Program Coordinator, Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Title: Program Coordinator, Center for Diplomatic Engagement 

Employment Status:  NON-EXEMPT

Salary: $49,350 - $55,125

Supervisor Title: Director, Center for Diplomatic Engagement

Date Revised: March 2026

Summary of Position:

The Program Coordinator, Center for Diplomatic Engagement supports and coordinates the day-to-day elements of the Center for Diplomatic Engagement, with an emphasis on Diplomatic Receptions and Signature events, as well as other convening programs for the diplomatic corps and initiatives across Meridian’s Open Diplomacy Centers. The Program Coordinator will serve as associate producer and, occasionally, lead producer for select programs within the portfolio. The Program Coordinator also manages a defined regional portfolio of embassy relationships and backstops the Center’s financial and administrative deliverables.

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 Implementation & Event Production (60%)

• Plan and execute two new ambassador welcome receptions each year, including event production, logistical coordination, speaker preparation, and diplomatic outreach. 
• In partnership with the Director and MCDE colleagues, serve as associate producer—and, as appropriate, lead producer—across assigned MCDE and Open Diplomacy programs, particularly Diplomatic Receptions and signature events. 
• Develop strategic event workplans and deliverables, overseeing day-to-day project management to include audience/attendee outreach, registration tracking, correspondence, and post-event follow-up. 
• Produce written outputs, including session descriptions, talking points, briefing documents, runs of show, discussion questions, staffing plans, program summaries, and other materials. 
• Liaise with speakers and external stakeholders, including program partners, on-site facility staff, and vendors. 
• 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. 
• Organize logistics for off-site programming, including venue, vendor, and client (when applicable) coordination, and serve as lead on-the-ground coordinator for assigned events. 
• Update and maintain Diplomatic Reception and other assigned convening series webpages with digital content, including short reports summarizing key takeaways and curated photo galleries and captions for internal/external use. 

Diplomatic Engagement & Research Support (25%)

• Oversee a defined regional portfolio of diplomatic engagement, serving as the primary logistical point of contact and central repository for Meridian’s relationships with the foreign diplomatic corps in that region. 
• Lead proactive tracking of embassy rotations, staffing changes, and regional developments in Salesforce, and facilitate timely senior leadership correspondence and organizational awareness in alignment with the Diplomatic Engagement Strategy Framework. 
• Coordinate and support Ambassador-level invitations and engagement asks in collaboration with Center leadership, ensuring timely, protocol-appropriate outreach and follow-up.
• Monitor new foreign ambassador credentialing ceremonies; coordinate with MCDE Regional Portfolio Managers, Embassy Relationship Managers, and Executive Office to set up and provide briefings for meetings.
• Maintain and enrich the Salesforce database with up-to-date contact and relationship details for all Diplomatic Engagement activities, including but not limited to contact records, event attendance, business development campaigns, and speaker opportunities.
• Monitor and manage Ambassador gift inventory, including tracking distribution in Salesforce and coordinating with relevant teams to ensure appropriate gifting for receptions and high-level engagements.
• Conduct research on international affairs and diplomatic trends, contributing timely and germane ideas to inform program development.

Administration (15%)

•   Backstop financial administration for MCDE, including support for monthly expense reports (receipt collection and tracking, missing receipt documentation), payment and reimbursement requests, and coordination with Development on event-related payments as needed.
• Backstop monitoring and evaluation efforts through data analytics of registration, speaker diversity, diplomatic attendance, and other program evaluation metrics, contributing to reporting on program deliverables and institutional DEIA commitments.
• Support technical aspects of hybrid and virtual events as needed, including setup and production of Zoom webinars and meetings and coordination with audio/visual tools. 
• Arrange travel, accommodation, and other logistical concerns for program speakers and guests as needed.
• Collaborate with other Engagement, Growth, and Partnerships team on cross-cutting initiatives, contributing programmatic and operational support as appropriate.
• 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. 

