Job Type

Full-time

Description

Title: Program Officer, Diplomatic Engagement

Employment Status: EXEMPT

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000

Supervisor Title: Director, Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Date Revised: May 2024

Summary of Position:

Meridian is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Program Officer for our Center for Diplomatic Engagement. This position is designed to support the strategic vision and operational excellence of a portfolio of convening programs for the international diplomatic community, including the Insights and Diplocraft series, with an emphasis on bespoke fee-for-service programs for members of Meridian's Corporate Council. The incumbent will manage the full lifecycle of event and program delivery, from conception and design through execution and post-event deliverables, ensuring alignment with Meridian's mission to foster global understanding and collaboration. The Program Officer will also support the planning and program management of the annual Meridian Summit.

The successful candidate will possess a blend of skills and professional experiences tailored to the unique demands of diplomatic engagement, program management, and client relations. A strong familiarity with and interest in both international relations and corporations with global corporate social responsibility initiatives preferred.

This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The position may work partially remotely until further notice.

Position Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day strategic and logistic execution of a portfolio of live programs and events; serve as primary liaison to external stakeholders, partners, internal colleagues, on-site facility staff, and vendors-confidently and competently leading in-person meetings, calls, and other correspondence-to successfully execute all event related tasks.
• Identify, secure, prepare, and serve as the primary liaison to a diverse range of thought-provoking, influential, and diverse speakers; responsibilities include extending speaker invitations and actively engaging in follow up, creating speaker briefing materials, organizing pre-session meetings, and drafting post-event letters of appreciation.
• Identify and manage appropriate audience composition, invitations, cultivation, RSVPs, and overall attendee experience.
• Compose session descriptions, talking points, briefing documents, detailed runs of show, discussion questions, and other writing; liaise with communications team to implement event communications strategy.
• Produce and support day-of event implementation for Center for Diplomatic Engagement and wider External Affairs programs-to range from material preparations, stage and virtual production to technical support on video cameras and other platforms and tools as needed, registration, notetaking and stakeholder management.
• Synthesize highlights and key takeaways from convening programs for internal and external reports; curate photo galleries for website and/or thought leadership purposes.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis, identify emerging trends in international affairs, and generate timely and germane programmatic themes, ensuring programs align with client needs and organizational goals.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with external stakeholders across the diplomatic, corporate, and public policy sectors, expanding Meridian's network of Washington influencers and decision-makers.
• Maintain and enrich the Salesforce database with up-to-date contact and relationship details for all Diplomatic Engagement activities, including but not limited to contact records, event attendance, business development campaigns, and speaker opportunities.
• Support monitoring and evaluation efforts through data analytics of registration, speaker diversity, and program evaluations, reporting on program deliverables and institutional DEIA commitments.
• Support business development efforts by participating in creative brainstorms and proposal writing to support Diplomatic Engagement program development and growth efforts; synthesize companies needs with Meridian programs and turn abstract partnership concepts into clear and accessible language.
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Undergraduate degree; focus on international studies, political science, business, economics, or similar field preferred.
• 4-7 years of related experience.
• Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Strong attention to detail and protocol-including awareness and accountability for deadlines, budget parameters, and accuracy-to ensure high-quality event production and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent oral and written English communications skills.
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to multitask and process information quickly in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated experience managing multiple, concurrent programs required.
• Team-oriented self-starter, with an ability to manage initiatives both independently and as part of a team, cooperatively across Meridian departments to ensure cohesive programming and support organizational goals.
• A resourceful, go-getter attitude with a proactive, problem-solving mindset and the ability to independently identify and solve problems as well as adapt to changing circumstances.
• Demonstrated interest in global affairs and working at a mission-driven organization that connects the diplomatic community with U.S. government officials and private sector leaders.
• Superior customer service and hospitality skills, ensuring a welcoming and professional environment.
• Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role.
• Possess a working knowledge of and interest in honing skills associated with event technology platforms including registration, event apps, survey, and CRM software.
• Experience with Canva, Zoom and Salesforce preferred.