Manager II, Global Programs and Strategic Engagements

About the role

The Manager II, Global Programs and Strategic Engagements supports the planning and implementation functions of the World Food Prize Foundation’s International Dialogues.

Responsibilities

• Assist with speaker engagement from invitation to stage, serving as a liaison for speakers, managing communications, materials, schedules and preparation to ensure a seamless, world-class speaker experience.
• Develop and coordinate conference content, including speaker concept notes, briefing materials, preparation sessions and rehearsals to align presentations with conference objectives and audience engagement.
• Manage backstage speaker operations during events, coordinating with moderators, production and event teams to ensure speakers are prepared, on schedule and supported throughout conference execution.
• Provide content research and writing support on critical agriculture and food security issues in preparation for events led by the International Dialogues team, including the Borlaug Dialogue, DialogueNEXT and Iowa Hunger Summit
• Consider opportunities to build new partnerships and extend invitations to other potential exhibitors, side events and attendees
• Assist with event registration platforms, registration lists and correlating website pages, ensuring that the user experience is seamless and comprehensive.
• Draft outreach and written communication for internal and external usage, including invitations, briefing books, policy documents, letters and other various content for key figures such as World Food Prize Laureates, global ministers and international executives
• Participate in subcommittees as relevant and assigned
• Assist with managing stakeholder database for the organization

Qualifications

Bachelor degree required, Master’s preferred, preferably relating to the fields of food security, agriculture, international development, event planning or administration; 3+ years experience strongly preferred. Generally, 8 – 10 years experience may substitute for educational requirements.

Exceptional attention to detail, communication and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively while managing complex projects and working independently in a high-volume environment.

Exceptional professionalism, teamwork, relationship management and interpersonal skills, particularly in cross-cultural contexts working under pressure and time constraints

Experience working with a wide array of high-profile stakeholders including funding donors, local, national & international government officials, agency leaders, scientific & industry-related experts and dignitaries.

Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools (Asana), and virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams). Experience using Salesforce CRM database is considered a plus.

Eagerness to research, learn about and understand agriculture and global food security public policy, strategies and programs. Interest in producing events in-person and online, event planning support.

Familiarity with key stakeholders and organizations that the World Food Prize Foundation works with as well as widely recognized global food security events are a plus. Multilingual abilities and international experience are a plus.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Based in Des Moines, IA. Domestic/International Travel 1-3 times/year. May be required to lift up to 25 - 50 lbs (generally office supplies or event props). Long periods sitting at a computer screen. May stand for prolonged periods during events. Some bending, stooping may be required. Willing to relocate to Des Moines, IA. This is not a remote position.

Pay

$52,000 - $70,000+ | Commensurate with Professional Experience

Schedule

In-Person position, based in Des Moines, Iowa (USA)