The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization in Washington, DC and London, the UK that focuses on the issues and institutions that are critical to inclusive development. Through rigorous empirical research and active engagement with the global policy community, we focus on the policy intersections of low- and middle-income countries and the governments, institutions, and corporations that can be partners in delivering greater progress.
Since its creation in 2001, CGD has earned a global reputation as a highly effective “think-and-do tank.” Headquartered in Washington DC with a Europe presence led from our London office, the Center has about 130 full-time staff and an annual budget of approximately $37 million.
The role
Events are a vital communications tool to advance our mission, and CGD has a reputation for hosting dynamic, agenda-setting conversations with high-profile development policymakers and leading researchers. Each year CGD hosts more than 130 events, including high-level private roundtables, workshops and dinners, as well as public conferences, panel discussions, debates, and more online, in our on-site conference centre and at external sites. Note: CGD events are primarily virtual for the time being.
The Events and Strategic Partnerships Manager is a leader, planner and implementer – responsible for spearheading our programming and events strategy, managing a team of Event Coordinators, coordinating with a range of external stakeholders, and developing partnerships to enhance the impact of events.
Successful candidates are comfortable overseeing the development of traditional in-person convenings, digital-first programs, as well as hybrid events broadcast from the Center. The Manager is also a strategic counsellor, balancing the needs of our Executive team, CGD researchers, IT and technical professionals, and external partners and their staff.
Key roles and responsibilities
Strategy and leadership
- Offers vision for the development of programs, internal operations, and continuous innovation to ensure that CGD’s event strategy and programming advance the organization’s strategic goals.
- Serves as a liaison between CGD program leadership and event staff to assign event responsibilities and ensure quality control.
- Directs staff and vendors – and coordinates with Communications staff – to ensure each program is of high quality and achieves strategic impact.
- Tracks budget, reach and resonance of events, and offers new ideas to maximize the impact of CGD’s event and overarching programming platform.
Event planning, preparation, and marketing
- Provides strategic counsel to program and communications staff on event best practices, including scope, format, platform, and audience to maximize reach and resonance.
- Oversees the continuum of event marketing, including content development and promotion, registration tracking, and confirmation, and will also contribute to the development of materials.
- Seeks to establish and nurture partnerships to extend the reach of CGD events.
- Consults with Digital Marketing staff to plan event remarketing strategy.
- Contributes research and support for event speakers and/or participants, including developing high-level briefing materials.
Event production, logistics and execution
- Manages high-level logistics for all CGD events, including liaising with the IT department on audiovisual needs, arranging for catering and outside equipment, and occasionally finding external venues.
- Administers contracts and invoices.
- Coordinates with colleagues to develop in-event materials and advance media relations strategy as needed.
- Makes travel and hotel arrangements, as needed.
Experience and skills
The Successful candidate will have the following qualifications and skills:
- Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree 5-7 years in event and public program management; digital or broadcast event production experience is a plus.
- Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute events of varying size, scope, objective and topic.
- Proven ability to successfully manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written, verbal and people skills.
- Grace under pressure, good judgment, and professional presence.
- Self-starter with extraordinary attention to detail, strong work ethic and sense of humour.
- A passion for excellence and a desire to contribute to the institution’s positive reputation.
- Familiarity with and demonstrated interest in global development.
- A good understanding of the global development community, CGD audience, and stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Experience with contact databases, email marketing, and event management software.
Apply by 15 August.