Director, Subnational Diplomacy

Title: Director, Subnational Diplomacy, Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Employment Status:  Exempt

Salary: $85,000

Supervisor Title: Vice President, Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Date Revised:  March 2025

 Summary of Position:

The Director, Subnational Diplomacy at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC, will lead the development and implementation of the Subnational Diplomacy Initiative. This role involves creating and managing a comprehensive portfolio of programs, including fellowships, training, convenings, and analytical projects. The Director will be responsible for business development and fundraising, while also serving as the institution’s thought leader on local and state diplomacy contributing op-eds, articles, and social media as part of the Meridian brand. 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:

• Develop and oversee implementation of new city and state diplomacy programs that are timely, relevant, and support the advancement of the field as part of a portfolio of fellowships, convenings, training, and analytical projects.
• Lead business development and fundraising efforts within the portfolio, especially with private foundations.
• Utilize personal network to strengthen Meridian’s presence in the subnational diplomacy field
• Create a non-resident cohort of subnational diplomacy champions and stakeholders to accelerate the impact of state and local officials on shared global challenges
• Compose op-eds, reports, social media posts and resource tools.
• Serve as panelist/moderator for Meridian and external programs on relevant subnational themes
• Build and maintain strategic global partnerships to drive complimentary growth and impact.
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines
• Other duties as assigned

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in diplomacy, international relations, or a related field.
• Proven experience in business development and fundraising, particularly with private foundations.
• Demonstrated experience in program development and management.

• Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of local and state diplomacy to international affairs and solving global challenges

• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to design and implement strategic programs and initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience with op-eds and social media.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management and organizational skills.

• 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 values, and respect. Connecting people has been our foundation for over 65 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.

Meridian offers a comprehensive benefits package including a full medical plan with no deductible, dental (including orthodontics), a retirement plan with a substantial employer contribution from day one, fully paid life, long- and short-term disability, a variety of voluntary benefits, and generous paid leave and holidays.

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.