Marisa Figueroa

I’m a strategic and results-driven leader with over 15 years of experience in international relations, project & event management, advocacy, and operations. Known for delivering high-impact solutions and cultivating high-performing teams, I consistently drive operational efficiency across organisations.

Expert in curating impactful event experiences—managing budgets, securing sponsorships, and ensuring regulatory compliance—while driving operational excellence. Adept at steering cross-functional teams and streamlining processes to align events with broader advocacy and policy objectives. Known for delivering seamless VIP delegate experiences and navigating complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy and precision. Trusted collaborator with senior government and business leaders, leveraging events as powerful vehicles for influence and institutional impact.

As Networks Manager at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), I spearhead initiatives that support staff development, enhance regulatory compliance, and optimise resource allocation. Notable achievements include launching the ECFR Academy Project—strengthening professional development across the organisation—and reducing retreat costs by 23% through targeted strategic planning.

My expertise spans stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and legal compliance, with a strong track record navigating complex regulatory environments including GDPR and EU transparency protocols. I excel at aligning strategic goals with operational execution and am driven by a commitment to advancing global initiatives that foster meaningful change.

I’m now seeking a senior leadership role—such as Senior Manager, Project Director or Head of Department—where I can apply my experience and strategic insight to support impactful, mission-driven programmes.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) (London, UK) 

Networks Manager                                                                                                                             2018 – 2025

• Directed operational alignment across eight national offices, implementing a serviced office model that enhanced efficiency and reduced costs.
• Oversaw the Warsaw office relocation, leading contract negotiations and ensuring a seamless transition for local teams.
• Conducted a comprehensive workflow optimization review, integrating advanced finance, HR, and travel systems to improve operations.
• Developed operational manuals and intranet tools, strengthening knowledge-sharing and organizational cohesion.
• Designed and implemented ECFR Academy onboarding and learning programs, earning high satisfaction ratings and fostering a culture of continuous growth.
• Reduced annual staff retreat costs by 23%, negotiating strategic contracts and leveraging sponsorship opportunities.
• Strengthened GDPR compliance, introducing a risk matrix and developing a centralized contract management process.
• Optimized EU-Transparency registration procedures, ensuring uninterrupted policy fellow engagement with EU Commissioners and MEPs.
• Provided interim leadership for Madrid (2017-2018) and Paris (2023) offices, overseeing team management, donor relations, and crisis resolution during critical transitions.
• Led high-impact strategic initiatives, including Board reporting, advocacy priorities execution, and cross-national coordination.
• Mentored the advocacy team for the 2025 Annual Council Meeting, a premier foreign policy conference with 250+ high-profile stakeholders, driving successful planning and execution.

Advocacy Manager                                                                                                                            2016 – 2018

• Directed Brussels-based advocacy initiatives, forging strategic relationships with donors and institutions.
• Developed and executed pan-European advocacy strategies, ensuring impactful policy engagement and media outreach.
• Oversaw national office budgets and fundraising strategies, securing resources for operational success.
• Managed cross-office cooperation, delivering large-scale events and high-level stakeholder engagement activities.
• Created impact evaluation frameworks, enhancing measurement of advocacy success.
• Supervised and mentored staff, cultivating a collaborative and high-performance culture.

Madrid Programmes Manager                                                                                                         2008 – 2016

• Led advocacy, fundraising, and communications efforts for ECFR Spain, driving donor engagement growth.
• Oversaw legal setup and compliance, ensuring alignment with Spanish regulations.
• Developed and executed national stakeholder engagement strategies, strengthening relationships with Spanish Council Members and donors.
• Managed annual budget planning and national advocacy program execution.
• Supervised three staff members, fostering team development and organizational efficiency.

EARLY CAREER 

Elcano Royal Institute (Madrid, Spain)

Programme Assistant                                                                                                                        2003 – 2008

City Council of Est. Juarez (Cordoba, Argentina)  

Administrative Assistant                                                                                                                   1997 – 2000

PhD Coursework in International Relations, European Union and Globalisation

Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain) (2002 – 2004)

Master’s in International Relations

Diplomatic School, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Spain) (2001 – 2002)

Bachelor’s in Political Science

Universidad Catolica de Cordoba (Argentina) (1993 – 1999)