Mediator

Meridian Institute has an immediate opening for a position of Mediator. This position is based in our Washington, DC or Dillon, CO offices (following an initial period working virtually due to COVID-19). Remote work locations may be considered. This position offers the opportunity for significant learning and advancement in a challenging and interesting field.

As a member of our Practice Team, the Mediator will work with dynamic, project-based teams. This role supports these teams in building understanding, guiding collaboration and decision-making, and driving action to address the world’s complex challenges. The roles of the Mediator and the substantive areas of focus vary depending on the project scope of work and team membership. We anticipate this position will initially include work on ocean policy, aquaculture, and food systems.  The position responsibilities will expand over time to include other substantive topics. Mediators work under the supervision of Project Directors and/or other project team members.

Successful applicants must possess knowledge and skills in third-party facilitation/mediation, collaborative problem-solving, and /or dispute resolution. They will have strong oral and written communications skills, will be highly organized, and will be effective working with people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. They need to be a self-starter and problem-solver with strong communications and relationship management skills.

All full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the organizations sponsored health and dental insurance plans and provided life insurance, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, and a 401k retirement plan (at one year of employment).

How to Apply

The deadline to submit is Sunday, March 7, 2021. 

Please submit your application, including cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references using our online submission form. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Position Description

Team: Practice

Reports to: Practice Director and assigned Project Directors

FLSA Status: Exempt

Starting Salary Range: $55,000-$70,000 per year

Areas of Responsibility:

• Meeting preparation and situation assessments: Conduct scoping activities for projects and meetings. This includes conducting background research, drafting meeting materials, and reaching out to participants;
• Stakeholder engagement: Interview or otherwise engage stakeholders, thought leaders and other participants in Meridian processes, including leaders of the private, non-profit, and government sectors;
• Process design and meeting facilitation: Work with senior staff to design effective meetings and collaborative processes; co-facilitate work groups and breakout groups;
• Meeting documentation: Draft meeting summaries, negotiation texts, and other meeting documentation as part of meeting support and follow up;
• Meeting logistics: Serve as a liaison with support staff on logistical matters;
• Project development: Support proposals and other project development efforts;
• Project management: Support the tracking and management of project budgets and subcontracts, assist in project-related reporting, and other administrative tasks; and
• May supervise or coordinate efforts of project team members.

Qualifications:

• Education and training in the principles, methodologies, and tools associated with collaborative problem-solving, such as mediation, facilitation, strategic planning, consensus building, and conflict resolution;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including: experience communicating across an array of audiences; ability to synthesize information efficiently and accurately; ability to produce high quality documents including memos, meeting summaries, reports, etc.; and strong attention to detail and copy-editing;
• Substantive knowledge and background (through school or work experience) in one or more of the following subjects is preferred: ocean policy, fisheries, and food systems, or a related topic;
• Fluency in English. Professional fluency in a foreign language is highly valued, priorities being Spanish and French;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct directed and independent research on a variety of topics and summarize results;
• Ability and enthusiasm to work with people from diverse backgrounds;
• Passion for the issues and areas of Meridian’s work;
• Highly organized self-starter with a high level of initiative and strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• A high degree of proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools including but not limited to: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote, and SharePoint. Knowledge of data visualization software, graphic design tools, and social media;
• An advanced degree or equivalent professional experience; and
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without visa support/sponsorship.

Additional Requirements:

• Required to attend to business related to projects outside of normal working hours, due to the location and nature of the project, as needed;
• Required to travel domestically or internationally dependent upon the project, as needed; and
• Must be able to conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner at all times.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Meridian recognizes that our work is made stronger and more impactful by the contributions of diverse groups from around the world. At Meridian, we welcome people from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin, creed, class, ancestry, or other grounds. Meridian Institute is a participating employer in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security program, E-Verify.