Director, Policy & Impact

Meridian Court; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Policy & Impact to lead thought leadership and policy initiatives that drive meaningful international outcomes. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong communication skills to develop impactful content and facilitate high-level discussions. The position involves building networks with policy experts and measuring the effectiveness of programs to ensure alignment with organizational goals. If you are passionate about diplomacy and have a knack for creating actionable insights from complex discussions, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team committed to fostering global understanding and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required with extensive experience in foreign policy or international business.
• Proven success in communication and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead content development and communications on foreign policy issues.
• Support high-level convenings and synthesize outcomes for stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Dynamic Communication

Impact Measurement

Relationship Building

Networking

Organizational Skills

Inter-cultural Communication

Education

Master’s degree in International Affairs

Master’s degree in Public Policy

8-10+ years of experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Director, Policy & Impact
Employment Status: Exempt
Salary: $84,000-$115,763 Commensurate with experience
Supervisor Title: TBD

Date Revised: March 2025

Summary of Position

The Director, Policy & Impact leads Meridian's thought leadership and policy initiatives through strategic program development, content creation, and impact measurement. This role is critical in transforming high-level convenings around key international issues into actionable outcomes to advance Meridian’s mission. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker and dynamic communicator with an interest in diplomacy and shaping impactful international initiatives. This position is based 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

• Content Development and Communications: Research and author thought leadership content—reports, op-eds, and stakeholder resources—on topics spanning broad foreign policy issues to specialized areas such as trade and commerce, cyber/AI and emerging technologies, energy, space and more.
• Convening Impact: Support the curation of high-level convenings, lead and facilitate working groups, and synthesize key takeaways into actionable resources for private sector and diplomatic stakeholders.
• Institutional Fundraising: Collaborate with program teams to develop compelling funding proposals for institutional donors.
• Fellows Program: Design, launch, and manage Meridian's inaugural non-resident fellows program, bringing together thought leaders and experts from diverse sectors to provide innovative insights and drive impactful solutions on critical global challenges.
• Network Building: Establish and maintain a network of policy experts across diplomacy, trade, and technology sectors. Leverage a robust DC network to advance Meridian’s objectives and drive post-convening follow-through.
• Impact Measurement: Track program outcomes and communicate return on investment (ROI) to stakeholders. Develop key metrics for impact assessment and reporting, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with Meridian’s strategic goals.
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• Master’s degree in International Affairs, Public Policy, or a related field.
• 8-10+ years of experience in foreign policy, government, or international business organizations.
• Published writing experience showcasing expertise in policy analysis or related areas.
• Experience engaging institutional funders and foundations.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Subject-matter expertise in international trade, economics, and technology policy.
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. foreign policy and State Department operations.
• Knowledge and familiarity with a variety of publications and publication types.
• Proven success in communicating in a variety of communication styles and types.
• Proven success in convening and facilitating senior-level stakeholder engagements.
• Excellent strategic planning and leadership skills, with the ability to drive high-impact initiatives.
• Strong background in outcomes measurement and impact reporting.
• Exceptional relationship-building and networking abilities, with experience working across public and private sectors.
• Exceptional organizational and multi-tasking skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and build consensus in complex organizations.
• 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, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams is necessary for this role.

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.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should apply here. In order to be considered for the position, candidates should answer the following questions in their cover letter: 1) Please reference your works published in the last year, including the outlets; 2) Indicate specific areas of policy expertise; and 3) Indicate where/how your professional networks could benefit the role. Only candidates being considered for this position will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS in reference to this position will be accepted.

Meridian International Center
1630 Crescent Place, NW, Washington, DC 20009