Director of Convening

Chatham House is a world leading policy institute with more than a century of independent research and convening on the most pressing international challenges.

Convening at Chatham House underpins our global reputation and influence, advancing our mission and reflecting the complexity and importance of international affairs. It includes public events with well-known speakers, panels and private roundtables, as well as our flagship conferences and private discussions under the Chatham House Rule. These gatherings, whether public or private, are central to our analysis and the way in which we influence policy; they also are highly valued by our individual and corporate members and others who support us.

We are looking for a Director of Convening to lead the planning and delivery of the programme of Chatham House events.

What you will do

• Plan the overall convening programme for the year, in collaboration with the CEO and COO and oversee its delivery, ensuring it is aligned with Chatham House's mission, research priorities, target audiences and fundraising goals.

• Provide oversight and judgment of the full events portfolio.

• Ensure speakers represent the highest calibre and diversity, building and maintaining a strong pipeline.

• Lead approaches to high-level speakers (including excellent letter writing) and pursue invitations.

• Create rigorous, challenging formats that advance policy arguments and protect the quality and reputation of Chatham House convening.

What you will bring

• Deep understanding of international affairs and the global policy landscape.

• Political awareness and mature judgement about the framing of debates including choice of speakers and questions.

• Ability to identify the key questions to discuss and to reflect these in compelling titles and event descriptions that capture a sense of problems to be solved and bring in audiences.

• Significant leadership experience in events management, preferably in policy, diplomatic, or international affairs.

• Cultural sensitivity when working with diverse global audiences and international contexts.

Please see the full job description here:

Benefits:

Benefits include approximately 37 days annual leave (including public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working and other benefits designed to suit your lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment.

Salary: £85,000 per year.

Contract : Full-time, Permanent.

Location : St James's Square, London. This is a hybrid role based in our London office. The successful candidate will be expected to work onsite at least 3 days per week, with flexibility around event requirements needed.

Application closing Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026, 23:59 BST.