Director, Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement (MCDE)

Title: Director, Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement (MCDE)

Employment Status:  EXEMPT

Salary: $84,000-$100,000

Supervisor Title: Vice President, Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Date Revised: March 2023

 Summary of Position:

The Director, MCDE is responsible for the day-to-day planning and management of MCDE’s core convening components. This includes devising and overseeing the executing of a dynamic schedule of relevant briefings, trainings and other convening programs and networking receptions for international and U.S. diplomats. The Director assumes a substantial role in business development and forging of strategic partnerships. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director contributes to organization-wide initiatives and cross-team collaboration.

This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. Meridian offers a hybrid work environment, but this position is anticipated to have significant on-site responsibilities related to convenings.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Oversee, schedule, and manage team executing MCDE programs to include, but not limited to, monthly series of Insights briefings for the Washington-based senior foreign diplomatic corps and a separate Diplocraft series of monthly workshops/trainings for mid-career foreign diplomats on best practices, how Washington works, policy issues, etc. – to include generation of timely and germane themes, creation of effective and interactive formats, and securing of thought-provoking, influential, and diverse speakers.
  • Cultivate and expand Meridian’s network of Washington influencers and decision-makers with an emphasis on U.S. government officials, Congressional staff members, foreign diplomats, foundation leadership and business executives.
  • Produce/support day-of program implementation – to range from stage and virtual production to technical support on video cameras and other platforms and tools as needed, and stakeholder management.
  • Creatively develop new program concepts and construct proposals and subsequently pitch to foundations and other potential funders.
  • Proactively forge relationships with potential funders, including institutional and corporate foundations to achieve annual revenue needs.
  • Track and maintain budget for MCDE and individual events.
  • Oversee Diplomatic Engagement Advisory Committee to create active network of prestigious champions for MCDE’s work.
  • Work within External Affairs Team to integrate objectives of MCDE within other programs and consider greater Meridian goals while programming.
  • Contribute to Meridian’s thought leadership and brand in diplomacy.
  • Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Personnel Management:   

  • Provides leadership, direct supervision and support to MCDE Program Officer

Education/Experience

  • Undergraduate degree. Graduate degree in international relations, NGO management or related field preferred.
  • Minimum 8 years of experience of ascending policy convening/program management experience.
  • Business development roles dealing with world affairs or international development issues.
  • Experience working for or in partnership with foundations and private sector grant making institutions.
  • Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

 Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Must demonstrate superior people skills.
  • Existing network of professional contacts and abilities to quickly develop productive internal and external working relationships.
  • Strong attention to detail and protocol.
  • Team-oriented self-starter, with an ability to manage initiatives for the full-cycle with an emphasis on quality, outstanding performance, and achievement of desired results
  • Capability to develop a working knowledge on a wide range of domestic and international policy issues in order to effectively design and implement a breadth of convening programs, including those related to emerging technology, global health, and energy/environment among others.
  • Excellent oral and written English communications skills and ability to synthesize highlights and key takeaways from discussions.
  • Outstanding organization skills and ability to maneuver in a fast-paced work environment
  • Demonstrated interest in international affairs, global issues, and continued U.S. engagement with the world.
  • 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, Zoom 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.