Location
Post of duty: Miami, Florida, United States of America.
We improve lives
The IDB Group is a community of diverse, versatile, and passionate people who come together on a journey to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our people find purpose and do what they love in an inclusive, collaborative, agile, and rewarding environment.
About this position
We are looking for a dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial Operations - Principal Specialist to lead our Miami office. As head of the office, you will serve as the institution’s primary focal point in the Southern region of the United States. The position is responsible for managing the office, coordinating strategic outreach, and cultivating high-value relationships that advance the IDB Group’s mission in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The Operations - Principal Specialist will ensure coherent planning, communications, and integration across IDB, IDB Invest, and IDB Lab.
You will work for the External Affairs and Communications department. This team is responsible providing advice, expertise, and tools for dissemination and communication planning and execution, to position IDB’s brand, work, and development opportunities in the Latin American and Caribbean Region with internal and external partners. The department is also tasked with managing external affairs, the IDB Group's relationship with civil society, protocol and institutional events organization and executive communications for the office of the President.
The Inter-American Development Bank is expanding its engagement in Miami to strengthen outreach, institutional visibility, and partnership-building across federal, state, local, private-sector, and diaspora stakeholders. The Miami office will serve as a strategic platform for advancing IDB Group priorities, facilitating private-sector engagement, and enhancing the institution’s presence across the southeastern United States.
What you’ll do
Strategic Leadership & Office Management
- Manage local staff, consultants, and vendors, and provide day-to-day oversight of IDB Invest and/or IDB Lab staff in coordination with their supervisors.
- Lead the design and execution of a comprehensive Miami strategy, aligned with corporate priorities and regional needs.
- Oversee office planning, budget formulation and execution, performance monitoring, risk management, and reporting.
External Engagement & Partnership Development
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including:
- Florida-based Members of Congress and district offices
- Federal, state, and local government officials (e.g., Southern Command, Governor’s Office, Miami-Dade leadership)
- Private-sector leaders, chambers of commerce, investors, and foundations
- Civil society, think-tanks, academic institutions, and diaspora networks
- Position the IDB through strategic interventions as a partner of choice for economic development, international engagement, and hemispheric cooperation initiatives.
- Identify and develop opportunities for collaboration between the IDB Group and companies operating or investing in LAC.
- Engage with stakeholders across the IDB Group including country offices, to focus efforts on regional and sectoral priorities and opportunities.
Representation & Strategic Communications
- Represent the IDB Group in public events, conferences, high-level meetings, and outreach missions in Miami and the region.
- Serve as the primary liaison to Latin American and Caribbean consulates in Miami, maintaining strong diplomatic relationships and coordination.
- Lead strategic communications efforts tailored to local and regional audiences, in alignment with the Communications Division (EXC/DCC) and institutional messaging.
- Oversee media engagement, digital content, public messaging, and event communications consistent with IDB Group brand and policy.
Stakeholder Outreach & Event Coordination
- Plan and execute meetings, events, roundtables, and visits aimed at advancing institutional objectives.
- Oversee outreach logistics, stakeholder mapping, and follow-up actions in collaboration with headquarters units and country offices.
What you'll need
Education: Master’s Degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in public policy, international development, public relations, business administration, or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role.
Experience: At least 7, preferably 15 years of progressive experience, in government relations, public affairs, international development, or external engagement. The ideal candidate would also demonstrate the following skills:
- Strong leadership, managerial, and representational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to cultivate high-level relationships across government, private sector, and civil society.
- Excellent communication and diplomatic skills; media engagement experience preferred.
- Knowledge of IDB Group operations and priorities are desirable.
Languages: Proficiency in Spanish and English, spoken and written, is required. Additional knowledge of French and Portuguese is preferable.
Please note that for this position, the final candidates will be required to successfully pass a background check to the satisfaction of the IDB Group, as a pre-employment condition, which will be conducted by third-parties.
Requirements
- Citizenship: You are a citizen of one of our . We may offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your eligible dependents.
- Consanguinity: You have no family members (up to fourth degree of consanguinity and second degree of affinity, including spouse) working at the IDB, IDB Invest, or IDB Lab.
Type of contract and duration
- International staff contract, 36 months initially, renewable upon mutual agreement.
What we offer
The IDB group provides benefits that respond to the different needs and moments of an employee's life. These benefits include:
- A competitive compensation package, including an annual base salary expressed on a net-of-tax basis.
- Leaves and vacations: 24 days of paid time off + 8 personal days + sick leave + gender-neutral parental leave.
- Health Insurance: IDB Group provides employees and eligible dependents with a robust medical benefits program that covers medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
- Pension plan: defined benefit pension plan that provides financial security and support employees in planning for their future.
- We offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your family when it applies.
- Health and well-being: Access to our Health Services Center that provides preventive care and health education for employees.
- Development support: We offer tools to boost your professional profile, such as mentoring, 1:1 professional counseling, training and learning opportunities, language classes, mobility options, among others.
- Other perks (country specific): Lactation Room, Bike Racks, Parking, spouse career support, and others.
Our culture
At the IDB Group, we work so everyone brings their best and authentic selves to work while finding their purpose. Our people consistently strive for excellence, and we recognize and celebrate the impact of their contributions.
In our efforts to drive innovation, we intentionally include all voices, cultivate a sense of belonging and champion fairness. We welcome individuals from underrepresented groups to join us and share their unique perspectives.
We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job interview process. If you require an accommodation to complete this application, please email us at.