Program Officer, Strategic Convenings

Title: Program Officer, Strategic Convenings

Employment Status: Exempt

Term: Immediate start date through November 27, 2026 (with potential for permanent hire)

Salary: $70,000-85,000, Commensurate with experience

Supervisor Title:

Summary of Position:

Meridian International Center is seeking a highly driven and entrepreneurial Program Officer to lead the end-to-end execution of a high-profile, partner-driven convening series focused on critical diplomatic and geopolitical issues.

This is a project-based role, responsible for designing and delivering a portfolio of 6-8 high-level programs – ranging from closed door roundtables of 30-40 people to public events and receptions of 150+ people that bring together senior leaders across government, the diplomatic community, industry, think tanks, and academia. Topics will span a range of global priorities—including sports diplomacy, energy security, supply chains, and geopolitical risk.

This role requires a unique blend of policy fluency, stakeholder curation, and operational and event production excellence. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable researching emerging global issues and engaging senior-level participants, and managing all of the details and administrative support to execute high-touch convenings.

In addition to leading this core program series, the Program Officer will contribute to the execution of Meridian’s flagship convenings, and other high-priority institutional programs, as needed.

The position is a temporary position through the end of November 2026, with the intention of supporting Meridian’s strategic convening portfolio. A transition to a permanent role is possible, contingent upon funding and individual performance. 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:

Program Oversight and Coordination

• Lead the full lifecycle design of a 6-8 program convening series aligned with partner priorities and Meridian’s Open Diplomacy framework
• Conduct rapid research across geopolitical and policy issues (e.g., sports diplomacy, energy, global supply chains, regional dynamics) to understand the key leaders and stakeholders to develop a high- level guest list
• Identify, recruit, and manage a network of speakers and participants across government, diplomatic corps, private sector, think tanks, and academia
• Serve as a key point of contact for internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders
• Follow strategic event workplans and produce deliverables, overseeing day-to-day project coordination to include audience/attendee outreach, registration, speaker outreach, and post-event follow-up.
• Review written outputs, including session descriptions, talking points, briefing memos, runs of show, discussion questions, staffing plans, program summaries, and other materials.
• Ensure alignment with program goals, requirements, and funder guidelines

Team Management

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, including events, AV, and communications teams, executive leadership, and colleagues across the Engagement, Growth, and Partnerships and Customized Exchanges divisions.
• Supervise and provide guidance to the Program Coordinator(s)
• Delegate tasks and ensure timely completion of responsibilities
• Provide mentorship, quality control, and performance feedback
• Support coordination across additional temporary staff, as needed
• Oversee development of communications and branded materials, including digital and print assets

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Monitor program budgets, expenses, and financial tracking
• Ensure timely processing of payments and proper documentation
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines
• Other duties as assigned

Education/Experience

• Minimum 5 – 8 years of progressive program management experience, particularly in international affairs, public policy, event production, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing high-level convenings, discussions, meetings, or conferences involving senior stakeholders
• Prior experience supervising staff or managing junior team members
• 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 knowledge of the diplomatic and governmental landscape in Washington, DC
• Deep network of contacts to develop interesting and relevant audiences
• Strong understanding of global policy issues and ability to quickly get up to speed across diverse topics
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing polished materials for executive audiences
• Proven ability to operate independently and drive projects from concept through execution
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines
• Strong judgment, professionalism, and diplomatic instincts
• Ability to problem-solve and make decisions under pressure, particularly during live events
• 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

The cover letter submitted with the application should include an answer to the question: Briefly describe a complex logistics project you managed and your role in its success. 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.

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