Associate Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

About the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

The Atlantic Council's nonpartisan Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center (AALAC) broadens understanding of regional transformations while demonstrating the significance of Latin America and the Caribbean in a rapidly changing world. The Center focuses on pressing political, economic, and strategic issues that define the region's trajectory, proposing constructive, results-oriented solutions to inform public-sector, business, and multilateral action with the goal of a more prosperous future for the Americas.

AALAC builds consensus for action in advancing innovative policy perspectives and prioritizes impact across geographic priorities - including Argentina, Brazil, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela and through its Caribbean Initiative - alongside thematic areas that incorporate global Atlantic Council expertise: investment promotion, commercial ties, economic development, transnational criminal organizations, energy security, technology, democratic institutions, and mitigating Chinese presence.

Overview of the Role

In coordination with the AALAC VP and Senior Director, the Associate Director will execute the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center's work on the region's future trajectory and global power competition, including rising authoritarianism, China, and US-LAC strategy. The Associate Director will provide thought leadership and lead implementation efforts.

This role is designed for a go-getter who can execute on "big ideas" and work with Center leadership to translate emerging trends and key drivers into actionable agendas for decision-makers. The Associate Director will accompany the AALAC VP and Senior Director in building AALAC's new foresight function (FutureLAC), developing scenarios, stress-testing assumptions, and identifying catalytic bets that help the United States and partners in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) navigate disruption. The portfolio will span multiple issue areas, always with an emphasis on what's next, what's plausible, and what's consequential.

While this position will advance existing projects, a core mandate of the Associate Director is building out the Center's FutureLAC work alongside its leadership. Future LAC will focus on emerging trends and key drivers of regional change and develop actionable agendas for decision-makers. The position will involve developing scenarios, stress-testing assumptions, and identifying signposts that indicate which futures are emerging. Its outputs will translate uncertainty into practical choices for decision-makers, with an emphasis on how the increased US and global focus on the region will drive new relationships and reshape LAC's role with the world community.

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial self-starter with expertise in political and economic development, a robust network in the LAC and multilateral space, and proven success in managing high-profile events and fundraising efforts. Collaboration across the Atlantic Council's thematic centers is vital, as well as regular engagement with government officials, corporate executives, and other influential stakeholders.

This position is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $80,000 to $85,000. Applications submitted by May 4, 2026, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

Strategy Implementation

• In partnership with the AALAC VP and Senior Director, help craft and support implementation of AALAC's foresight and global competition agenda in LAC. Lead execution of high-impact, decision-relevant publications (issue briefs, scenarios, "Memos to," policy options memos, and flagship reports) tailored to different audiences.
• Track and interpret key drivers shaping the region.
• Provide rapid-turn analysis and internal support to cross-cutting strategic questions.

Support the Building of FutureLAC

• Help to design the approach, scope, and fundraise for FutureLAC.
• Implement the convening of scenario exercises and "stress tests" for policymakers and business leaders (e.g., tabletop simulations, red-team/blue-team sessions, decision sprints).
• Build a network of affiliated experts (fellows, practitioners, data partners, and methodologists) and integrate foresight into other AALAC initiatives.

Convenings and Public Engagement

• Alongside Center leadership, conceptualize and lead high-level events anchored in forward-looking policy questions.
• Represent AALAC publicly through speaking engagements, media commentary, and external partnerships, strengthening the Center's profile.
• Support AALAC's engagement with governments, multilaterals, and the private sector by providing structured agenda-setting and synthesis of outcomes into actionable takeaways.

Fundraising and Partnership Development

• Contribute to fundraising strategy and execution: developing concept notes, proposals, funder briefings, and sponsor-facing deliverables tied to clear impact metrics.
• Identify partnership opportunities that connect foresight outputs to real-world decision-making and implementation.

Cross-Center Collaboration

• Coordinate with Atlantic Council thematic centers to develop joint products and integrated programming.
• Ensure high standards for editorial quality, stakeholder value, and operational execution.
• Master's degree in a relevant field, such as international relations or public policy.
• 6+ years of experience in policy strategy, international affairs, political economy, or related fields, with demonstrated expertise in LAC.
• Spanish and/or Portuguese a plus.
• Proven ability to produce crisp, decision-focused writing for senior audiences under time constraints.
• Demonstrated experience in foresight, scenario planning, risk analysis, or strategic planning methods (or a strong record of adjacent strategic work).
• Strong network across government, multilateral institutions, private sector, and/or civil society in the region.
• Demonstrable fundraising experience.
• Excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style.

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.