Program Fellow

Program Fellows are responsible for generating the content, including issues addressed and speakers selected, for several CGI events throughout the year. The purpose of CGI and the content of CGI meetings is to help further the mission of turning ideas into action on pressing global issues. Potential candidates should be familiar with the CGI model of commitment making and solution-driven approaches to addressing global challenges.

Program Fellows will work closely with the Deputy Director and Director of Program, as well as other departments at CGI, advisors, and President Clinton’s office to assist with the conceptualization and implementation of the agenda, content, format, and logistics for CGI meetings. Program Fellows will develop processes for turning content into sessions for the Annual Meeting, as well as for the program department’s day-to-day operations.

In particular, the CGI Program Department is seeking an individual who excels in three specific areas:

1. Has a background in international relations or a related field that can create content for various parts of CGI meetings.
2. Stays up-to-date on current international affairs, particularly international development, and enjoys thinking of new and different ways to present compelling issues, speakers, and topics that further the CGI mission of turning good ideas into action.
3. Operates well and thinks strategically in an extremely fast-paced and often stressful environment.  

*Background in Economic Empowerment and/or Global Health preferred

*Experience with creative communication technology preferred (i.e. using video, power point new social media, data analysis programs, etc. to enhance an event)

•  Be committed to the CGI mission of turning ideas into action; look at the CGI program as a creative means to inspire its members to take action via “commitments.”
• Stay up-to-date on current international affairs via news, articles, books, speakers, etc.
• Develop sessions at CGI’s Annual Meeting; assist with content development and research, speaker recruitment, and management. Session types include: 
  •  
    • Broad tracks that each include a plenary, three breakout sessions, and several small group discussions
    • Keynote speeches
    • Special sessions
    • Debates or other provocative formats
    • Specific networking sessions
    • Opening and closing sessions

• Develop sessions at CGI University’s Annual Meeting; assist with content development and research, speaker recruitment, and management. Session types include:

  •  
    • Plenary sessions
    • Skill sessions
    • Working session
    • Special sessions or events
• Work with external advisors to workshop and refine ideas for sessions.
• Research and seek approval on speakers, manage speaker recruitment, and ensure the program is developing in a timely manner.
• Draft multifaceted briefing memos for various sessions at CGI’s meetings.
• As needed, work with Sponsorship and Event Operations departments to develop content, format, and handle logistics for the Sponsor Dinners at CGI’s Annual Meeting.
• Work with the Communications department on all content for marketing materials related to the program session descriptions and participants including the schedule, program book, and website.
• Work within the guidelines set by the organization in terms of composition of program participants, specifically meeting rigorous diversity criteria.
• Work with appropriate members of the commitments team to incorporate commitment makers and commitment stories into the program.
• Write briefings for speakers and conduct briefing calls.
• Research and attend relevant panels, speeches, and events where time and cost allow in New York or nearby.

• Help develop, maintain, and refine CGI Program Department strategy by creating how-to manuals for each major event/season. 

• Monitor and record all program participant responses in CGI’s “Raiser’s Edge” Database.
• Develop a strong knowledge of CGI’s database software (Raiser’s Edge) and be able to work independently with the system on complex assignments.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in international relations or other similar degree
• 5-7 years professional experience
• Demonstrated interest in CGI’s Global Challenges (Economic Empowerment, Education, Environment & Energy, and Global Health)
• Adept in high-pressure situations
• Comfortable coordinating numerous time-sensitive projects, able to develop and abide by clear goals, timelines, and priorities
• Exemplary oral and written communications skills, attention to detail
• Ability to professionally engage with high-level CGI speakers and their staff on phone and in person
• Proactive and forward thinking, demonstrated creative vision
• Demonstrated ability to set and meet deadlines within the context of a larger team
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in complex, diverse settings with individuals of varying backgrounds and stature
• Teamwork skills that support larger organizational goals and actively contribute to team objectives
• Commitment to develop content with diversity across gender, class, geographic, ethnic, religious, and political groupings
• Ability to work long hours in the lead up to major events
• Positive attitude and willingness to be a contributing member of a team  

Strongly Preferred Requirements:

• International work and/or living experience
• Experience/expertise in Economic Empowerment and/or Global Health
• Program design or event planning experience
• Experience with creative communication technology (i.e. using video, power point new social media, data analysis programs, etc. to enhance an event)

Work Conditions:

• May require travel, which may require walking distances, lifting, and carrying luggage and boxes, and prolonged periods of sitting in tight quarters.
• Significant computer work, which may require repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting, and sustained visual and mental applications
• Occasional lifting, bending, pulling, collating, and filing, some of which could be heavy (>15 lbs) or require the use of carts

How to Apply:

To be considered for the position, please attach the following when uploading your resume:

A description of a hypothetical panel designed for a high-level international conference similar to CGI, not to exceed one page.   Please include a one paragraph description of the panel, a recommended list of potential speakers that reflect geographic, gender, ethnicity/race, and constituent (non-profit, business, government) diversity, and a one paragraph description of your rationale for selecting these session topics. 

Deadline for Submission of Proposals

The deadline for submissions is April 15, 2011, but we will be reviewing applications as they are submitted. This position will be begin immediately so we encourage you to apply soon and not wait for the April 15^th deadline.

Submission Review Process

CGI will review applications to determine whether each application is a match for this position. If an appropriate match is identified, we will contact you directly. Regrettably, due to the volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those for whom a match is identified.