Job Description
Ripon Society & Franklin Center Overview:
The Ripon Society and the Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange are headquartered in Washington, D.C. and specialize in promoting bipartisan dialogue among congressional leaders through robust weekly programming. The organizations are currently seeking to hire a Director of Programs to help lead and execute this work. Ideal candidates are strong relationship-builders who enjoy planning and managing both domestic and international events.
Interested candidates should send their resume to Sam O’Connor at soconnor@riponsociety.org.
Ripon Society & Franklin Center Director of Programs Job Description:
The Director of Programs at Ripon Society & Franklin Center is responsible for planning and executing regular policy discussions between Members of Congress, Fortune 100 company and trade association representatives, and the diplomatic community.
This role works closely with the Ripon Society’s CEO & President, Members of Congress and their staff, corporate members, and the Capitol Hill Club to design and execute meaningful programming about policy issues including taxation, health care, energy, technology, education, housing, national security, and much more.
The Ripon Society seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and politically astute Director of Programs to manage an exciting portfolio of DC-based breakfasts, lunches, dinners, special events, and foreign and domestic trips.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Generate ideas for speakers based on current events, new legislation & caucuses, bipartisan activities, and committee assignments for events including Politics & Policy and Bully Pulpit series breakfasts and lunches, Ripon 39ers receptions, Congressional Advisory Board Dinners, special events, and more
- Write and send formal invitation letters to Members of Congress, work closely with their staff from the time of invitation through event execution on event details
- Create event invitations in MailChimp, manage event invitation distribution, record RSVPs in QuickBase
- Serve as liaison with Capitol Hill Club: booking rooms; setting menus; describing room set-ups; overseeing day-of event operations; reconciling monthly bill
- Ensure events run smoothly and professionally: monitor day-of event operations; write and follow a run-of-show; prepare gifts and thank you notes for speakers; identify VIPs in attendance; assign seats at MOCs table; act as point of contact on event operations
- Lead planning and operations for policy trips like the LA Film & Television Tour: inviting Members of Congress; working with congressional and corporate staff on details
- Assist with planning and operations for international Capital to Capital Exchange: coordinating policy panels with Members of Congress, foreign officials, embassy staff, and other distinguished speakers; work with international vendors on logistics; work with attendees to keep event on schedule; organize tours & dinners for attendees
- Assist with planning and operations for domestic Roosevelt Awards: writing letters of invitation to Members of Congress; coordinating trip logistics, tours, and meals for attendees; work with attendees to keep event on schedule
Preferred Skills & Qualifications:
- Experience working with elected officials, political campaigns, or in government affairs
- Highly motivated, able to handle competing priorities and timelines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience planning and executing large scale events and programs
- Detail-oriented with great organization skills
- Ability for travel ~10%