•  2-4 years of related experience, ideally in event production, diplomacy, stakeholder engagement, and/or international programs.
• 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 attention to detail and protocol—including awareness and accountability for deadlines, budget parameters, and accuracy—to ensure high-quality event production and stakeholder engagement.
• Superior customer service and hospitality skills, ensuring a welcoming and professional environment.
• A resourceful, go-getter attitude with a proactive, problem-solving mindset and the ability to independently identify and solve problems as well as adapt to changing circumstances.
• Demonstrated interest in global affairs and working at a mission-driven organization 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.
• Outstanding organization skills and ability to prioritize and maneuver in a fast-paced work environment, including the ability to concurrently balance multiple, high priorities.
• Availability to staff events before and after the traditional 9-5 workday when necessary. 
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds of boxes and equipment for various event needs. 
• 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 

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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Position Responsibilities:

Program Implementation & Event Production (60%)

• Plan and execute two new ambassador welcome receptions each year, including event production, logistical coordination, speaker preparation, and diplomatic outreach. 
• In partnership with the Director and MCDE colleagues, serve as associate producer—and, as appropriate, lead producer—across assigned MCDE and Open Diplomacy programs, particularly Diplomatic Receptions and signature events. 
• Develop strategic event workplans and deliverables, overseeing day-to-day project management to include audience/attendee outreach, registration tracking, correspondence, and post-event follow-up. 
• Produce written outputs, including session descriptions, talking points, briefing documents, runs of show, discussion questions, staffing plans, program summaries, and other materials. 
• Liaise with speakers and external stakeholders, including program partners, on-site facility staff, and vendors. 
• 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. 
• Organize logistics for off-site programming, including venue, vendor, and client (when applicable) coordination, and serve as lead on-the-ground coordinator for assigned events. 
• Update and maintain Diplomatic Reception and other assigned convening series webpages with digital content, including short reports summarizing key takeaways and curated photo galleries and captions for internal/external use. 

Diplomatic Engagement & Research Support (25%)

• Oversee a defined regional portfolio of diplomatic engagement, serving as the primary logistical point of contact and central repository for Meridian’s relationships with the foreign diplomatic corps in that region. 
• Lead proactive tracking of embassy rotations, staffing changes, and regional developments in Salesforce, and facilitate timely senior leadership correspondence and organizational awareness in alignment with the Diplomatic Engagement Strategy Framework. 
• Coordinate and support Ambassador-level invitations and engagement asks in collaboration with Center leadership, ensuring timely, protocol-appropriate outreach and follow-up.
• Monitor new foreign ambassador credentialing ceremonies; coordinate with MCDE Regional Portfolio Managers, Embassy Relationship Managers, and Executive Office to set up and provide briefings for meetings.
• Maintain and enrich the Salesforce database with up-to-date contact and relationship details for all Diplomatic Engagement activities, including but not limited to contact records, event attendance, business development campaigns, and speaker opportunities.
• Monitor and manage Ambassador gift inventory, including tracking distribution in Salesforce and coordinating with relevant teams to ensure appropriate gifting for receptions and high-level engagements.
• Conduct research on international affairs and diplomatic trends, contributing timely and germane ideas to inform program development.

Administration (15%)

•   Backstop financial administration for MCDE, including support for monthly expense reports (receipt collection and tracking, missing receipt documentation), payment and reimbursement requests, and coordination with Development on event-related payments as needed.
• Backstop monitoring and evaluation efforts through data analytics of registration, speaker diversity, diplomatic attendance, and other program evaluation metrics, contributing to reporting on program deliverables and institutional DEIA commitments.
• Support technical aspects of hybrid and virtual events as needed, including setup and production of Zoom webinars and meetings and coordination with audio/visual tools. 
• Arrange travel, accommodation, and other logistical concerns for program speakers and guests as needed.
• Collaborate with other Engagement, Growth, and Partnerships team on cross-cutting initiatives, contributing programmatic and operational support as appropriate.
• 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. 

•  2-4 years of related experience, ideally in event production, diplomacy, stakeholder engagement, and/or international programs.
• 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 attention to detail and protocol—including awareness and accountability for deadlines, budget parameters, and accuracy—to ensure high-quality event production and stakeholder engagement.
• Superior customer service and hospitality skills, ensuring a welcoming and professional environment.
• A resourceful, go-getter attitude with a proactive, problem-solving mindset and the ability to independently identify and solve problems as well as adapt to changing circumstances.
• Demonstrated interest in global affairs and working at a mission-driven organization 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.
• Outstanding organization skills and ability to prioritize and maneuver in a fast-paced work environment, including the ability to concurrently balance multiple, high priorities.
• Availability to staff events before and after the traditional 9-5 workday when necessary. 
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds of boxes and equipment for various event needs. 
• 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 

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.