Title: Vice President, Corporate Diplomacy
Employment Status: Exempt
Salary: Base Salary is $175,000-$200,000 plus bonus; Commensurate with experience
Supervisor Title: TBD
Date Revised: March 2025
Summary of Position
The Vice President, Corporate Diplomacy leads and oversees all corporate engagement efforts within the Meridian Center for Corporate Diplomacy. This includes driving new revenue through business development efforts, managing strategic corporate partnerships, and shaping the Center’s overall direction to enhance Meridian’s role in economic diplomacy. This role is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive business strategy, overseeing programmatic initiatives, Corporate Council member engagement, thought leadership development, and high-level relationship building with government, diplomatic, and private sector stakeholders. The Vice President plays a key role in expanding Meridian’s influence and impact within the global business and policy communities. 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
- Develops and executes the strategic vision and direction for the Meridian Center for Corporate Diplomacy, positioning Meridian as the premier hub for corporate engagement in diplomacy.
- Leads all financial and programmatic aspects of the Center, ensuring sustainability and growth of a $5M+ program portfolio.
- Identifies and secures new funding streams, expanding Meridian’s revenue through corporate partnerships, membership programs, executive education and training and event and program sponsorships.
- Oversees the Corporate Council, fostering engagement with senior executives across industries to enhance collaboration on global economic and diplomatic issues.
- Ensures corporate partners are effectively stewarded, setting clear engagement goals and ensuring long-term financial support and strategic alignment.
- Develops and manages high-profile convenings, private roundtables, international exchange programs, and executive corporate diplomacy training.
- Serves as a key Meridian representative to private sector stakeholders and advancing thought leadership.
- Builds and maintains high-level relationships with corporate, government, and diplomatic stakeholders to drive cross-sector collaboration.
- Develops new programmatic initiatives that align corporate engagement with geopolitical trends, international trade, and economic policy priorities.
- Manages a team of 4-6 professionals, ensuring alignment with Meridian’s mission and professional development opportunities.
- Directs all corporate-related communications, including digital content, newsletters, and external messaging to elevate Meridian’s corporate diplomacy brand.
- Works closely with other Meridian divisions to integrate corporate diplomacy efforts into broader institutional programming.
- Oversees the design and execution of corporate events, securing high-profile speakers and curating relevant themes to engage corporate and diplomatic communities.
- 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
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 these questions in their cover letter: 1) Why is the role of the private sector in international relations and diplomacy more important now than ever before? Please give specific examples within the last year; 2) Please describe specific business development wins that you have been personally responsible for – these can include revenue partnerships, donations or program sponsorships.
Only candidates being considered for this position will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS in reference to this position will be accepted.
Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- 15+ years of experience in corporate engagement, economic diplomacy, international business development, or related fields.
- Proven track record of securing corporate partnerships and generating revenue in non-profits, trade associations, or international organizations.
- Experience in trade policy, economic diplomacy, international business, or executive education strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of best practices in executive leadership development and adult learning methodologies is a plus.
- 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
- Strong understanding of international business, trade, and economic diplomacy issues.
- Excellent strategic planning and leadership skills, with the ability to drive high-impact initiatives.
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior-level stakeholders.
- Exceptional relationship-building and networking abilities, with experience working across public and private sectors. Brings to the role an extensive network of senior-level contacts across government, business, and diplomatic sectors in Washington, DC.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to develop innovative approaches to corporate engagement.
- 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.
- Experience with CRM software (Salesforce preferred) and digital communication tools (Canva, Zoom, etc.).
- Familiarity with social media and digital engagement strategies for corporate outreach.