Senior Fellow for Economic Development, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

The Senior Fellow for Economic Development will lead the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center’s expanding portfolio on regional economic issues, providing thought leadership on trade, investment, and macroeconomic policy. This role is pivotal in advancing AALAC’s influence in shaping economic recovery and growth strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean, working with public and private sectors to forge solutions for economic challenges faced by the region.

The Senior Fellow will lead and expand the Center’s regional economic work at the intersection of economic, political, and geostrategic spaces, including macro-fiscal policies, commerce and investment, development finance, and the region’s economic relations with China as well as LAC’s evolving role in global supply chains. Their work will focus on creating actionable policy recommendations to promote sustainable economic growth and deeper regional integration.

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial self-starter with deep expertise in 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, health sector leaders, 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 $95,000 to $105,000. Applications submitted by October 30, 2024, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

• Thought Leadership: Develop (with Center leadership assistance) and implement a strategy for advancing AALAC’s economic development work, focusing on key areas such as macro-fiscal policies, commerce and investment, development finance, and the region’s economic relations with China as well as LAC’s evolving role in global supply chains.  Lead research and policy development on issues such as economic resilience, commercial barriers, and nearshoring.
• Programmatic Oversight: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, often involving senior experts, entrepreneurs, and policy leaders. Lead program operations, including quality control and oversight of various projects, to ensure policy impact throughout projects.
• Financial Management: Oversee budgetary compliance across projects that fall within the remit of the position.
• Business Development: Lead efforts to secure funding for work focused on economic development by cultivating relationships with foundations, multinational corporations, multilaterals, government agencies, etc. Grow the portfolio financially through strategic partnerships, expanding the Center’s reach and influence in the economic development space.
• Publications and Research: Manage the drafting and publication of high-impact reports and policy briefs as well as work with the communications team to determine other mediums to communicate analysis such as video, infographics, etc. Publications should provide critical insights for policymakers and business leaders.
• Network Development: Leverage and expand AALAC’s network of economic development contacts, including government trade ministries, private sector executives, multilateral organizations, and think tanks. Develop partnerships that elevate the Center’s role in shaping the economic future of the Latin American and Caribbean region.
• External Representation: Represent the Center in high-level discussions on regional economic growth and global trade dynamics. Engage regularly with top officials, industry leaders, and international organizations to advocate for economic policies that support long-term regional growth and stability. Work across the Atlantic Council with colleagues focused on these issues, in particular, the GeoEconomics Center.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as economics, international relations, or public policy.
• Minimum of 10 years of combined professional experience, with a strong focus on Latin America’s economic development.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, lead fundraising initiatives, and cultivate relationships with funders.
• Demonstrated experience in managing employees.
• Strong writing and research skills, with experience producing publications on economic affairs (i.e., trade and investment, macro-fiscal policy, etc.).
• Proficient/Fluent in Spanish; knowledge of Portuguese is highly desirable.
• Experience interacting with senior government officials, policymakers, corporate executives, and media in the United States and the Latin America region.
• Entrepreneurial and collaborative mindset, with a passion for addressing the region’s economic challenges.

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.