Associate, Center for Cultural Diplomacy

Title: Associate, Center for Cultural Diplomacy

Employment Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $21.71 per hour ($45,150 annually)

Supervisor Title: Director, Cultural Programs

Date Revised:  April 2023

 Summary of Position:

The Associate, Center for Cultural Diplomacy works as part of a team, developing exhibitions and implementing the Department of State’s Next Level Hip Hop Collaboration program and other cultural exchange programs. This role is responsible for assisting with archival research, writing, and design of exhibitions, in addition to administrative and logistical arrangements for exchange programs.  Assists with and providing support for financial and grant reporting.

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

Position Responsibilities:

  • Supports exhibition development, including drafting texts, designing exhibition elements, and research at the National Archives, Library of Congress, and other archival collections, for current and future exhibitions.
  • Coordinates the development of cultural exchange programs in cooperation with State Department officials (including U.S. Embassies and Consulates), participants, contractors, interpreters, and in-country partners.
  • Maintains open channels of communication during each program with Department of State and Diplomatic Corps counterparts, informing them of all significant developments, and communicate with all parties clearly and effectively in spoken and written form.
  • Administers program logistics, including domestic and international flights, visas, accommodations, ground transportation, cultural events, payment and per diem requests, and group enhancements while staying within budget limits.
  • Researches business development opportunities, such as U.S. and foreign government and private sector proposals.
  • Works closely with the Center for Diplomatic Engagement and Events divisions on MCCD cultural programs.
  • Supports MCCD communications and social media needs.
  • Completes all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

  • Undergraduate degree in Arts Administration, Museum Studies, or related fields.
  • Minimum 0-2 years of related experience.
  • Experience in exhibition research and writing, as well as knowledge of standard museum practices and procedures, art handling, and electronic database management.
  • Broad knowledge and experience of international cultures and customs.
  • Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Effective oral and written English communication skills
  • Experience in exhibition research, as well as knowledge of standard museum practices and procedures, art handling, and electronic database management
  • Ability to work effectively and accurately under pressure
  • Mature judgment and the ability to set priorities
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Superior organizational skills
  • Ability to carry out responsibilities independently while functioning as part of a team
  • Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world

Technical Requirements:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role
  • Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (Acrobat, Photoshop, InDesign), Zoom, Squarespace, and Salesforce is helpful

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.