Director of Conferences Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Salary range: $110,000 - $130,000
Classification: Exempt
Position Summary The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest professional association for economic development professionals of its kind, seeks an experienced Conferences Director to develop strategy, plan, execute, and evaluate high-quality, engaging conferences and events that drive member engagement and promote the economic development profession. This role requires a strong leader with excellent organizational and communication skills, a passion for event planning, and the ability to lead a team with a results orientation. The Conferences Director will report to the Chief Operating Officer and work closely with IEDC's executive team, board members, and other high-level external stakeholders to align conference and events goals with the association's mission and strategic objectives. Candidates must have a background in conference planning and/or events management.
Areas of Responsibility The Conferences Director is expected to lead all efforts to strengthen and grow IEDC conferences and events in accordance with strategic goals and objectives, including by achieving high levels of attendee satisfaction, driving participation in and engagement at events, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, increasing revenue through effective marketing and sponsorships, conceiving of new and innovative conference and event opportunities, and ensuring operational excellence in event execution. Key areas of responsibilities include:
Conference Planning and Execution Oversee the planning, marketing, and execution of at least three national conferences annually, ranging from 300-1500 participants. Produce annual project plans, with timelines, to guide the work of the conferences team and its core collaborators, both internal and external. Supervise the identification and selection of venues, contract negotiations, and vendor management, such as catering, audio-visual, and transportation services, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. Lead the development of innovative, state-of-the-art, and forward-thinking conference programs by collaborating with teams across the organization and engaging members on potential topics and speakers as appropriate. Coordinate with speakers, presenters, and panelists to ensure engaging and relevant content. Oversee registration processes, attendee communications, and customer service. Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices to continuously enhance conference offerings. Ensure compliance with legal, safety, and health standards during conferences. Plan and execute additional special events throughout the year as needed. Team Leadership and Collaboration Supervise and guide the work of the conferences team (3-5 employees). Conduct weekly team meetings, weekly check-ins with team members, and regular performance reviews, and provide growth and development opportunities. Provide leadership to other IEDC team members and volunteers involved in conference planning and execution. Collaborate with internal departments (marketing, membership, finance, etc.) to ensure cohesive event execution and alignment with IEDC's goals. Serve as the primary point of contact for conference host committees, facilitate meetings, and ensure clear communication and decision-making. Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Budget and Financial Management Partner with the Director of Finance to develop, forecast, and manage conference budgets, ensuring cost effectiveness while delivering a high level of quality. Monitor and report on financial performance, including revenue generation, sponsorships, and expense management. Supervise the negotiation of contracts with vendors, venues, and other service providers to secure favorable terms and pricing. Marketing and Sponsorship Partner with the Director of Marketing and Communications to develop and execute conference promotions strategies and communications campaigns that maximize attendance and engagement. This includes all conference programs, signage, and digital content, as well as communication with attendees, sponsors, and other key stakeholders. Manage staging and stage design for conferences, ensuring that audiovisual elements, lighting, and furniture selections are aligned with IEDC's brand and conference themes, and that all technical and accessibility requirements are met for speakers and presenters. Supervise the conference sponsorship program, including management of sponsorship sales consultants and a Sponsorship Associate(s), to identify and secure sponsors to support conferences and fulfill the terms of their agreements. On-site Management Lead on-site conference management, ensuring smooth operations and addressing any issues that arise. Oversee on-site staffing and volunteer plans and vendor coordination. Deliver a seamless, high-quality experience for speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees. Develop and implement contingency plans to address potential issues. Evaluation and Improvement Set target goals and metrics to measure conference success. Conduct post-event evaluations to gather feedback and identify areas of improvement. Incorporate feedback into future event strategies. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Minimum of 7 years of experience in conference and event planning, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Experience within a membership association or nonprofit organization is strongly preferred. Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or equivalent experience. Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale conferences and events, including budget management and team leadership. Strong skills in negotiation, strategic planning, organization, and project management and execution. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Supervisory experience that includes the ability to attract, develop, and retain talented individuals, create an environment that helps people realize their highest potential, and support the organization to meet future challenges. An excellent and active listener who can quickly gather, synthesize, and act on feedback from diverse sources. A collaborative and innovative mindset. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity, responsibility, and accountability. Familiarity with event management software, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office Suite. Commitment to the mission and values of IEDC. This position requires regular travel to conference locations and flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as required for multi-day conferences.
Job Location This position is eligible for remote work within the United States, however, our preference is for local candidates within commuting distance of Washington, DC. Local IEDC employees have the option to work from IEDC's offices on a flexible, hybrid schedule. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Benefits IEDC has a generous benefits program that includes health, dental, vision, term life, and disability insurance, plus sick and annual leave, federally recognized holidays, a cell phone benefit, a 401(k) plan, and an annual professional development stipend. To Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to ******. Applications submitted without cover letters will not be considered.
IEDC seeks to model the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
About IEDC IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that, for nearly 100 years, has been helping economic developers around the world facilitate economic well-being in their communities. It is the largest organization of its kind supporting this profession.
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