Description
The German Marshall Fund is a thought leader on issues critical to transatlantic interests in the 21st century, including the future of democracy, security and geopolitics, alliances and the rise of China, and technology and innovation. By drawing on and fostering a community of people with diverse life experiences and political perspectives, GMF pursues its mission by driving the policy debate through innovative analysis and convening, fortifying civil society, and cultivating the next generation of leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.
Program Summary
GMF Cities has five strategic directions: further and fortify democracy; ensure agency and equity for all; advance social, economic and climate justice; drive entrepreneurship to social good; and develop the international work and engagement of cities. From climate change to racial injustice, cities and their citizens are on the frontlines of global challenges. GMF Cities connects North America and Europe at the city level to address our shared challenges through high-impact gatherings, peer exchanges, and applied research that sparks transformative change.
GMF Cities has an extensive and successful history of working cooperatively with public, private, and civil society sector leaders to improve local and regional policies and practices. GMF Cities supports individuals in expanding their transatlantic network, growing their policy expertise, and developing their leadership skills.
Job Summary
The coordinator supports the operations of the GMF Cities program and collaborates with officers and managers in developing activities related to projects across our strategic directions. The coordinator supports projects in many capacities, from assisting in content development to supporting communications, managing logistics, and monitoring and evaluation. In addition, the coordinator helps prepare and maintain project budgets among other key administrative and logistical tasks, while also contributing to the program’s transatlantic thought leadership by tracking local-level policy developments and debates. With a premium on spreading best practices and policies to cities throughout the world, the coordinator also develops materials for such dissemination. GMF Cities maintains a network of previous participants and individuals interested in urban policy among other networks; therefore, the Program Coordinator will be involved in maintaining the integrity of database information to keep these networks updated and relevant.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities (in Order Of Importance)
Project management and implementation
- Assist with the day-to-day administration and coordination of programming and events, including:
- preparing and coordinating events
- maintaining and updating the departmental budget
- coordinating financial reimbursements and invoice processing
- organizing the program’s contacts database
- drafting and sending event invitations including management of participant lists
- providing on-site and virtual logistical support for events
- serving as liaison with event vendors
- Manage key administrative and logistical tasks related to the execution of major GMF Cities projects and initiatives (maintaining schedules, budget preparation, travel logistics coordination, communications, financial transactions)
- Collaborate with Managing Director and Managers on content development for study tours, practitioner workshops, major conference panels, and other projects as needed
- Assist in the development, coordination, and facilitation of specific sessions in key peer-to-peer learning workshops and major convenings, including coordination with session sponsors and partners
- Assist team staff with scheduling, travel logistics, and preparing materials for outreach and other events
- Support fundraising activities including researching prospective funders, drafting correspondence to prospective funders, and contributing to proposal narratives and budgets
- Contribute to and collaborate with Officers, Managers, and the Managing Director in the development of communications products of the GMF Cities program
- Assist in updating and maintaining GMF Cities website and social media presence in coordination with the Managing Director and the GMF communications team
- Write and contribute to program’s thought leadership through monthly newsletter paragraphs and other communications materials, as assigned
- Contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities, including survey drafting, dissemination, summary, and analysis
- Maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders by maintaining the GMF Cities network database and managing mailing lists
- Develop online learning activities and webinars in collaboration with project leads
Additional Duties/Responsibilities
- Represent GMF and the GMF Cities program in external activities and at events and workshops, including with critical partners
- Contribute to major GMF convenings and conferences in operational and research roles
Requirements
Autonomy and Responsibility
- The Coordinator for the GMF Cities program is to help develop and recommend courses of action for content and programming, and can approve logistical and administrative procedures
- No direct personnel reporting to this position, but authority to delegate to Trainees in coordination with other team members
- This position has access to confidential information including participant and business personal information (passport/visa information)
Knowledge And Skills Needed
- Good knowledge and analytical capabilities of local and regional policy and planning
- Strong computer skills in MS Office, database management, PowerPoint, as well as ability to self-learn Adobe Creative Suite and other useful programs
- Experience and skill in event planning and management, including travel, logistics, and budgeting
- Knowledge of current events and transatlantic policy developments
- Excellent writing and editing skills in English
- Useful design aptitude
- Ability to work in teams
- Strong attention to detail in completing assigned tasks
- Ability to foresee, identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team while conducting tasks with minimal supervision, and able to accept direction on given assignments
- Ability to multi-task and to take instructions from multiple people, and be highly organized
- Ability to travel
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, or another related field is required
