Operations & Events Coordinator

mei-employment

Washington (District of Columbia)

On-site

USD 60,000 - 80,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave

HSA/FSA options

Job summary

The Middle East Institute in Washington, DC, seeks an Operations & Events Coordinator to manage facilities, logistics, vendor relations, and event operations. You will work closely with Development, Events, and Administration teams to plan conferences, donor events, and organizational initiatives while ensuring a safe, efficient, and welcoming work environment.

The role requires 3+ years in operations, facilities, or event coordination, strong organization, and proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education/experience.
3+ years of experience in operations, facilities, event coordination, office management, or related fields.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily office and facilities operations.
Manage vendor performance and contracts.
Serve as primary contact for building management and service providers.
Coordinate shipping, receiving, and distribution of materials.
Plan and execute conferences, meetings, donor events, and programs.
Support donor engagement and development activities.
Maintain records and improve operational procedures.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication skills

Time management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM systems

Event management platforms

Job description

About Middle East Institute

Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute is the oldest Washington-based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East. It is a non-partisan think tank providing expert policy analysis, educational and professional development services, and a hub for engaging with the region's arts and culture.

Position Summary

The Operations & Events Coordinator supports the day-to-day operations of the Middle East Institute by coordinating facilities management, office logistics, vendor relationships, and event operations. This position works closely with the Development, Events, and Administration teams to ensure the successful planning and execution of conferences, meetings, donor events, and organizational initiatives while maintaining a safe, efficient, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Facilities & Office Operations

Coordinate daily office and facilities operations.
Ensure vendor performance and deliverables are in line with purchase order and contract requirements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for building management, maintenance, vendors, and service providers.
Monitor office space, IT, equipment, supplies, and common areas to ensure a professional and functional environment.
Coordinate office moves, furniture installations, repairs, and facility-related projects.
Assist with workplace safety initiatives and emergency preparedness procedures.

Logistics & Administrative Support

Manage office supply inventory and vendor relationships.
Coordinate shipping, receiving, and distribution of materials.
Assist with contract administration, purchasing, and invoice processing.
Support operational planning and special projects across departments.
Purchase supplies and commodities as needed.

Event & Conference Support

Partner with Development and Events teams to coordinate logistics for conferences, meetings, receptions, donor events, and special programs.
Manage venue setup, catering, audiovisual needs, room configurations, and event materials.
Coordinate vendors, consultants, and external service providers.
Assist with attendee registration, guest management, and on-site event execution.
Support event budgeting and post-event reconciliation activities.

Development Support

Assist with donor event logistics and stewardship activities.
Coordinate materials and operational support for fundraising events and initiatives.
Work collaboratively with Development staff to ensure successful execution of donor engagement activities.

General Responsibilities

Maintain accurate records, documentation, and operational procedures.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
3+ years of experience in operations, facilities, event coordination, office management, or related fields.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred

Experience supporting conferences, nonprofit events, or donor engagement activities.
Experience managing vendor relationships and facilities operations.
Familiarity with event management platforms and CRM systems.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and move materials up to 25 pounds.
Ability to support event setup and breakdown activities.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support events.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based with regular interaction across departments and occasional support of events outside normal business hours. The role is in-person, five days per week, based out of our Washington, DC, Headquarters. Accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits