Associate, Center for Culture & Sports Diplomacy

• Title: Associate, Center for Culture & Sports Diplomacy

Employment Status: Non-Exempt 

Term: May 4 through August 2026 with potential for permanent hire

Salary: $21.71 per hour (May – August Full Time) 

Supervisor Title: Vice President, Culture & Sports

Summary of Temporary Position:

Meridian International Center is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Temporary Associate, Center for Culture & Sports Diplomacy, to support the delivery of the Great American State Fair Program from April 27 to August 21. This role provides day-to-day coordination of artist engagement, including contracting, travel logistics, honoraria processing, and on-site program support for a high-profile, partner-driven public program on the National Mall.

Working closely with the Program Officer, the Associate will support the execution of a complex portfolio of artists and partners, ensuring smooth operations and a high-quality experience. This role requires strong administrative and logistical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

This position is based in Washington, DC, and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The role may be partially remote until further notice.

This position is contingent upon Meridian successfully securing a contract from the National Endowment for the Arts for the Great American State Fair (the Fair), taking place June 25 to July 10, 2026, in Washington, DC.

Position Responsibilities:

Artist Management & Coordination (Support Role)

· Assist in coordinating artist engagement, including onboarding, communications, and scheduling 

· Support preparation and processing of artist agreements, contracts, and required releases (performance, likeness, minors) 

· Help maintain clear and consistent communication with artists before and during the program 

· Track artist details and requirements to support program delivery 

Travel, Lodging & Itinerary Support

• Assist with coordination of artist travel logistics, including flights, hotels, ground transportation, and itineraries 
• Support preparation and distribution of detailed travel information to participants 
• Help monitor travel arrangements and flag issues for resolution  
• Provide logistical support to ensure smooth arrivals and departures  

Honoraria & Financial Support

• Assist in processing and tracking artist honoraria and related payments 
• Support internal coordination to ensure timely and compliant payments 
• Maintain organized records of artist-related expenses and documentation 

On-Site Program & Artist Support

• Provide on-site support for artist-related activities during the Fair 
• Assist with execution of the run-of-show and overall program flow 
• Support coordination of rehearsals, schedules, and artist movements 
• Help manage artist needs on-site, including hospitality, green room coordination, and basic technical requirements 
• Assist in troubleshooting logistical issues in real time 

Education/Experience

• Undergraduate degree.
• Minimum 0-2 years of related experience.
• Broad knowledge of event management, prior work with musician or artists is a plus.
• Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Effective oral and written English communication skills
• Ability to work effectively and accurately under pressure
• Mature judgment and the ability to set priorities
• Excellent attention to detail
• Superior organizational skills
• Ability to carry out responsibilities independently while functioning as part of a team
• 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 and PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role
• Experience with Canva, Airtable, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, Squarespace, and Salesforce is helpful

Employer’s Statement

Meridian is committed to creating a diverse environment. We believe in empowering global leaders and amplifying voices of a wide variety of backgrounds to create pathways for greater understanding, shared value and respect for all cultures as connecting people has been our foundation for over 60 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.

How to Apply 

The cover letter submitted with the application should include an answer to the question: Share an example of how you have successfully juggled multiple deadlines and priorities. Qualified candidates should apply here. Only candidates being considered for this position will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS in reference to this position will be accepted.

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