Senior Director, Freedom and Prosperity Center

The Freedom and Prosperity Center works to increase the well-being of people everywhere and especially that of the poor and marginalized in developing countries through unbiased, data-based research on the relationship between prosperity and economic, political, and legal freedoms, in support of sound policy choices.

The Senior Director is the senior official charged with leading the Freedom and Prosperity Center. This position requires close and continuous collaboration with colleagues in other regional and functional centers across the Atlantic Council, and reports to the Executive Vice President. Based in Washington DC, the Senior Director, Freedom and Prosperity Center will help to conceptualize and implement the Center’s strategy and advance community outreach. This position will focus on ensuring that the Center’s work is well-structured and reaches policy stakeholders while consistently broadening our reach to a new community of global stakeholders. The ideal candidate will grow the Freedom and Prosperity brand and increase awareness of the Center’s content and convenings.

The role is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters, requiring a minimum of four days per week in the office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $185,000 to $215,000. Applications submitted by October 3, 2025, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

• Freedom and Prosperity Indexes and Country Atlas. The Freedom and Prosperity Indexes show that freedom is the surest path for countries to achieve long-term development and well-being. Free societies are not only more just; they are more resilient, more innovative, and more prosperous. The Senior Director must be familiar with data-driven approaches to democracy and international development and manage all aspects of the production of the annual indexes and country atlas.
• Intellectual Leadership: Play the leading role in developing the substantive framework for advancing the Freedom and Prosperity Center’s mission through strategic planning and innovative programming to support that mission. Represent the Center and Council in external policy debates through publications, speaking/media engagements, and other thought leadership.
• Programmatic Design and Oversight. The Senior Director will develop programming and new initiatives to influence policy and impact public discourse at the intersection of international development, freedom, and development. The Senior Director will be required to oversee simultaneous implementation of multiple projects.
• Business Development: Work with Council leadership and Development team, build the Center’s financial base by pursuing opportunities with foundations, corporations, high net worth individuals, government agencies, and international organizations. The Director should be a relentlessly creative, entrepreneurial manager prepared to drive growth within the Center.
• Center Management: Recruit, manage, and develop a robust bench of talent consisting of full-time staff, Young Global Professionals (paid interns), and resident/nonresident senior fellows. Integrate board members, members of the Council’s networks, and supporting partners into the Center’s programming, while leveraging the expertise of the Council’s 16 programs and centers to enhance the Center’s global network. Maintain strong oversight of Center finances and administrative obligations, working with the Council’s finance and operations staff.
• Outreach/Communications. The Senior Director will represent the Atlantic Council externally with the administration, Congress, diplomatic community and foreign governments, donors, media, as well as at public and private events, international conferences, and more.

• A minimum of ten years of significant work experience on an array of issues related to international development, freedom, and prosperity. Experience managing and developing country indices a must. Familiarity with data analysis and the use of data in the shaping of policies a plus. A strong network in the international development and/or democracy promotion space.
• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in Political Science, International Relations, Law, History, or a comparable degree. Master’s Degree preferred but not required.
• Proven track record in managing multiple projects simultaneously and demonstrated experience in advancing communications goals.
• Superb interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collegially with others and with the highest standards of integrity.
• Superior written and oral communication skills and a desire to experiment in outreach methods.
• Demonstrated track record in budget management and forecasting, responding to government grant solicitations, and fundraising to include solicitation from individuals, foundations, and corporate sources;
• A proven ability to build networks and initiate effective partnerships among expert analysts, government leaders, and non-governmental organizations, international institutions, and business executives.
• Permission to work in the United States.

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.