Director of Conferences and Events - The Arc of the United States

Director, Conferences & Events

Department: Operations

Direct Supervisor: Chief Operating Officer

Position Summary:

The Arc seeks a Director of Conferences and Events to produce national conferences, events and meetings, which educate and engage participants to advance the civil rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Director is responsible for the successful planning of four national events per year, including the National Convention with 1,000+ attendees. The successful candidate is able to establish relationships with venues and contractors, work across teams and collaborate with key internal and external partners to create the dynamic, inspiring and informative, high production value, events attendees have come to expect from The Arc. The Manager will work closely and the CEO and members of the senior management team. The ideal candidate will have a track record of success with in-person, virtual and hybrid events and the ability to evaluate current strategies, identify opportunities to streamline processes, and recommend solutions to elevate events.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for directing all facets of the events process for The Arc including planning and implementing timelines, contract negotiations, vendor management, expense monitoring and budgeting, record keeping, on-site management, staff and volunteer coordination.
• Lead the planning and implementation of all external conferences, events and meetings. Current annual conferences include Disability Policy Seminar (spring), NCE Summer Leadership Institute (summer) and The Arc's National Convention (fall).
• Assure all conferences and events maintain the quality and service that our attendees, exhibitors and sponsors expect, including resolving all issues that arise in a timely manner.
• Provide high level oversite and management of all event requests for supports and services, including but not limited to; CART, ASL, large print, braille, dietary restrictions, food allergies, fragrance free venues and sensory/quiet room access.
• Conduct site visits and recommend city and site venues, negotiate all aspects of the conference plan, select and manage vendors.
• Create and responsibly manage event budgets, including projecting attendance, revenues and expenses, and providing timely reporting of results.
• Conduct post-event evaluation, utilizing data to recommended changes and improvements for future events.
• Manage The Arc's virtual conferencing platform (Zoom), including establishing and maintaining the vendor relationship and training new employees on the platform.
• Provide logistical support for quarterly board meetings, small fundraising events, small program events and internal meetings.
• Manage logistics for staff traveling to out of town events including coordinating air and ground transportation, securing accommodations, on-site meals, per diem calculations and general event support schedule.
• Lead and facilitate staff assigned to The Arc's National Convention and Catalyst Awards teams to produce annual event with 1,000+ attendees. Provide input and coordinate logistics and production for all aspects of the event, including program design (e.g themes, speakers, call for sessions, stage design), audio-visual, shipping and facilities set-up, food and beverage, marketing and promotion, corporate sponsorship, and all special events tied to convention.
• Support team leaders for Disability Policy Seminar and Summer Leadership Institute by coordinating event planning and logistics for these events, including managing online platforms used in event production (e.g. call for proposals, registration, schedule management, mobile app, evaluation).
• Coordinate team members from across program, public policy, marketing and communications, media and public relations and development staff to effectively collaborate in production of events, including ensuring quality substantive content and attendees experience.
• Collaborate with the in-house sponsorship team to ensure that the conference will support requirements outlined in sponsors agreements.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibility and requirements of this job

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience including working on multi-day events with over 1,000 attendees and hybrid events that offer virtual attendance
• Excellent budget and expense management skills.
• Strong vendor management and expert contract negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and strong writing skills.
• Creative with an ability to "think outside the box" to enhance attendee experience.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in high-stress environments.
• Strong project management and critical and strategic thinking skills.
• Good crisis management skills and impeccable attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; the ability to work under pressure, balance competing priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work cross-departmentally and to work well with staff of all levels, including executives.
• Understanding of technical requirements for virtual/hybrid events, including audio visual systems and event management platforms (Cadmium, Cvent, Zoom, etc.)
• Event accessibility awareness and understanding a plus.
• Periodic travel to conduct site visits and provide on-site support at events.
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time during events.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at a time.

Benefits, Compensation, and Work Environment

This is an at-will, full time employment position. Competitive salary based on education and experience, base salary range of $90,000 - $120,000. Comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, 403(b) employer contribution, accrued vacation and sick leave, paid family leave, and more. Majority of work is completed on a computer and in meetings (in-person and virtual). Successful candidate will be expected to work in the office a minimum of three days per week.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online only at https://thearc.isolvedhire.com/jobs/

The Arc is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.

When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to compete for a job, they may request it orally or in writing (please visit the contact us page on the web; www.thearc.org).

More About The Arc:

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating with and for, and serving, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We work on behalf of people with disabilities of all ages and varying support needs, including individuals with autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Intellectual Disability, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and various other developmental disabilities. With more than 600 state and local chapters nationwide, The Arc promotes and protects and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Our Vision is for people with IDD to be valued members of their communities, with the opportunity to fulfill their full potential and a future that is secure.

State and local chapters of The Arc are engaged in both public policy advocacy and individual advocacy to assist people with IDD to get the services and supports they need. Our chapters also provide a wide array of services and supports for people with IDD and their families. This varies by chapter and includes but is not limited to: residential, educational, and employment services, personal care, peer support, self-advocacy training, person-centered and future planning, day programs, recreational activities, and other supports that meet the unique needs of people with IDD in each community.