Program Officer, Diplomatic Engagement

Title: Program Officer, Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Employment Status:  Exempt

Salary: $70,000 – $80,000 Annually (based on experience)

Supervisor Title: Director, Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Date Revised:  July 2025

Summary of Position:

The Program Officer, Center for Diplomatic Engagement (MCDE), plays a key role in advancing Meridian’s Open Diplomacy framework by designing and executing high-impact convenings that connect the international diplomatic corps with leaders from business, government, and civil society. Positioned as the convening arm across Meridian’s forthcoming and existing Centers—including the Centers for State & Local Diplomacy, Tech Transformation, Innovation, and Space, and Culture & Sports—the Program Officer collaborates across teams to curate and deliver programs that elevate Meridian’s voice on strategic priorities like U.S. competitiveness, alliances and partnerships, and geopolitical resilience.

This role is ideal for a mission-driven professional who thrives at the intersection of international affairs, cross-sector collaboration, and event strategy. This position supports the design, execution, and impact of a wide range of convening programs, such as Meridian’s Tech Envoy Series, energy diplomacy dialogues, and the Insights@Meridian series. The incumbent must be highly organized, diplomatically savvy, and eager to support the operational integration of convenings across Meridian’s evolving institutional structure and thematic Centers.

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:

  • Manage the development and execution of programs within the Center for Diplomatic Engagement’s portfolio, including the Tech Envoy Series, energy diplomacy dialogues, and the Insights@Meridian Series, ensuring they are strategically aligned with Meridian’s mission and audience.
  • Serve as a core project manager for MCDE-led convenings and cross-Center events, collaborating with directors and program leads from other departments to deliver timely, mission-aligned, and high-quality programming.
  • confidently and competently leading in-person meetings, calls, and other correspondence with internal and with external stakeholders.
  • Support the execution of institutional convenings such as the Meridian Summit and Diplomacy Forums, managing both content and logistics in collaboration with stakeholders across the organization.
  • Draft compelling event materials including session descriptions, talking points, briefing documents, speaker bios, and post-event summaries.
  • Identify, secure, and prepare speakers and moderators representing diverse backgrounds across diplomacy, business, policy, and civil society.
  • Cultivate and manage guest lists, invitation outreach, RSVPs, and audience engagement before, during, and after events.
  • Track and manage event data and outcomes in Salesforce, ensuring accurate records of stakeholder engagement, event participation, and program deliverables.
  • Support business development efforts by contributing to program proposals and concept notes, aligning content and delivery with funder priorities.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with external stakeholders across the diplomatic and public sectors.
  • 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 preferred; preferred fields include international relations, political science, public policy, or related disciplines.
  • 4–7 years of relevant experience in diplomacy, international affairs, corporate engagement, program management, or event production.
  • 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 an ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience drafting polished materials for high-level audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to work across departments and issue areas, translating complex ideas into accessible, outcome-driven convenings.
  • Proven success in stakeholder engagement and event execution, including working with senior officials, private sector leaders, andad international delegations.
  • Collaborative, team-oriented, and flexible with a proactive approach to solving problems and anticipating needs.
  • Deep interest in global affairs, diplomacy, and public-private partnerships.
  • Commitment to and experience producing inclusive and representative 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 Salesforce, Canva, and Zoom 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.