Program Officer, Center for Culture & Sports Diplomacy
Meridian International Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Program Officer, Center for Culture & Sports Diplomacy
Employment Status:
Exempt
Term:
May 4 through August 2026 with potential for permanent hire
Salary:
$70,000-85,000, Commensurate with experience
Supervisor Title:
Vice President, Director of Culture & Sports
Summary of Position
Meridian International Center is seeking a highly driven and detail-oriented Temporary Program Officer, Center for Culture & Sports Diplomacy, to support the delivery of the Great American State Fair Program from April 27 to August 21. This role is responsible for leading the end-to-end coordination and execution of artist engagement, including recruitment, contracting, travel logistics, honoraria, and on-site program delivery for a high-profile, partner-driven public program on the National Mall.
The Program Officer will oversee a Program Associate and manage a complex portfolio of artists, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring seamless and compliant implementation. This role requires a strong blend of operational excellence, stakeholder coordination, and real-time problem-solving, with the ability to manage high-volume logistics while maintaining a high-touch experience for participating artists and partners.
The ideal candidate is equally comfortable managing detailed administrative processes and executing large-scale, public-facing programming, and thrives in fast-paced environments requiring adaptability, sound judgment, and cross-team collaboration.
This position is based in Washington, DC, and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The role may be partially remote until further notice.
This position is contingent upon Meridian successfully securing a contract from the National Endowment for the Arts for the Great American State Fair (the Fair), taking place June 25 to July 10, 2026, in Washington, DC.
Position Responsibilities
Program Oversight & Coordination
Provide overall coordination and oversight of arts programming logistics and execution
Support development and management of program timelines, deliverables, and run-of-show
Serve as a key point of contact for internal teams, partners, and stakeholders
Ensure alignment with program goals, requirements, and federal guidelines
Artist Management Oversight
Oversee artist engagement processes, including contracting, onboarding, and communications
Guide and support the Program Associate in managing artist schedules, needs, and expectations
Ensure all artist agreements, releases, and documentation are completed accurately and on time
Support resolution of artist-related issues and escalations
Travel, Lodging & Honoraria Oversight
Oversee coordination of artist travel, lodging, and itineraries to ensure accuracy and compliance
Monitor and support the processing of honoraria and artist payments
Ensure financial tracking aligns with organizational and federal requirements
Review and approve logistics plans and troubleshoot challenges as needed
On-Site Program Management
Provide on-site leadership during program implementation
Oversee execution of the run-of-show and ensure coordination across artists, production teams, and partners
Support management of artist needs on-site, including rehearsals, hospitality, and scheduling
Troubleshoot issues in real time and ensure smooth program delivery
Supervision & Team Management
Supervise and provide guidance to the Program Associate
Delegate tasks and ensure timely completion of responsibilities
Provide mentorship, quality control, and performance feedbackSupport coordination across additional temporary staff, as needed
Financial & Administrative Oversight
Monitor program budgets, expenses, and financial tracking related to artist engagement
Ensure timely processing of payments and proper documentation
Complete administrative and reporting requirements in accordance with organizational standards
Other duties as assigned
Education/Experience
Minimum 5 – 8 years of progressive program management experience
Experience managing logistics for complex programs or live events
Prior experience supervising staff or managing junior team members
Familiarity with artist coordination, travel logistics, and program implementation
Experience working with federal programs or compliance frameworks preferred
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Strong project management and organizational skills
Ability to oversee multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal and team management skills
Ability to problem-solve and make decisions under pressure, particularly during live events
High attention to detail and accountability
Cultural sensitivity and experience working with diverse, international stakeholders
Technical Requirements
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role
Experience with Airtable, Canva, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, Squarespace, and Salesforce and VendorRisk is helpful
Employer’s Statement
Meridian is committed to creating a diverse environment. We believe in 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
The cover letter submitted with the application should include an answer to the following: Briefly describe a complex logistics project you managed and your role in its success. Qualified candidates should apply. Only candidates being considered for this position will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS in reference to this position will be accepted.
