Head of Event Planning

The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) seeks an experienced Director, Events & Strategic Engagement to lead the organization’s institutional events, strategic convenings, and high-level stakeholder engagement.
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for CEPA’s conferences, public programs, private roundtables, delegation visits, donor engagements, and flagship events. The role will oversee the full event lifecycle, manage relationships with senior speakers and external partners, and ensure CEPA’s convenings advance organizational and programmatic priorities.
This portfolio includes CEPA's annual flagship event, senior-level policy roundtables, international convenings, and visiting delegations. Working closely with the Executive Office, Programs, Communications, Operations, and Finance, the Director will deliver high-quality engagements involving senior government officials, military leaders, diplomats, policymakers, donors, corporate partners, and international stakeholders.
The ideal candidate combines strategic judgment with strong execution, anticipates operational needs, and remains composed while managing multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
Lead CEPA’s institutional events and convening strategy in support of organizational and programmatic priorities;
Develop and manage CEPA's annual portfolio of flagship events, conferences, senior-level policy roundtables, international convenings, delegation visits, and donor engagements;
Direct the full event lifecycle, from concept development and budgeting through execution and evaluation;
Oversee event operations, including venues, vendors, contracts, audiovisual production, registration, travel, security, and contingency planning;
Serve as the primary liaison for senior speakers, government officials, military leaders, diplomats, donors, corporate partners, and international delegations;
Lead and develop CEPA's External Affairs team, including staff, interns, contractors, and temporary event personnel;
Partner with Programs, Communications, Operations, and Finance to deliver high-quality events, with Communications leading messaging, promotion, media, and public-facing content.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in events, external affairs, executive engagement, public programs, or a related field;
Demonstrated success planning and delivering complex, high-profile events involving senior stakeholders;
Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines;
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel domestically or internationally as needed;
Experience in a think tank, nonprofit organization, government agency, international affairs institution, or similarly mission-driven organization.
Familiarity with foreign policy, national security, or transatlantic policy communities.
Proficiency with event registration platforms, CRM systems, project management tools, and Microsoft Office.
Anticipate needs, identify risks, and develop practical solutions.
Paid vacation leave, sick leave, and holidays; Headquartered in Washington, DC and led by a new generation of leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, CEPA brings an innovative approach to the policy arena. Our cutting-edge analysis and timely debates galvanize communities of influence while investing in the next generation of leaders to understand and address present and future challenges to transatlantic values and principles.
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This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including, but not limited to, hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, leave of absence, benefits, and internships. CEPA makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business necessity.