Director of Convening
The Director of Convening will lead the planning and delivery of the programme of Chatham House events. We aim to secure a flow of heads of government, foreign and finance ministers and heads of key international institutions as speakers. Our panels and discussions need to anticipate the main issues of the year, reflect the pace of events and introduce questions with which we think the world should be grappling. Questions posed need to get to the heart of the argument, shape the debate and advance Chatham House’s work. We are performing this in a highly politicised environment with much scrutiny of what is said and with much competition for speakers and audiences. This role is crucial to the institution’s influence, reputation and global presence.
Reporting to the COO and working very closely with the CEO, the Director will also coordinate closely with our research team and with our communications and fundraising team. The successful candidate will have deep knowledge of international affairs, strong editorial judgement and the ability to put together a vigorous debate, along with a clear understanding of how to attract the audiences we seek.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Plan the overall convening programme for the year, in collaboration with the CEO and COO and oversee its delivery, ensuring it is aligned with Chatham House's mission, research priorities, target audiences and fundraising goals.
Provide oversight and judgement of the full events portfolio, including our flagship conferences in London and Berlin, and Chatham House’s participation in external gatherings such as Davos, Doha and the Munich Security Conference.
Ensure speakers represent the highest calibre and diversity, building and maintaining a strong pipeline.
Lead approaches to high-level speakers (including excellent letter writing) and pursue invitations.
Create rigorous, challenging formats that advance policy arguments and protect the quality and reputation of Chatham House convening.
Lead the team to deliver fundraising events, including conferences, roundtables and regular events and dinners for corporate members and prospective corporate funders.
Partner with the Communications, Marketing and Fundraising teams to shape audience strategy and institutional positioning across invited and online convening.
Oversee high-level operational delivery, working with the COO and facilities and catering, including assurance on security, safety and risk management for all convening.
Lead the delivery of the Chatham House Prize.
Develop and look after strategic relationships with event participants, speakers and sponsors.
Represent Chatham House at external events and in stakeholder meetings.
Lead, empower and develop an outstanding and dedicated team, setting clear direction and standards and building an environment that encourages networking, knowledge sharing and open dialogue.
Serve on the internal Risk committee, contributing to governance, oversight and organisational assurance.
Pursue Chatham House's EDI strategic objectives including selection of speakers and audiences and in ways of working.
Personal Specification
Deep understanding of international affairs, key figures and current events.
Political awareness and mature judgement about the framing of debates including choice of speakers and questions.
Ability to identify the key questions to discuss and to reflect these in compelling titles and event descriptions that capture a sense of problems to be solved and bring in audiences.
Excellent written and spoken communication.
Significant leadership experience in events management, preferably in policy, diplomatic, or international affairs.
Proven record of acquiring and managing high-profile speakers and VIP stakeholders.
Exceptional interpersonal skills.
Strong experience in managing teams and budgets through change.
Ability to work under pressure and manage complex projects simultaneously.
Cultural sensitivity when working with diverse global audiences and international contexts.
Application link: https://careers.chathamhouse.org/jobs/7609684-director-of-convening
We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience or support you, please get in touch at HR@Chathamhouse.org