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. The Meridian      Global Fellows Program brings together thought leaders and experts from      diverse sectors—business, science, technology & innovation, cities and      states - to provide innovative insights and drive impactful solutions on      critical global challenges. Fellows contribute to Meridian’s thought      leadership and engaging in high-level convenings. 
• 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.
• Develops 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. Extensive network of senior-level contacts across government,      business, and diplomatic sectors in Washington, DC.
• 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.

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. 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.

 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. Extensive network of senior-level contacts across government,      business, and diplomatic sectors in Washington, DC.
• 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.