Director of Events & Protocol - United States Institute of Peace

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

TARGET SALARY

Grade 15 - $163,000 - $ 169,000

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

JOB BRIEF

The Director of Events is responsible for elevating the Institute's event space to a top-tier level at its iconic location on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Director is responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of all events hosted by the Institute, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations, and managing departmental operations. The Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the Institute’s overall event planning function, ensuring the success of conferences, high-visibility events, signature events, and overseeing third-party rentals. The Director works closely with the President, Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Office and Centers/Offices to design and host large-scale, high-profile, signature events attended by influential leaders and stakeholders that align with the strategic priorities of a public institution.  Events may include conferences, summits, workshops, or other gatherings that bring together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to address key issues and challenges related to global peace and national security.

This role requires a highly creative, experienced, entrepreneurial, strategic thinker with a deep understanding of all aspects of production related to live events, virtual events, conferences, and related sponsored/branded video content. This position will be involved with all aspects of event production from ideation through execution including event marketing, sponsorship, content strategy, logistics, talent relations, public relations, business development and client servicing. Knowledge and passion for media, music, entertainment, as well as the technology and marketing tools to deliver successful events and content are essential.    

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee event planning functions, ensuring quality and service levels are consistent with organizational standards of a premiere event space.
• Foster a positive team environment and provide leadership to a diverse (permanent and augmented) team of event professionals.
• Collaborates with event internal and external stakeholders to design and host signature events that align with the strategic priorities of USIP. 
•  Designs events that showcase the Institute’s expertise, thought leadership, and impact to advance the organization's strategic priorities and create a memorable experience for attendees.
• Takes the lead on the public profile of the building, ensuring that the physical space is maintained and presents a professional image to guests and visitors
• Coordinate with in-house partners and external vendors to plan and execute successful events.
• Manage event budgets, timelines, and planning, ensuring events are delivered on time and within budget.
•  When necessary, negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective event production.
•  Develop and adhere to international standards, protocol, and diplomatic etiquette for high-level officials and VIPs.
•  Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to event planning and management.
• Lead development and implementation of a comprehensive risk management and communications plan for events, escalating decisions as appropriate.
• Coordinate and create a plan to rent the venue for external events, including marketing, sales, and managing third-party rentals. This position will be accountable for generating revenue for the Institute.
•  Identify and explore new opportunities for collaborations with organizations, festivals, and other event producers
• Set, communicate, and maintain timelines and priorities for event and video productions.
•  Create mechanisms for customer feedback to ensure a culture of continuous improvement.
•  Provide post event analysis, budget recaps, internal and client feedback and incorporate learning into future event plans.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field is required. 
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in event planning management, including planning, catering, guest experience, customer service, marketing and fiscal management. (At least three (3) years of experience must be in high-level event management).
•  Experience in protocol procedures in the management of VIPs and their entourages. 
•  Ability to produce events and customize content working across all departments including the Executive Office, Center/Offices, and external communities of interest. 
•  Demonstrated track record of producing high-quality, large-scale events that have helped position public institutions as leading destinations for conferences, gatherings, and other events.
• Excellent representation and communication skills (oral and written) including cross-cultural, media, interpersonal skills; proven ability to deal with counterparts from the lowest and highest political, social, cultural, and economic levels. 
•  Strong collaboration skills with the ability to coordinate the input and priorities of multiple players.     
•  Willingness and ability to work beyond standard hours, as needed to complete/oversee projects/events.
•  Ability to think strategically, and to effectively develop, communicate and execute plans.·      
• Demonstrated history of outstanding leadership, financial stewardship, and impeccable customer service.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally if necessary. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office/Google Suite and other event management software/tools.
• Media or agency experience desirable.   
• Certification in event planning or management desirable.

CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 04/30/24. 

All applicants must be US citizens to be considered for positions with USIP. 

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.  

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
1.  Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
2.  Cover letter
3.  Resume 

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.  

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.  

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

See job description