Associate, Culture & Sports

Date Revised: September 2026

Meridian International Center is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Associate, Sports, in its Center for Culture & Sports Diplomacy. This position will primarily support the delivery of the Sports Envoys and Sports Diplomacy On-Demand programs, as well as the Arts and Music Envoy Program. This role provides day-to-day coordination of envoy and participant engagement, including contracting, travel logistics, honoraria processing, and program support for high-profile grants, with multiple individual programs potentially taking place concurrently in multiple regions around the world.

Working closely with a Program Officer, the Associate, Culture & Sports will support the execution of a complex portfolio of envoys 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 contingent upon Meridian successfully securing a grant from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State.

This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The position may work partially remotely until further notice.

Program Participant Management & Coordination (Support Role)

Assist in coordinating envoy engagement, including onboarding, communications, and scheduling

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

Help maintain clear and consistent communication with envoys before and during the program

Track envoy details and requirements to support program delivery

Support business and grant opportunities, such as U.S. and foreign government and private sector proposals, and network development and management of Meridian’s Sports Diplomacy Leadership Council

Travel, Lodging & Itinerary Support

Assist with coordination of envoy/participant travel logistics, including flights, hotels, ground transportation, and itineraries

Support preparation and distribution of detailed travel information to envoys and participants

Help monitor travel arrangements and flag issues for resolution

Provide logistical support to ensure smooth arrivals and departures

Assist in processing and tracking envoy/participant honoraria and related payments

Support internal coordination to ensure timely and compliant payments

Maintain organized records of envoy/participant-related expenses and documentation

Program & Envoy/Participant Support

Provide support for envoy/participant-related activities

Assist with execution of the run-of-show and overall program flow

Support coordination of schedules and envoy/participant movements

Help manage envoy needs, including supplies, hospitality, venues, and scheduling

Assist in troubleshooting logistical issues in real time

Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines

Other duties as assigned

Minimum 0-2 years of related experience

Broad knowledge of program logistics (travel and lodging), prior work with sports professionals (athletes, coaches, managers, etc.) or artists and musicians is a plus

Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position

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…