PI283993300
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Employment Status:
Exempt
Term:
May 4 through August 2026 with potential for permanent hire
Salary:
$70,000-85,000, Commensurate with experience
Supervisor Title:
Vice President, Director of Culture & Sports
Summary of Position
Meridian International Center is seeking a highly driven and detail-oriented Temporary Program Officer, Center for Culture & Sports Diplomacy, to support the delivery of the Great American State Fair Program from April 27 to August 21. This role is responsible for leading the end-to-end coordination and execution of artist engagement, including recruitment, contracting, travel logistics, honoraria, and on-site program delivery for a high-profile, partner-driven public program on the National Mall.
The Program Officer will oversee a Program Associate and manage a complex portfolio of artists, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring seamless and compliant implementation. This role requires a strong blend of operational excellence, stakeholder coordination, and real-time problem-solving, with the ability to manage high-volume logistics while maintaining a high-touch experience for participating artists and partners.
The ideal candidate is equally comfortable managing detailed administrative processes and executing large-scale, public-facing programming, and thrives in fast-paced environments requiring adaptability, sound judgment, and cross-team collaboration.
This position is based in Washington, DC, and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The role may be partially remote until further notice.
This position is contingent upon Meridian successfully securing a contract from the National Endowment for the Arts for the Great American State Fair (the Fair), taking place June 25 to July 10, 2026, in Washington, DC.
Position Responsibilities
Program Oversight & Coordination
Provide overall coordination and oversight of arts programming logistics and execution
Support development and management of program timelines, deliverables, and run-of-show
Serve as a key point of contact for internal teams, partners, and stakeholders
Ensure alignment with program goals, requirements, and federal guidelines
Artist Management Oversight
Oversee artist engagement processes, including contracting, onboarding, and communications
Guide and support the Program Associate in managing artist schedules, needs, and expectations
Ensure all artist agreements, releases, and documentation are completed accurately and on time
Support resolution of artist-related issues and escalations
Travel, Lodging & Honoraria Oversight
Oversee coordination of artist travel, lodging, and itineraries to ensure accuracy and compliance
Monitor and support the processing of honoraria and artist payments
Ensure financial tracking aligns with organizational and federal requirements
Review and approve logistics plans and troubleshoot challenges as needed
On-Site Program Management
Provide on-site leadership during program implementation
Oversee execution of the run-of-show and ensure coordination across artists, production teams, and partners
Support management of artist needs on-site, including rehearsals, hospitality, and scheduling
Troubleshoot issues in real time and ensure smooth program delivery
Supervision & Team Management
Supervise and provide guidance to the Program Associate
Delegate tasks and ensure timely completion of responsibilities
Provide mentorship, quality control, and performance feedbackSupport coordination across additional temporary staff, as needed
Financial & Administrative Oversight
Monitor program budgets, expenses, and financial tracking related to artist engagement
Ensure timely processing of payments and proper documentation
Complete administrative and reporting requirements in accordance with organizational standards
Other duties as assigned
Education/Experience
Minimum 5 – 8 years of progressive program management experience
Experience managing logistics for complex programs or live events
Prior experience supervising staff or managing junior team members
Familiarity with artist coordination, travel logistics, and program implementation
Experience working with federal programs or compliance frameworks preferred
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Strong project management and organizational skills
Ability to oversee multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal and team management skills
Ability to problem-solve and make decisions under pressure, particularly during live events
High attention to detail and accountability
Cultural sensitivity and experience working with diverse, international stakeholders
Technical Requirements
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role
Experience with Airtable, Canva, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, Squarespace, and Salesforce and VendorRisk is helpful
Employer’s Statement
Meridian is committed to creating a diverse environment. We believe in 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
The cover letter submitted with the application should include an answer to the following: Briefly describe a complex logistics project you managed and your role in its success. Qualified candidates should apply. Only candidates being considered for this position will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS in reference to this position will be accepted.
PI283993300
#J-18808-Ljbffr