[Hiring] Senior Director, Conference Operations @The American Institute of Architects

Role Description

Reporting to the Managing Director, Events, the Senior Director, Conference Operations leads the operational planning, coordination, and on-the-ground successful execution of the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design, ensuring all aspects of the event are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with the strategic vision.

• Serve as the operational owner of the event strategy for the conference, translating the conference leadership team’s vision into a long-term, executable plan.
• Work closely with experienced design consultants and internal subject matter experts (SMEs) to identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategies for enhanced attendee experience.
• Lead the strategic direction of the annual event request review process.
• Provide direction and oversight to the Manager, Conference Operations in their day-to-day logistical and administrative execution of the event request process.
• Serve as day-to-day operational lead for primary event vendor relationships.
• In collaboration with Business Development, oversee the successful fulfillment of sponsored items and events.
• Identify areas of opportunities and establish protocols to increase value for both attendees and exhibitors.
• Lead project management to develop a conference schedule, content, and experience that deliver on the AIA Brand promise.
• Manage internal staffing and resourcing for the conference.
• Serve as owner of the relationship with the temporary staffing management company.
• Manage and execute the conference budget in partnership with the Managing Director.
• Develop housing recommendations and strategies for conference attendees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated practical experience managing and planning successful events, meetings, conferences, and conventions.
• Evidence of creativity or innovation in planning events.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing a complex budget.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills with a customer service focus.
• Self-motivated, detail oriented, and strategic with proven skills in team problem solving.
• Innovative, creative, and able to see a challenge or problem quickly and respond.
• Effective decision-making aptitude.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business management or related field preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of related meeting management experience, including experience managing a major meeting or convention.
• Association experience and/or architectural background in education and/or experience are desirable but not required.
• Ability to travel is a must.
• 2 direct reports + contractor management.

Benefits

• Medical, vision and dental.
• 401(k).
• Flexibility.
• Paid time off.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Income protection (Life Insurance Coverage up to 2x salary) & disability plans at no cost.
• Tuition and membership reimbursements.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their family members.
• SmartBenefits transportation program, featuring up to $55 monthly in public transportation as well as pretax METRO parking.
• Computer purchase program.
• Fitness club discounts.
• Prepaid legal services program.
• Identity theft protection.

Work Location

• 100% Remote from approved states: DC, MD, VA, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WI, WY.
• This position will periodically be required to be on-site at the AIA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.