Program Associate, Center for Diplomatic Engagement at Meridian International Center – Washington, District of Columbia

Summary of Position:

The Program Associate, Center for Diplomatic Engagement supports the day-to-day initiatives and administration of the Center, with an emphasis on the Insights@Meridian and Diplocraft series, as well as other convening programs for the diplomatic corps and initiatives across Meridian’s Open Diplomacy Centers.?The Program Associate is responsible for leading the Center’s financial and administrative deliverables, while contributing to coordinated diplomatic engagement management and event logistics. The Program Associate may also support Meridian signature programs, including the Meridian Summit and Diplomacy Forums.

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:

Programmatic Support and Coordination

• In partnership with the Program Officer and MCDE team, serve as associate producer across assigned MCDE and Open Diplomacy programs, including Insights@Meridian, Diplocraft, and other recurring convening series.
• Follow strategic event workplans and produce deliverables, overseeing day-to-day project coordination to include audience/attendee outreach, registration tracking, correspondence, and post-event follow-up.
• Produce written outputs, including session descriptions, talking points, briefing memos, runs of show, discussion questions, staffing plans, program summaries, and other materials.
• Coordinate logistics with internal stakeholders, including events, AV, and communications teams, executive leadership, and colleagues across the Engagement, Growth, and Partnerships division.
• Support day-of program implementation for MCDE and Open Diplomacy programs (approx. 30 events annually, primarily in-person with occasional hybrid or virtual), including registration, materials preparation, ushering, and other tasks assigned by lead producers.
• Maintain program data and related event websites with accurate content including event details, registration functionality, post event summaries, curated photo galleries and captions for internal/external use.

Diplomatic Engagement

• Support Meridian’s Diplomatic Engagement Strategy by managing an assigned regional portfolio of diplomatic missions, maintaining accurate records and contact information in Salesforce and serving as a central repository for correspondence, relationship tracking, and embassy touchpoints.
• Support stewardship of diplomatic corps by helping to track touchpoints, prepare reports and updates, coordinate internal strategy meetings, and draft correspondence to strengthen relationships and ensure continued engagement.
• Monitor new foreign ambassador credentialing ceremonies; coordinate with MCDE Regional Portfolio Managers, Embassy Relationship Managers, and the Executive Office to support scheduling and briefing preparation for meetings.
• Maintain and enrich Salesforce with up-to-date contact and relationship details for all Diplomatic Engagement activities and other stakeholders, including but not limited to contact records and affiliations, event attendance, business development campaigns, speaker opportunities, reporting and dashboards.
• Research relevant diplomacy-related topics and trends, contributing timely and germane ideas to inform program development and other written content.

Operations and Administrative Duties

• Lead financial administration for MCDE, including monthly expense reports (receipt collection and tracking, missing receipt documentation), payment and reimbursement requests, and coordination with Development on event-related payments as needed.
• Manage database upkeep, reporting, and analytics of registration, speaker diversity, diplomatic attendance, and other program evaluation metrics to support internal reporting and strategy.
• Provide cross-team administrative and operational support within the Engagement, Growth, and Partnerships division, including research, financial administration, and Salesforce data management as needed.
• Arrange travel, accommodation, and other logistical concerns for program speakers and guests as needed.
• Support technical aspects of hybrid and virtual programs using Zoom and other digital tools as needed.
• 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.
• Entry level to 2 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 organizational and administrative skills, with sharp attention to detail and accuracy.
• Superior customer service and hospitality skills, ensuring a welcoming and professional environment.
• Proactive, resourceful attitude and ability to prioritize and maneuver in a fast-paced work environment, including the ability to concurrently balance multiple, high priorities.
• Demonstrated interest in global affairs and working for a mission-driven cause 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.
• 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

Resume and cover letter required. 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.