Manager, Conferences & Events

Position: 
Manager, Conferences & Events
Organization Name: 
Council on Foundations
Website: 
http://cof.org
Job Category: 
Nonprofit
Other
Programs
Job Description: 

TO APPLY: Send your cover letter and resume to Recruitment@cof.org – Subject line: Manager, Conferences & Events.  

COMPENSATION: The hiring salary range for this position is $71,000 to $80,000 based on living in the Washington DC region.  Compensation may be adjusted based on the geographic location of the finalist.

SUMMARY 

The Manager, Conferences & Events is responsible for the planning, coordination, and logistics of all Council on Foundation’s in-person, virtual and hybrid conferences, events, and meetings. The Manager will execute an estimated 15+ events per year, including  board and staff meetings, trainings, leadership development summits, conferences, and more. The Manager will collaborate closely with other Council departments to ensure business needs and quality standards are fulfilled.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Meet objectives in all stages of event planning, design, and production for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
  • Manage planning and execution of logistics for Council events and meetings, including conferences and events, leadership development programs, training, staff retreats and board meetings.
  • Develop and maintain guiding principles for effective event planning and site meetings.
  • Collaborate with Director, Conferences & Events to create event financials that increase efficiencies, and minimize costs, then track event revenue and monitor and control expenses.
  • Develop RFP criteria for site and service providers then analyze and report results to determine recommended meeting sites and services.
  • Conduct site visits and manage site selection decision-making process for designated Council meetings, large convenings, and events. Coordinate with Convention Visitor Bureaus (CVB) if needed.
  • Select and supervise general services contractors for in-person, virtual and hybrid events that may include registration, housing, technology, audio-visual & presentation management services, and all other essential suppliers, or single solution providers to ensure project coordination and meeting deadlines are fulfilled.
  • Negotiate hotel, venue, and vendor contracts for designated meetings and ensure contract fulfillment as required.
  • Support Director, Conferences & Events to develop an event framework and programming plan that includes the selection of planning teams/committees for events.
  • Collaborate with Communications & Content team on branding, materials, and promotion of Council events.
  • Collaborate with Development team on fundraising and sponsorship design and fulfillment.
  • Assist internal teams to design and produce event evaluations and post event reporting.
  • Manage compliance with all insurance, legal, health, and safety obligations.
  • Manage issues and troubleshoot emerging day-of-event matters.
  • Contribute to overarching organization goals by participating in cross-functional working groups.
  • Coordinate the management of speakers for events, including life-cycle logistics of and communication with selected speakers regarding sessions
  • Provide internal and external meeting and scheduling support, including agenda and goal development, and meeting facilitation
  • Review event logistics and programming to ensure inclusion and access for participants, speakers, staff, vendors, and all involved in the event
  • Design and manage event Volunteer tracking and recognition

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 5-7 years’ experience in marketing, event planning or hospitality management

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Excellent project management skills including planning, logistics and program management with ability to meet deadlines.
  • Understanding of the philanthropic and the charitable sector.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to listen well and positively represent the organization and its mission.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to retain confidential information.
  • Ability to identify and solve problems efficiently and quickly.
  • Ability to manage many and/or differing tasks and maintain productivity.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
  • Ability to work effectively and positively with a range of individuals and working styles, and with people at all organization levels including staff, board members, foundation officers, donors, and vendors.
  • Knowledge of and ability to implement online and virtual training applications.
  • Proficient skill in Microsoft Office 365 applications.

 

LOCATION & BENEFITS

Though the Council’s headquarters are in Washington, DC, the Manager may be located anywhere in the continental United States.  This role requires 10% travel. 

The Council offers a robust benefits package, including paying 100% of the monthly premium for employee coverage in health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability.  Additionally, the Council contributes 7% of annual salary to a 403(b) plan for every employee with no match requirement.  Staff receive 20 days of vacation, plus sick leave and paid parental leave.  The Council observes 13 holidays and an annual wellness week and winter break, for which staff are paid.