The World Affairs Council is the leading international affairs organization on the west coast, offering a forum where diverse audiences engage in thoughtful conversations on global issues with an A list of speakers. With more than 200 in-person programs each year, World Affairs’ Policy Programming offers fresh insights and new perspectives on current topics of international importance and engages a curious public with ideas that stimulate, conversations that matter and leaders who inspire.

Since 2001, World Affairs has been home to the Global Philanthropy Forum (GPF), which works to build a community of donors and social investors committed to international causes, and to inform, enable and enhance the strategic nature of their work. GPF has grown into a dynamic international network of participants who are committed to inclusive development globally. Regional affiliates include the African Philanthropy Forum (APF) and the Brazilian Philanthropy Forum. In 2013 World Affairs launched its Global Business Forum, a suite of programs that convene thought leaders and business professionals in the Bay Area and around the world for in-person conversations focusing on issues and opportunities that are at the nexus of international policy, commerce, technology, and society.

The World Affairs Council seeks a Program Officer who will work on the GPF and be part of a dynamic team of professionals who strive to serve the donor community. The Program Officer will work closely with the CEO and members of the Sr. Management Team of the Council. As the primary point of contact for speakers and special guests at the conference, the ideal candidate will exhibit poise, creativity, strong judgment and attention to detail to maintain GPF’s brand of individualized service. As a researcher, the GPF Program Officer will canvass various topics pertaining to economic development, development policy, philanthropy and social investing. S/He will conduct background research on potential speakers and conference attendees. As the coordinator of learning opportunities offered throughout the year, the GPF Program Officer manages various logistics.

Responsibilities Include:

Program Management – GPF

Assist with agenda development for the annual GPF Conference and maintain detailed records of correspondence and topic suggestions.

Serve as main speaker liaison for the GPF Conference and coordinate related logistics, including but not limited to:
Drafting and sending speaker invitation letters, following up and tracking status
Collecting and editing speaker bios and photos
Creating speaker materials in preparation for the Conference
Coordinating speaker’s AV needs to vendors
Tracking and managing travel logistics, expenses and reimbursements
Coordinate logistics with the Sr. Vice President for Programs who will be overseeing the execution of the GPF Conference

Survey the field and conduct research (in the practice of philanthropy and social investing, international economic development, cross-sector partnerships designed to achieve social goals) to ensure that ensure that the GPF Conference and any other one-off programs undertaken during the year remain at the cutting edge of change. Help identify program topics and speakers for the annual Conference and other one-off GPF programs.

Assist with the production of collateral materials, including editing and writing speaker biographies, conference program, briefing materials any summaries or analyses of the Conference as may be needed.

Program Administration – African Philanthropy Forum (APF)

Serve as the liaison between the GPF and the APF. S/He will be present at APF meetings so as to be able to bridge these two programs and enrich both with knowledge gleaned from each.
Provide research support when and if needed for the APF Conference. Support the agenda development for the APF Conference.
Provide staff support for the APF Conference which is held in the October time frame in Africa.
Work closely with the COO on matters related to the APF.

Outreach

Support the CEO and the Chief Strategy Officer in the advancement of strategic partnerships
Act as liaison for GPF partnership events
Work with the Council’s marketing team to maintain a dynamic social media presence for the GPF
Respond to general information inquiries from the GPF community.
Update the internal Knowledge Management System time permitting

Other

Conduct research for the CEO’s public speaking and media appearances as needed.
Conduct other research and manage discrete projects as may be requested from time to time in support of the organization’s programs and priorities.
Assist with World Affairs Council public programs as needed.
Oversee interns as may be needed
Degree in international development, international relations or other relevant field.
Experience in event planning, program coordination and execution.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven organizational and time management skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with great attention to detail.
Talent for solving problems and finding information.
Adept with new and changing technologies.
Strong interpersonal skills and good listener.
Team player with a passion for the mission of the Global Philanthropy Forum and commitment to the philanthropic sector.

Qualifications

Degree in international development, international relations or other relevant field.
Experience in event planning, program coordination and execution.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven organizational and time management skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with great attention to detail.
Talent for solving problems and finding information.
Adept with new and changing technologies.
Strong interpersonal skills and good listener.
Team player with a passion for the mission of the Global Philanthropy Forum and commitment to the philanthropic sector.

How to apply

Application Process

Please send your resume and a cover letter as an attachment to jobs@wacsf.org. Please reference the subject line as follows: “GPF Program Officer — Last name, First name”.

The World Affairs Council of Northern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals who contribute to its diversity.