Director, Center for Corporate Diplomacy

Meridian International Center•Washington, DC

1d•$90,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Center for Corporate Diplomacy supports the growth, stewardship, and implementation of Meridian’s private-sector engagement strategy through a balanced portfolio of corporate fundraising, partner relationship management, and high-quality program development. The Director works closely with the Vice President, Corporate Diplomacy to strengthen Meridian’s Corporate Council, expand corporate revenue opportunities, and design timely convenings that connect private-sector leaders with U.S. government, diplomatic, and international affairs stakeholders. This role manages a defined portfolio of corporate donors and prospects, supports special event fundraising, leads program and thought leadership development, and helps ensure that corporate partners experience clear value from their engagement with Meridian. The Director also provides day-to-day guidance to members of the Corporate Diplomacy team, strengthening systems and supporting high-quality execution across the Center’s fundraising, programming, and administrative functions. 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.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree required.
7-10 years of related experience in nonprofit development, corporate engagement, fundraising, international affairs, public-private partnership development, event or program management, or a related field.
Experience managing donor or partner relationships and contributing to revenue growth preferred.
Experience supporting or managing external-facing programs, convenings, briefings, or stakeholder events preferred.
Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Experience working in a fast paced, results driven environment.
Deep understanding of complex international business issues, trade policies, and geopolitics.
Strong network of relationships within the corporate, government, and international affairs communities.
Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to deliver persuasive presentations to high-level audiences.
Strategic thinking and planning skills with the ability to articulate and implement long-term goals.
Ability to build trust and influence stakeholders in a collaborative, team-based environment.
Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role

Nice To Haves

Experience with Canva, Zoom and Salesforce is helpful

Responsibilities

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and close corporate donor prospects at the $50,000 level and above to build a robust pipeline for Meridian’s corporate engagement program, including but not limited to Corporate Council membership.
Manage and steward a defined portfolio of corporate donors and prospects with specific annual goals and objectives, maintaining regular engagement through in-person meetings, calls, emails, and internal strategy sessions.
Work with Corporate Diplomacy leadership and Meridian senior leadership to develop tailored approaches for donor cultivation, renewals, upgrades, and new business opportunities.
Draft and support proposals, concept notes, correspondence, acknowledgments, briefing materials, and other partner-facing materials for prospective and existing corporate partners.
Support fundraising efforts for Meridian’s flagship programs, including the Meridian Summit, Meridian Ball, Diplomacy Forum, Culturefix, and other cross-departmental engagements.
Provide leadership for at least two Center for Corporate Diplomacy thematic tracks, including developing program concepts, identifying relevant topics, and aligning partner interests with timely global issues.
Contribute to the design and execution of corporate diplomacy programs, including briefings, salon dinners, receptions, trainings, and other convenings for private sector, diplomatic, government, and international affairs audiences.
Collaborate across Meridian departments to align corporate members’ interests with relevant and timely programming, Open Diplomacy Center priorities, and institutional fundraising opportunities.
Forge and maintain strategic relationships with key private-sector stakeholders, thought leaders, foundations, and government and diplomatic contacts to strengthen Meridian’s position as a leading partner in corporate diplomacy.
Support the development of thought leadership opportunities for the Center, including program themes, speaking opportunities, written materials, and strategic content.
Mentor and develop members of the Corporate Diplomacy team, fostering skill growth, role clarity, and leadership capabilities.
Supervise and provide strategic guidance to assigned team members, ensuring clarity on roles, responsibilities, goals, and expectations while supporting professional development and a positive work environment.
Help strengthen systems and workflows that support effective donor stewardship, program planning, proposal development, and cross-team coordination.
Coordinate with Communications, Events, Finance, Development Operations, and other internal teams to ensure corporate partners and prospects receive appropriate invitations, follow-up, reporting, and stewardship.
Complete all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meet all organizational administrative deadlines.
Other duties as assigned.