Careers

The Council of the Americas (COA) is seeking a Director for its Washington, DC Office. The Director, Washington, DC, reports to the Vice President and is responsible for executing high-impact policy programs and cultivating key stakeholder relationships within the nation's capital.

COA is the premier international business organization whose members share a common commitment to economic and social development, open markets, the rule of law, and democracy throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Council’s membership consists of leading U.S. and international companies representing a broad spectrum of sectors. Alongside its sister organization Americas Society (AS), COA provides the most trusted forum for debate on issues affecting the region. Headquartered in New York City, AS/COA also has offices in Washington and Miami and holds high-level events across the United States and Latin America.

The position is based in Washington, offers a competitive benefits package, and requires a minimum of three out of five days in person in our offices, as well as coverage of in-person events as needed.

The Director's role focuses on the execution and management of key initiatives, operating across the following areas.

1. Program Development and Management

• The Director will be responsible for the full lifecycle of policy programming under the guidance of the Vice President.
• Develop, manage, and moderate programs, meetings, and events.
• Play an integral role in the planning and execution of the Washington Conference on the Americas.
• Engage key program participants, including senior U.S. and regional government officials, multilateral organization officials, and regional experts.
• Lead execution of programming on core organizational themes, such as healthcare, trade, technology, and energy and critical minerals.
• Develop program content, confirm speakers, and coordinate across the New York, Miami, and DC teams.
• Support the execution of programming under the Trade Advisory Group.
• Participate in public outreach, including speaking engagements as a panelist and providing analysis for COA programming.

2. Member Support and Business Development

• The Director will contribute to COA’s financial health by recruiting new members and promoting sponsorship.Provide support to existing member representatives, assisting with connections to key officials, providing expertise, and encouraging active program participation.
• Actively participate on the membership team by identifying prospects in the Washington area and supporting the pitch and close of new memberships.
• Assist in identifying and pursuing programmatic sponsorship and new sources of COA funding.

3. Stakeholder and Contact Cultivation

• The Director will maintain and expand the organization’s network of relevant contacts.
• Cultivate contacts with Washington-based officials of the U.S. government.
• Build relationships with representatives from foreign embassies, multilateral organizations, and other Americas-focused policy associations and institutions.

4. Office Operations

• Coordinate with DC office colleagues as well as team members in New York and Miami.
• Provide necessary support and backup for the VP of the Washington Office.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• At least 8–11 years’ experience in the areas of policy, programming, and stakeholder engagement is required.
• Master’s degree in international affairs, public policy or related field.
• Substantive knowledge of congressional affairs, trade policy, and Latin American issues required.
• Superior oral and written communications skills in English; Spanish and/or Portuguese a plus.

To apply:

Please submit via email a résumé and a cover letter describing why you are interested in and suited for the position with the subject line “Director, COA" to Jorge Merino at jmerino@as-coa.org. No phone calls please.

The salary range for this position is $95k–$110k.

In addition, AS/COA offers outstanding benefits including an excellent health and dental plan, vacation, and generous 401(k) retirement plan.

Qualified candidates must be eligible to work in the United States to be considered. 

Americas Society/Council of the Americas is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or citizenship status.