Senior Fellow, Sanctions and Illicit Finance

Position Overview: FPRI is seeking an experienced policymaker, scholar, or practitioner to serve as Senior Fellow, Sanctions and Illicit Finance. In an era where economic coercion, financial sanctions, and illicit capital flows are central to global conflict and strategy, this role will establish FPRI as a premier destination for nonpartisan analysis on economic statecraft. The Senior Fellow will work closely with FPRI’s existing regional and functional programs (e.g., Eurasia, Asia, and Deterrence and Arms Control) to integrate financial intelligence and economic enforcement into broader geopolitical analyses. Additionally, the Senior Fellow will lead the development, planning, and execution of a signature annual conference in Philadelphia, bringing together national security officials, financial intelligence experts, private-sector leaders, and academics to discuss the evolving landscape of global sanctions and illicit finance. Key Responsibilities1. Research & Policy Analysis Produce high-impact, policy-relevant reports, white papers, op-eds, and briefings on sanctions enforcement, economic statecraft, anti-money laundering (AML), kleptocracy, and counter-illicit finance (CIF).Analyze emerging methods of sanctions evasion, supply-chain illicit finance, sovereign wealth manipulation, digital asset risks, and the weaponization of global financial net-works. Provide actionable recommendations for U.S. policymakers, allied governments, and financial regulators.2. Inter-Programmatic Collaboration Partner with directors and fellows across FPRI’s regional programs to cross-pollinate eco-nomic statecraft insights into existing research agendas (e.g., Russian sanctions evasion networks in Eurasia, sanctions dynamics in East Asia, or threat finance for nuclear and missile programs).Co-author joint briefs and organize collaborative workshops that bridge regional expertise with financial policy.3. Convening & Annual Conference Leadership Spearhead the strategy, agenda setting, speaker curation, and execution of FPRI’s flag-ship Annual Sanctions and Illicit Finance Conference in Philadelphia. Engage high-level stakeholders across government (U.S. Department of the Treasury/OFAC, State, Justice, Commerce), international partner nations, the financial industry, legal sector, and academia. Oversee post-conference deliverables, including summary reports, policy recommendations, and edited volumes.4. Media & External Representation Serve as a primary FPRI media spokesperson on sanctions, financial enforcement, and economic security. Host roundtables, webinars, and policy briefings in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and virtually. Represent FPRI at national and international conferences, congressional hearings, and private-sector briefings.5. Program Development & GrowthWork with FPRI leadership and development teams to identify grant opportunities, write proposals, and secure foundation/corporate support to expand the Sanctions and Illicit Finance portfolio.

Experience: 8+ years of demonstrated leadership in sanctions policy, counter-illicit finance, financial intelligence, or economic statecraft within government (e.g., Treasury/OFAC, State, DoD, NSC), intelligence, major think tanks, law firms, or financial institutions.

Education: Advanced degree (Master’s, Ph.D., or J.D.) in International Relations, Public Policy, Law, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Publication Record: Proven track record of publishing rigorous, policy-relevant analysis for decision-makers and national outlets. Convening Power: Demonstrated capability to organize high-level conferences, curate panels, and convene interdisciplinary networks of experts and leaders. Communication: Exceptional written, oral, and media presentation skills. Ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear policy options.

Desirable Qualifications: Direct experience working with financial compliance tools, intelligence datasets, or block-chain analytics platforms. Prior experience with grant writing, donor cultivation, or think-tank fundraising. Established professional network across Washington, D.C. policymaking bodies, international partner ministries, and the financial services sector.

Working Conditions & Location: This position is based out of FPRI’s headquarters in Philadelphia, PA. While hybrid work arrangements are supported, regular presence in Philadelphia is expected for team collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and execution of local programming, culminating in the flagship annual conference.

How to Apply: To apply, please submit the following materials in a single PDF document to Tara Spencer at .Cover letter detailing your experience in sanctions/illicit finance policy and your vision for FPRI's annual conference. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume. Two writing samples (policy briefs, op-eds, or analytical reports).Contact information for three professional referencesFPRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, including the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance.