Director, Conferences & Events

The Director, Conferences & Events is responsible for successful planning and execution of all NENA events (Annual Conference, Standards and Best Practices/Critical Issues Forum, 9-1-1 Goes to Washington, NENA Board Meetings, and other potential meetings and retreats).

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the successful planning and execution of all NENA events.
• Leads all planning related to NENA events including building and maintaining internal and external schedules and procedures.
• Executes all meeting planning activities (including but not limited to, RFPs, location identification, hotel booking, conference space negotiation, F&B oversight).
• Responsible for hotel reservations for staff, BOD, VIPs, contractors.
• Arranges catering, room set up, scheduling and AV for all off-site venues.
• Builds and maintains event budgets and invoices, ensuring accuracy and correct budget allocation.
• Serves as main contact for all outside meeting-related contractors and exhibitors.
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements:

• CMP Certification required
• Minimum of 5-7 years progressive experience planning and executing large-scale meetings and conferences in a related role required
• Office experience required
• Nonprofit mission driven experience not required but strongly preferred
• Basic accounting experience preferred

Technical Competencies:

• Communication platforms, including Slack, Zoom, MS Teams
• Contract Management
• Event Management
• Event Planning & Design
• Event Scheduling, Logistics & Execution
• External Communications
• Financial Management
• Internet Browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer)
• Knowledge of Systems (e.g., Your Membership)
• Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Point of Sale Software
• Project/Program Administration
• Reconciliation & Financial Reporting

Behavioral Competencies:

Universal Competencies for All NENA Staff:

• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
• Collaboration: Builds constructive working relationships with fellow team members, clients/customers/association members, other work units, community organizations, and others to meet goals and objectives; conducts themselves in a professional and supportive manner when working with individuals from various backgrounds.
• Communication: Conveys and receives information and ideas through various media to/from individuals or groups that engage the listener, helps them understand and retain the message, and invites response and feedback. Keeps others informed appropriately; demonstrates good written, oral, and listening skills. Demonstrates executive presence and strong communication skills to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels.

Competencies for the Director, Conferences & Events:

• Adaptability: Adapts well to changes in assignments and priorities; smoothly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; approaches change positively and adjusts accordingly. Demonstrates schedule flexibility and willingness to work extended hours during peak conference seasons to meet deadlines.
• Conflict Management: Encourages creative tension and diversity of opinions. Prevents counterproductive conflict. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements constructively through strong negotiation and communication abilities.
• Stress Tolerance: Maintains effective performance under pressure while operating with the highest standards of confidentiality and professional conduct. Handles stress in a manner acceptable to others and the organization.