Assistant Director, Events

Job DetailsJob Location: Atlantic Council Headquarters - Washington, DC 20005Position Type: Full-TimeSalary Range: $61,000.00 - $75,000.00 Salary/yearThe Atlantic Council seeks a talented, driven, and entrepreneurial individual to support the planning and execution of small to large broadcast-quality productions, as well as private convenings with diplomats, senior domestic and foreign officials, and global leaders. The ideal candidate will have experience producing in-person, hybrid, and virtual events.

A successful candidate must communicate effectively, enjoy fast-paced teamwork, and execute events under the pressure of a global audience. The position requires a superior ability to multitask, a track record of coordinating projects and events across multiple departments, excellent administrative and communication skills, exceptional writing ability, attention to detail, knowledge of diplomatic protocol rules, exemplary hospitality, and a positive attitude.

The Assistant Director, Events, will manage onsite, offsite, and virtual events to ensure smooth execution that consistently meets the high quality and standards of Atlantic Council events. They will work closely with program staff in the planning of events and act as a liaison between the Events Team and programs and centers. The Assistant Director, Events, will work directly with senior global figures and executive leadership to ensure that each event is produced at the highest levels along with a superior degree of hospitality, confidence, and organization. The candidate will play an important role in global flagship conferences and fundraising galas as well.

This position is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and education, with offers from $61,000 to $75,000. Applications submitted by August 21, 2026, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

Coordinate onsite, offsite, and virtual events, including coordinating VIP arrivals, departures, security measures, guest management, and AV coordination.
Work closely with the audio-visual team and advise on production and visuals for live events that translate to high-quality broadcast productions.
Brief speakers and assist with staging re-sets, seating assignments, as well as production timing.
Works closely with programs on managing event budgets.
Manage vendor relationships, including caterers, audio-visual, off-site venues, florists, etc.
Negotiate and manage events contracts.
Coordinate with the Executive Office on VIP attendees (Heads of State, government officials, ambassadors, and other members of the diplomatic Corp, CEOs, Board of Directors) to ensure they are received and managed with respect to protocol and other requirements.
Support global flagship events when necessary, including production, travel logistics, VIP management, etc.
Work closely with Associate Director of Protocol to coordinate security details of domestic and foreign government officials to coordinate holding rooms, private entrance and exit points, and additional security measures.
Assist with managing the busy events calendar across programs and centers.
Assist Events Team in performing administrative tasks, when necessary.

Qualifications
A minimum of 2-5 years of professional event experience in a related field is required.
Interest in foreign policy and/or the core mission of the Atlantic Council.
Superior communication skills; candidate must be able to communicate and interact with all levels of staff and senior diplomatic officials.
Experience with promotion of events on social media or live clipping of events is a plus.
Experience with audio-visual and event production is a plus.
Facility with emerging technologies, including AI tools, is preferred.
Ability to represent the Atlantic Council to external constituencies, such as senior officials, board members, donors, and individual and corporate members.
Excellent organizational, logistical, and administrative skills.
Ability to occasionally travel domestically and internationally.
Foreign language skills are a plus.
Ability to work irregular hours, evenings, and some weekends.
B.A. degree required.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.