Director/Senior Director, Institutional Programs

Title: Director/Senior Director, Institutional Programs

Employment Status: Exempt

Salary: $84,000-134,400, salary and bonuses commensurate with experience and performance

Supervisor Title: Senior Director, External Affairs

Date Revised: September 2024

Summary of Position:

The Director/Senior Director of Institutional Programs spearheads Meridian's high-impact convenings that bring together stakeholders across sectors and borders to find solutions to today's most pressing challenges. This position will work closely with Meridian's leadership to design a cadence of engaging and varied events over the course of the year that furthers Meridian's mission.

This position will be hired at either the Director or Senior Director level based on prior experience and qualifications. 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

• Directly supervise a team of three, and oversee the work product of six additional staff members with a wide range of experience levels to ensure timely and quality completion of events ranging from fireside chats to hollow square conversations to panels at multilateral fora.
• Work closely with Corporate, Individual, and Foundation Development teams to creatively match opportunities for sponsorship and curation of programs that align with Meridian's mission and provide funding to creative innovative programs across the Center.
• The position will also oversee Meridian's signature convenings, the Global Leadership Summit, Diplomacy Forum, and Culturefix.
• Effectively articulates and markets Meridian's value proposition to potential funders. In cooperation with Communications and Marketing team, writes and designs compelling event descriptions and collateral.
• Collaboratively strategize outreach to high level speakers to elevate Meridian's programs. Enlist members of Meridian's Board of Trustees, philanthropic network, and one's personal network to secure noteworthy speakers.
• Create partnerships with peer organizations, media outlets, and U.S. government agencies on behalf of Meridian to drive complimentary growth and impact.
• Success in the role will be indicated by: robust attendance at events; a regular cadence of fun and creative events; a wider domestic and increased variety of events.
• Quickly gain familiarity with members of Meridian's network and where they can be leveraged to improve program quality or heighten their engagement.
• Explore the range of possibilities to highlight and engage the vast network of exchange program participants and alumni.
• Consult heavily with team leads to develop and implement new and routine events.
• Build internal consensus to bring in innovative approaches that will spur new growth, while giving appropriate weight to the history of the organization.
• Forge and maintain relationships with key strategic players in the private sector, government, and foreign diplomatic community, to position Meridian as a significant presence in the Washington diplomacy landscape.
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines and other duties as assigned.

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.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Economics, International Relations, or related field.
• 10+ years of job-related experience working with media, campaign, or social events for non-profits, trade associations, or other organizations.
• Experience working with Embassies or in the U.S. government is a plus.
• OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of complex international affairs issues.
• Ability to develop and deliver strong presentations (verbally and written) to persuade high-level audiences.
• Exceptional organizational and multi-tasking abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, including building strategic partnerships.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and planning skills and the ability to communicate strategic plans to the team and others.
• Proven ability to create compelling marketing narratives to drive attendance and secure revenue.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across the enterprise in an extremely complex organization.
• Ability to gain internal respect and build consensus.
• 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

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