Title: Associate, Diplomatic Engagement
Employee Name: N/A
Employment Status: Non-Exempt
Salary: $45,150
Supervisor Title: Director, MCDE
Date Revised: November 2023
Summary of Position:
The Associate, Diplomatic Engagement serves in a support role managing the day-to-day elements of the Center for Diplomatic Engagement, with an emphasis on the Insights and Diplocraft series and other convening programs for the diplomatic corps. This includes audience management, program preparation and database organization. The Associate is responsible for conducting the Center’s financial and administrative deliverables. The Associate is also involved in two signature programs – the Meridian Global Leadership Summit and the Meridian Diplomacy Forum.
This position is located in Washington, DC. Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The position may work partially remotely until further notice.
Position Responsibilities:
• Plan and execute two new ambassador welcome receptions each year including event production and logistical coordination in collaboration with Meridian’s Events team, speaker preparation and diplomatic outreach.
• In partnership with Director, develop strategic event workplans and deliverables in the lead up to an event and command day-to-day project management, including: Audience/attendee outreach and engagement for Insights and Diplocraft programs–identify appropriate guests, compose and disseminate invitations, create and oversee online event registration, track RSVPs, issue reminders and thank you letters; Draft and distribute talking points, framing questions, detailed runs of show, and staffing plans in advance of programs; Speaker and stakeholder preparation, liaising with program partners, and coordinating logistics with Meridian events team.
• Support day-of program implementation for all Center for Diplomatic Engagement in-person, virtual and hybrid events – includes preparation of materials for internal and external use, attendee registration, stakeholder management and notetaking.
• Administer Insights, Diplocraft, and other MCDE convening series webpages using WordPress and create digital content highlighting programs, to include composition of short reports summarizing main takeaways and curation of photo galleries.
• Administer financial components – track budget, pay bills, process checks, reconcile credit card statements, prepare receipts, and acknowledgements.
• Suggest program ideas and conduct research
• Maintain and enrich Salesforce database with up-to-date contact and relationship details for all diplomatic engagement speakers, attendees, partners.
• Arrange travel, accommodations, and other logistical concerns for program speakers and participants.
• Organize logistics for off-site programming – including venue, vendor, and client (when applicable) coordination.
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines.
• Other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience
• Undergraduate degree in related field.
• 1+ years of nonprofit or event support experience.
• Demonstrated interest in international affairs and global issues; Knowledge of and familiarity with U.S. government structure and/or diplomatic protocol (desired)
• Or, any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
• Superior people skills centering excellent customer service and hospitality.
• Superb attention to detail and protocol.
• Ability to carry out responsibilities independently while functioning as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written English communications skills and ability to synthesize highlights and key takeaways from discussions.
• Outstanding organization skills and ability to prioritize and maneuver in a fast-paced work environment, including the ability to concurrently balance multiple, high priorities.
• Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world.
• Commitment to diverse and inclusive programming.
• Availability to staff events before and after the traditional 9-5 workday when necessary.
Technical Requirements
In collaboration with Meridian’s IT and A/V team, oversee technical aspects of hybrid and virtual events – includes setup and production of Zoom webinars, Zoom meeting, video cameras, audio/sound board, and other platforms and tools as needed.
Proficiency in the following software programs is necessary for this role: Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams; Internet Browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer); Zoom. Knowledge of the following is beneficial: Salesforce, Canva, WordPress, Pardot, Linvio
Employer’s Statement
Meridian is committed to creating a diverse environment. We believe in empowering global leaders and amplifying voices of a wide variety of backgrounds to create pathways for greater understanding, shared value and respect for all cultures as connecting people has been our foundation for over 60 years. If you share our values and enthusiasm to promote non-partisan collaboration to address global challenges and opportunities, you can find a home at Meridian.
As an equal opportunity employer, Meridian promotes equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, family responsibilities, marital, veteran or military status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity will be offered and maintained to all persons at every stage and condition of employment, including recruiting, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should apply here. Only candidates being considered for this position will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS in reference to this position will be accepted.
