Director, Event Strategy – Operations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Develop the strategy and operational framework for WorldatWork’s range of conferences, meetings, and events.

• Define event objectives, priorities, and performance metrics that align with organizational goals and industry developments.

• Oversee the selection of meeting and event venues and services while minimizing financial risk.

• Perform evaluations after events using feedback from attendees along with financial and operational data.

• Explore new event formats, technologies, and business models to enhance member value, expand audience reach, and boost revenue.

• Manage the planning and execution of conferences by coordinating with conference management partners, venues, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders.

• Supervise event production and operations, including audiovisual services, general services contractors, housing, registration, catering, transportation, signage, security, and on-site execution.

• Collaborate with internal teams on sponsorship, exhibition, speaker, and attendee objectives.

• Negotiate contracts and manage venue logistics, including meeting space, exhibit hall layouts, rooming lists, menus, audiovisual services, and room configurations.

• Create and manage on-site logistics plans.

• Assist with event-related marketing and communication initiatives.

• Direct the development and delivery of the Annual Conference educational program, encompassing content strategy, speaker engagement, abstract management, keynote selection, accreditation criteria, and program assessment.

• Develop and oversee the Meetings and Events budget along with financial performance metrics.

• Manage revenue and expenses, financial forecasting, post-event reconciliation, and return on investment (ROI) analysis.

• Establish key performance indicators for registration, revenue, margins, attendee satisfaction, sponsor/exhibitor satisfaction, operational effectiveness, and event growth.

• Lead and mentor team members, promoting accountability, collaboration, and professional development.

• Guide a team responsible for logistics, housing, sourcing, and specialized functions.

• Collaborate with program, content, marketing, and executive leadership teams to ensure alignment of meeting objectives and logistics.

• Conduct conference evaluation activities and implement innovations and process enhancements.

• Act as the primary staff liaison to the Events Advisory Council.

• Deliver exceptional customer service both internally and externally.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, HR, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in association meeting planning and management.

• At least 5 to 7 years of experience managing large-scale meetings with over 3,000 attendees.

• Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) or a similar industry credential is preferred.

• Previous experience in an association and/or major event setting is preferred.

• Extensive project management experience, including oversight of vendors with multiple deliverables.

• Experience in producing or supporting international events is a plus.

• Advanced knowledge of and proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

• Familiarity with database management systems.

• Experience with association management software is desired but not mandatory.

• Proven ability to negotiate and oversee vendor contracts and tradeshows exceeding $500K.

• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Proactive problem-solving skills and strong decision-making capabilities.

• Ability to maintain composure and exercise sound judgment in high-pressure situations.

• Capacity to manage complex issues, competing priorities, and unexpected challenges.

• Ability to prioritize tasks, work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and meet tight deadlines.

• Highly tech-savvy, with the ability to work with educational technologies and tools.

• Experience with Canvas, Adobe, Salesforce, Excel, and project management tools is desirable.

• Outstanding customer service abilities.

• Clear and effective oral communication skills.

• Proficient written communication skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive data and information.

• Capability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time.

• Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of an undergraduate degree.

🏝️ Benefits

• Annual discretionary bonus targeting 15% of base salary.

• Ongoing opportunities for professional development training.

• Health insurance coverage.

• Dental insurance coverage.

• Vision insurance coverage.

• Well-being benefits.

• Health savings account options.

• Flexible spending account options.

• Retirement benefits.

• Option for remote work.