CEO, and external partners.
- Develop and maintain project work plans, timelines, and reporting systems to track progress and ensure milestones and deliverables are met on schedule.
- Supervise and manage the project staff as needed to support project execution.
Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
- Assist in developing engaging communications materials to promote PI’s reports, events, and initiatives across the website, blog, newsletters, and social media platforms.
- Support planning and execution of PI webinars, workshops, and high-level events involving global stakeholders.
- Represent PI at relevant events and convenings in Washington DC to help identify new partnerships and opportunities to amplify our research.
- Help manage relationships with key partners, advisory board members, and affiliated networks to advance PI’s mission and expand its reach.
Policy Analysis and Research
- Monitor and analyze national and international policy trends in innovation, digital transformation, and technology governance.
- Draft and contribute policy briefs, blogs, and other thought leadership pieces on emerging issues aligned with PI’s focus areas.
- Conduct literature reviews, prepare research summaries, and support data collection and analysis for PI’s global indices and other research outputs.
- Assist in refining methodologies and maintaining the rigor and professionalism of PI’s research products.
Partnerships, Fundraising, and Governance Support
- Contribute to fundraising efforts by researching potential donors and grant opportunities, assisting in the preparation of proposals, and supporting donor engagement strategies.
- Provide administrative support for corporate governance activities including board meetings, drafting meeting minutes, and coordinating with PI’s partners on joint initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Business, Data Science, or a related field.
- 1–3 years of professional experience in project coordination, operations, administration, nonprofit management, consulting, or related work.
- Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex ideas for diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, identify opportunities, and launch new projects independently without waiting to be directed.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational rigor, with the ability to manage competing priorities and keep complex, multi-stakeholder projects on track.
- Strong upward communication skills: proactive in flagging issues, sharing progress, and keeping leadership informed without requiring close supervision.
- Strong presentation and public speaking skills, with the confidence and presence to represent the organization in high-level forums.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, communications, and grant writing.
- Fluency in English is required.
- Familiarity with research or data-driven projects is a strong plus.
- Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Asana, spreadsheets).
- Comfortable working across time zones and in virtual team environments.
- Authorization to work in the United States.
Why Join Us
At PI, you will join a small, dynamic team working to advance research and dialogue on innovation, technology, and digital transformation. You will contribute to internationally recognized research initiatives, including the Network Readiness Index, and help shape projects that inform conversations on the future of technology and development.
This role is particularly well suited to individuals who thrive in flexible, entrepreneurial environments and enjoy taking ownership of their work. Team members are given considerable autonomy in how they manage their schedules, prioritize responsibilities, and contribute to projects. Workloads vary throughout the year, with periods of greater intensity around major report launches balanced by periods that allow for more independent project management and long-term planning.
We welcome self-motivated, creative professionals who are comfortable working independently, bringing forward new ideas, and contributing to a collaborative and mission-driven organization. The position offers a unique opportunity to gain experience across research, project management, stakeholder engagement, and communications while maintaining a high degree of flexibility in day-to-day work.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a self-starter and passionate about shaping global innovation and technology policy, we would love to hear from you. Please send a resume, a writing sample (no more than 5 pages), and brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to administrator@portulansinstitute.org
We offer a compensation range of $45,000–$65,000, commensurate with experience and expertise. Please note that this is a contractor engagement rather than a full-time employee position, and benefits are not provided.
