Head of Events

Position Overview The Head of Events has primary responsibility for planning and executing the Society's national in-person, hybrid, and virtual conferences, programs, and other offsite events such as board, committee, and community meetings. This pivotal role requires a seasoned professional with a strategic understanding of event operations and program development, management and execution. The Head of Events will report to the General Counsel & Chief Knowledge Officer and functions as an integral member of the Society staff. In-Person Conferences Conference Planning & Committee Management: Support the National Conference Committee, develop agendas, timelines, and action plans, and lead scheduling and staffing for conference-related meetings and events. Logistics, Venue, and Vendor Management: Manage site selection, develop RFPs and negotiate contracts, liaise with venues and vendors, coordinate logistics for food & beverage, décor, entertainment, transportation, and on-site services like security and staffing. Oversee any contract/temporary hires supporting events. Program, Speaker, and Production Support: Collaborate on event programming, support speaker identification and coordination, manage technical production schedules, and oversee AV, signage, and event production details. Marketing, Sponsorship, and Exhibitor Relations: Work with Membership and Marketing team to develop conference branding, promotional strategies, sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor logistics, floorplan and fulfillment, and attendee communications. Budget Management and Evaluation: Develop and monitor conference budgets with Chief Financial & Administrative Officer (CFAO), manage financial reconciliations, and coordinate post-event evaluations to inform future planning and improvements. CLE Support: Maintain relationship with accredited CLE provider. Oversee and ensure compliance with CLE or other accreditation for eligible sessions and programs. Direct Office Administrator on administrative activities associated with obtaining, tracking and reporting accreditation. Virtual and Hybrid Events Virtual Program Logistics & Platform Management: Oversee logistical planning and setup for virtual and hybrid programs, including session sequencing, platform configuration, and equipment coordination for virtual components. Registration & Marketing Coordination: Collaborate with Membership and Marketing teams to set up registration systems and landing pages, monitor attendee eligibility, and initiate marketing communications and invitations. Speaker & Program Readiness: Organize speaker prep sessions, conduct tech checks and platform walkthroughs, and provide day-of communications and instructions for participants. Program Execution & Technical Support: Serve as platform coordinator during virtual events, managing attendee access, content display, technical troubleshooting, and session facilitation as needed. Post-Program Evaluation, Reporting, and Follow-Up: Develop post-event surveys, gather and analyze participant feedback, distribute post-program materials, and generate reports on participation, engagement, and overall program success. Board and Committee Offsite Meeting Management Pre-Meeting Logistics: Liaise with CEO and other senior management on planning and execution for offsite board and committee meetings, including site selection, vendor negotiations, hotel blocks, catering, all contracts, and financial reconciliation, with input from CFAO. On-site Meeting Execution: For multi-day board offsite strategic planning meetings, oversee all on-site set-up and logistics including sleeping rooms, meeting room set-up, F&B, AV, ground transportation, signage, and other meeting needs. Briefing Materials for Board and Committees: With other members of programming team, prepare conference and program-related updates and materials for Board of Directors and board committee meetings, including action items for consideration. Strategic and Operational Contribution Actively participates in the Society's strategic and operational planning processes, contributing ideas, insights, and feedback to support long-term success. Actively participates in development, monitoring, and execution of annual in-person, hybrid, and virtual program planning. Works with General Counsel & Chief Knowledge Officer to develop, maintain, revise, and ensure adherence to written standard operating procedures to govern conferences and programming. Maintains awareness of key organizational priorities and external market developments and evolving practices and collaborates across teams to help ensure sustained progress toward shared objectives and performance metrics. Serves as a brand ambassador for the Society, upholding its values and mission in all interactions and communications, and promoting a positive, inclusive experience that supports member engagement and growth. Qualifications Superior project management, organizational, and time management skills, including the ability to take initiative, effectively plan work activities, work independently, and prioritize multiple projects and assignments. Attention to detail through all stages of the event and program lifecycles. Strong knowledge of event marketing and sponsorship/tradeshow strategies, and an understanding of event operating procedures and best practices. Demonstrated level of confidence and professionalism managing relationships and interfacing with internal and external business partners, members, and senior executives. Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, communication, and critical thinking skills. Desire and ability to act as a team player and build relationships and effectively plan and facilitate meetings and workgroups. Education and Experience College degree required. 10+ years of related experience in development, oversight, and management of up to 1,000-person conferences. At least five years of related progressive experience in virtual / hybrid programming. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM/AMS databases, and event management software and tools. Strong financial acumen and experience with developing and maintaining event budgets. Strong negotiation skills and experience with contract management. Exceptional organizational skills with a keen attention to detail. We currently follow a hybrid work structure with three days in-office (NYC-based) and two days remote.Some travel within the U.S. to attend and support conferences is required.The Society offers a full suite of subsidized healthcare, vision, dental and others plans, generous PTO based on experience and position level, and a 401k Plan with a Society match of up to 6% based on employee contributions.