Program Officer, Strategic Convenings
Meridian International Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
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
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 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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.
Benefits
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.
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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
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 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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.
Benefits
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr