Events & External Relations Coordinator

International Institute for Strategic Studies; Washington; On-site; USD 48,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned think tank in Washington is seeking an Events & External Relations Coordinator to support key dialogues and manage public and private events. The ideal candidate will hold an undergraduate degree and have experience in events planning, with strong organizational and communication skills. This in-person position offers a salary range of $48,000 – $54,000 and includes benefits such as medical insurance and retirement contributions.

Benefits

Medical insurance including optional vision and dental

401k retirement contribution

Life and disability insurance

20 days of Paid Time-Off

Qualifications

• Experience in events planning and execution.
• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage delegate logistics for dialogues.
• Coordinate public/private events for IISS-Americas.
• Assist with fundraising activities.

Skills

Organisational skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Attention to detail

Judgment and discretion

Education

Undergraduate degree in International Relations, Public Policy, Security Studies or related fields

Job description

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo-economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best-in-class independent and impartial analysis and provide insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security; promoting dialogue; and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies – Americas is seeking to appoint an Events & External Relations Coordinator to be an integral part of the events and fundraising team. This position will support the Head of Conference & Events in London with the IISS Manama and Shangri-La Dialogues while concurrently supporting the IISS-Americas Managing Director and Advancement Officer with US-based roundtables, workshops and events, including its annual gala, and external relations.

Responsibilities:

This position involves outreach to, among others, the offices of high-level US government officials in the executive and legislative branches, corporate executives, individual donors, and the foreign policy expert community. Additionally, it requires travel to New York, and likely travel to Singapore and Bahrain as needed.

Duties will include:

• For the Manama Dialogue and Shangri-La Dialogue (50%):
  • Delegate management and logistical support for the IISS’ major annual dialogues in Bahrain and Singapore, including liaising with US government officials, monitoring and tracking invitations in the IISS’ delegate management system, managing telephone and email inquiries, potentially providing onsite support, including collation of delegate materials, management of delegate queries, support with registrations, bilateral meetings and other ad hoc activities, as required;
  • Providing overflow administrative support to the Head of Conferences and Events, on tasks such as researching suppliers, establishing contracts, issuing/editing/maintaining reports and queries.
• For IISS-Americas events and external relations (50%):
  • Managing the IISS-Americas’ public and private events, including invitation generation and tracking, liaising with speakers, and all logistical support necessary to execute successful events;
  • Maintaining and updating the IISS-Americas client relationship management database and records;
  • Assisting Advancement Officer with fundraising activities including identification of potential donors, donor cultivation, donor engagement; and donor acknowledgements;
  • Supporting the internship program and activities of two interns per semester;
  • Support Managing Director and Corporate and External Relations office in London with management of relationships with US-based corporate members.

Requirements:

Successful candidates will:

• Hold an Undergraduate degree with relevant experience in events planning and execution, administrative support, and external relations. Candidates with degrees in International Relations, Public Policy, Security Studies, Political Science, or other related fields are preferred;
• Have strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple complex tasks concurrently;
• Have strong written and oral communications skills, and sharp attention to detail;
• The ability to work independently with a high degree of judgment, discretion, and professionalism.

Remuneration:

This is an in-person position paid at $48,000 – $54,000.

Candidates are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical insurance, including optional vision and dental insurance
• 401k retirement contribution
• Life and disability insurance
• 20 days of Paid Time-Off, plus accrued sick days

Application:

Candidates should submit their applications by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ blue button above and following the instructions to submit two documents:

• A cover letter outlining what skills and experience they can bring to the role.
• A full Curriculum Vitae (resume), including details of two references.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. The IISS-Americas regrets that it cannot assist with procuring visas or entry permits.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 7:00 pm Eastern on 10 October 2025.

Due to the volume of expected applications, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

The IISS is an equal-opportunities employer.