Economic Development Director Jobs in Washington

About the Economic Statecraft Initiative

Incubated and housed within the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center, the Economic Statecraft Initiative (ESI) publishes leading-edge research and analysis on sanctions and the use of economic power to achieve foreign policy objectives and protect national security interests. It additionally convenes public events and private roundtables that connect policymakers, financial institutions, and the private sector. Together, ESI’s work informs US, EU, and allied approaches to coercive and positive economic statecraft measures addressing global challenges.

About the GeoEconomics Center

The GeoEconomics Center develops data-driven programs, publications, and thought leadership at the nexus of economics, finance, and foreign policy. The Center aims to bridge the divide between these oft-siloed sectors with the goal of helping shape a more resilient global economy. ESI forms one of three core pillars of the Center’s work: 1) Future of Capitalism and Trade; 2) Future of Money; and 3) the Economic Statecraft Initiative.

Overview of the opportunity

The Atlantic Council seeks an experienced and dynamic leader to serve as Director, Economic Statecraft Initiative. This is a rare opportunity to shape the global conversation on one of the most consequential policy domains of our time—the use of economic tools as instruments of national security and foreign policy. At a moment when sanctions, export controls, and financial statecraft are reshaping geopolitics, the Director will lead and develop a small and high-performing team, guide a network of nonresident senior fellows, and ensure ESI remains the authoritative voice in this field.

The incoming Director will bring more than subject-matter expertise; they will be an intellectual entrepreneur excited to shape and build the next chapter of ESI’s research agenda, workstreams, and identity. A successful Director must also be, or demonstrate strong capacity to become, an effective manager and confident fundraiser, someone who can cultivate donor relationships, develop compelling funding propositions, and translate ESI's intellectual standing into sustained financial support.

This is a full-time position with a minimum four (4) day/week in-office requirement at the Atlantic Council’s Washington, DC headquarters. Occasional to moderate (< 25%) domestic and international travel is expected, as well as periodic participation in evening events. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and education, with offers from $175,000 to $195,000.

Job Responsibilities

Research & Intellectual Leadership

• Set ESI's research agenda on sanctions, economic coercion, illicit finance and financial crime, and allied coordination on economic statecraft;
• Author and oversee publication of policy reports, issue briefs, testimony, and commentary with rigorous, actionable analysis;
• Lead development of ESI's research tools and data products, and collaborate with GeoEconomics Center partners on cross-cutting analytical initiatives;
• Represent ESI in congressional testimony, media appearances, and expert forums domestically and internationally.

Business Development & Fundraising

• Lead ESI's fundraising strategy in partnership with Atlantic Council development staff, with direct responsibility for meeting annual revenue targets;
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with foundations, government funders, and corporate partners;
• Develop compelling grant proposals and project concepts that align ESI's research agenda with funder priorities;
• Engage a broad range of private sector actors—e.g., financial institutions, capital markets participants, investment firms, law firms, consultancies—as corporate sponsors and partners, leveraging ESI's subject-matter relevance to their business needs;
• Use ESI's convening platform and public profile to open doors with prospective donors and build a pipeline of sustaining support.

Stakeholder Engagement & Convening

• Lead ESI's calendar of public events and private roundtables, with potential to oversee flagship GeoEconomics Center convenings as the initiative's profile grows;
• Build and sustain relationships with senior policymakers at Treasury, State, Commerce, and the NSC, as well as EU and allied counterparts;
• Engage relevant corners of the private sector as both audiences and partners for ESI's work;
• Manage and grow ESI's network of nonresident senior fellows, in line with strategic priorities.

Program & Personnel Management

• Manage and mentor ESI staff, including the Associate Director and program staff;
• Manage ESI's budget and program operations in alignment with GeoEconomics Center leadership;
• Set clear priorities, maintain high-quality output standards, and ensure timely delivery of research and programming;
• Collaborate across Atlantic Council centers and programs on cross-cutting geoeconomic issues.

Essential

• 10+ years of relevant experience in economic statecraft, financial sanctions, national security, or international economic policy;
• Deep subject-matter expertise in sanctions design, implementation, and enforcement, or related areas;
• Demonstrated record of high-quality, policy-relevant research, writing, and/or public communication;
• Proven track record in, or demonstrated aptitude for, fundraising, grant acquisition, or business development, including direct donor cultivation and proposal writing;
• Experience engaging senior US government officials, foreign government counterparts, or international financial institutions;
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders;
• Graduate degree in international affairs, economics, law, or a closely related field.

Highly desired

• Government service in a relevant role at Treasury (OFAC, OIA), State, Commerce (BIS), NSC, or equivalent;
• Experience with transatlantic policy coordination, including EU sanctions or G7 economic security frameworks;
• Existing relationships with senior policymakers, media, and private sector actors in the economic statecraft space;
• Familiarity with the foundation, government funding, and/or compliance/financial services communities as donor or partner audiences.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.