Coordinator, Diplomatic Engagement

 

Title: Coordinator, Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Employment Status:  NON-EXEMPT

Salary: $49,350 - $52,500

Supervisor Title: Director, Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Date Revised:   July 2024

Summary of Position:

The Coordinator, Center for 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@Meridian and Diplocraft series, as well as other convening and signature programs for the diplomatic corps. This includes audience management, program preparation and database organization. The coordinator is responsible for conducting the Center’s financial and administrative deliverables, as well as embassy relationship management. The coordinator may also be involved in two signature programs – the Meridian Global Leadership Summit and the Meridian Diplomacy Forum.

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:

  • Plan and execute two new ambassador welcome receptions each year, including event production, logistical coordination, 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; Compose session descriptions, talking points, briefing documents, detailed runs of show, discussion questions, staffing plans and other writing; liaise with communications team to implement event communications strategy; Speaker and stakeholder preparation, liaising with external stakeholders, program partners, on-site facility staff, and vendors; coordinating logistics with Meridian events team and other internal stakeholders.
  • 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 for internal and external reports; curate photo galleries for website and/or thought leadership purposes.
  • Administer financial components – track budget, pay bills, process checks, reconcile credit card statements, prepare receipts, and acknowledgements.
  • Serve as repository, facilitating Meridian’s senior leadership correspondence with—and awareness of—organizational relationships with the foreign diplomatic corps, and tracking records using Salesforce database.
  • Monitor new foreign ambassador credentialing ceremonies; coordinate with Executive Office to set up and provide briefings for meetings.
  • Conduct thorough research and analysis, identify emerging trends in international affairs, and suggest timely and germane programmatic ideas.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Support monitoring and evaluation efforts through data analytics of registration, speaker diversity, and program evaluations, reporting on program deliverables and institutional DEIA commitments.
  • 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; focus on international studies, political science, public policy or similar field preferred.
  • 2-5 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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • 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.
  • Superior customer service and hospitality skills, ensuring a welcoming and professional environment.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Availability to staff events before and after the traditional 9-5 workday when necessary.
  • Commitment to diverse and inclusive programming.
  • 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 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.