Careers

Manager of Programming and Engagement 
MI is seeking a Manager of Programming and Engagement to lead programming across our Development and Presidential Initiatives teams. With the Development team, this position will design and deliver cultivation events for donors and prospects, including facilitating MI’s NYC young professional network. With the Presidential Initiatives team, the role will support seminars and experimental formats that connect MI scholars with civic leaders, journalists, and influencers. 

About the Role 

MI is seeking a Manager of Programming and Engagement to design and deliver events that advance both donor cultivation and thought leadership. 

With the Development team, the Manager will produce donor-focused events that strengthen relationships, steward supporters, and cultivate new prospects. A signature responsibility will be facilitating MI’s NYC-based young professional network, with more senior candidates expected to take ownership of its strategy and growth. 

With the Presidential Initiatives team, the Manager will plan and deliver recurring seminars and pilot new formats such as breakfasts, book clubs, cocktail receptions, and mini-courses, primarily in MI’s New York City office. 

Across both teams, this role ensures that MI’s events are strategic, well-executed, and relationship-driven. The Manager of Programming and Engagement will manage the full life cycle of event production, from programming and logistics to serving as an ambassador for MI at events and in follow-up. 

The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, highly organized, and confident engaging external stakeholders. This person will excel at planning events, curating audiences and speakers, and representing MI in ways that strengthen relationships, showcase scholarship, and cultivate the next generation of supporters. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Donor Events: Partner with Development leadership to design and deliver events that steward current supporters and engage new prospects. 

• Young Professionals’ Network: Facilitate MI’s NYC-based young professionals’ network. More senior candidates may be expected to take ownership of its strategy, growth, and member engagement. 

• Influencer Events: Work with the Presidential Initiatives team to plan and execute weekly seminars and experimental formats including breakfasts, book clubs, cocktail receptions, mini-courses, and forums. 

• Event Production: Oversee end-to-end production for both Development and Presidential Initiatives events, including programming, invitations, logistics, on-site execution, and follow-up. Track event participation and outcomes. 

• Networking and Representation: Serve as an ambassador for MI at events, build personal connections with attendees, and facilitate introductions to MI scholars and leadership. 

Qualifications 

• 4+ years of experience in event management, donor engagement, or related nonprofit or think tank roles (supervisory experience preferred) 

• Demonstrated success delivering high-impact events for sophisticated audiences 

• Strong ability to build relationships with donors, civic leaders, and influencers 

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with close attention to detail 

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills 

• Professional maturity and confidence engaging senior external stakeholders 

• Intellectual curiosity and ability to engage with MI’s scholarship across key policy areas 

• Proficiency with CRM systems, event tracking tools, and email marketing platforms 

• New York based — In person 4 days/week preferred 

 Compensation and Benefits 

Salary range: $100,000–$150,000/year, commensurate with experience. 

MI offers generous benefits, including four weeks paid vacation, a Summer Fridays program, paid paternity/maternity leave, medical and dental coverage with HSA options, medical and dependent-care FSA, mental health benefits, remote medicine, a paid company cell phone, life insurance, and a 401(k) with a company-funded match. MI staff also benefit from the opportunity to collaborate with prominent scholars and policymakers in our space. 

To apply, please fill out the form below. Be sure to include a resume and cover letter explaining both your interest in MI and your qualifications for the role. A strategy memorandum may eventually be required, with specifics to be determined during the interview process.