Meeting and Events Director

Job Overview

Leads operations for conferences, meetings, and events within the Office of Administration’s Events and Travel Management unit. Responsible for developing a first‑in‑class event management function, overseeing planning, execution, and continuous improvement of logistics, support services, space scheduling, and external event marketing. Provides leadership for the Meetings & Events team, ensuring excellence in service delivery, compliance with institutional policies, and support for mission‑driven convening.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead overall strategy, design, and delivery of organization’s meetings, conferences, and special events.

• Oversee full scope of event management from concept to completion: venue selection, budgeting, contracts, vendor coordination, registration, marketing, logistics, catering, AV/tech support, transportation.

• Establish and enforce policies and standards for accessibility, sustainability, quality, risk management, and compliance with government and sponsor rules.

• Manage daily operations and team performance; provide coaching, development, and workforce planning.

• Coordinate scheduling, operations, and use of National Academies meeting spaces and conference centers; work with Facilities and Security.

• Develop and execute marketing strategies to promote use of meeting space; manage contracts, invoicing, and payment processes.

• Lead food service strategy and quality assurance for catered events.

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, and reporting for event portfolio.

• Collaborate with AV and Travel leadership on technology strategy; oversee implementation of new systems and tools.

• Identify and procure vendor solutions, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor relationships.

• Collaborate with other units to align events with programmatic needs and improve service offerings.

• Lead planning and execution of high‑profile events; serve as onsite lead and primary point of contact.

• Partner with Director of Building Operations to support facility management efforts.

• Maintain confidentiality and handle privileged information in accordance with policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related field (or equivalent experience).

• Eight years of relevant professional experience, including at least four years in a supervisory capacity.

• Strong project management and customer service skills; ability to solve complex problems and lead teams.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build relationships across departments and with external stakeholders.

• Ability to operate independently and exercise considerable judgment.

• Experience working in complex environments with high organizational effectiveness.

Job Specifications

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Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s Degree.

•

Minimum Experience:

8 years, 4 supervisory.

• Physical: work at a computer for extended periods.

• Work Environment:
Office with occasional travel.

• Compensation Range: $101,130 – $158,015.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The National Academies is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

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