Location: Washington, DC Dist. Columbia 20005, United States
Type: Full Time
Salary: $55000/Yearly Salary
Categories:
Education and Training
NAFSA: Association of International Educators is an organization of people dedicated to building a global community and fostering a more peaceful world through advancing international higher education. With approximately 10,000 members, NAFSA is the world's largest professional development and advocacy organization committed to international learning and creating a more globally engaged, welcoming, and educated United States.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Senior Director, Conferences, Meetings, & Virtual Events, the Program Manager, Conferences and Meetings assists with planning departmental activities relating to meetings at NAFSA, including providing timely front-line service responses regarding the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo. This position provide support to the conference team and other departments by coordinating and managing logistics for meetings, conferences, and event planning services. In close collaboration with stakeholders across departments, the Program Manager assists in planning internal leadership events, Board meetings, and other activities to provide high quality meeting experiences.
Annual Conference & Expo Logistics (25%)
As part of cross-departmental conference planning team, conduct site visits at venues for planning purposes up to three times a year. Support onsite and virtual implementation of conferences to ensure all technical and logistical requirements are executed.
Lead the design, procurement, and delivery of promotional products, for example, tote bags, lanyards, and other branded materials to fulfill sponsorship commitments.
Manage signage production and placement with guidance from the Senior Director.
Partner with Local Arrangements Team (LAT) on various projects to support conference meetings and events.
Review and update requests for proposals (RFP) for annual conference and expo.
Support Office Administrator in managing the shipping process for annual conference.
Vendor Management (25%)
Research availability and solicit vendor-related proposals, contracts, and agreements for annual conference for EMT services, sign language interpreters, temporary workers, and décor.
Provide accurate and consistent information to service providers to ensure the highest degree of customer service.
Manage select vendors and temporary personnel on-site.
Oversee accessibility needs for attendees (sign language, work with tech team on site, ADA transport).
Meeting and Logistical Support(15%)
Work closely with the Associate Director and internal stakeholders to coordinate logistics and provide support for in-house meetings and local events in Washington, DC, including Board of Directors meetings, Washington Leadership Meeting, advocacy events, and department committee meetings. Support virtual meeting and conferences coordination as assigned by Senior Director. Identify ways to streamline internal processes and use of technology in planning conferences and meetings.
Provide offsite meeting and logistical support includes reserving meeting/function space, food and beverage/catering arrangements, audio visual setup, room and meal checks throughout meetings; work closely with hotel/venue staff to ensure high quality meeting experience.
Coordinate with Associate Director to research and maintain a current inventory list of local area hotels, meeting facilities, special event venues, and catering service providers. Solicit RFPs and conduct research for possible off-site meeting locations across the country for various NAFSA educational events.
Serve as resource to NAFSA staff in planning and executing successful events. Provide a high level of internal customer service to staff members in planning meetings for departments. Manage food and beverage arrangements for meetings in the NAFSA headquarter office; collaborate with Office Administrator to confirm specifications for in-office events.
Housing(10%)
Provide all necessary support for annual conference housing program to Associate Director, Conferences and Meetings to include credit application, confirmed rates, concessions, and other contractual elements.
Assist Associate Director in managing housing information for NAFSA website, collaborating with housing vendor, including setting up and testing housing and reservation sites.
Manage staff, vendor and VIP housing requests and reservations.
Track all housing financial records, including NAFSA commissions and rebates and coordinate invoicing and collection efforts with the finance department.
Communications(10%)
Provide consistent answers to daily phone and e-mail inquiries through the conference inbox, based on department guidelines.
Manage visa invitation letter process for annual conference attendees.
Ensure pertinent event information is communicated to NAFSA staff throughout the planning process for conferences, meetings, and events.
Event Technology(10%)
Maintain website pages for annual conference that support the work of logistics team (housing, travel, registration, FAQ's, health and safety).
Work with the Technology Solutions and Conference Program teams to assist with online planner and mobile app development as needed; assist with digital conference offerings as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned to support the Senior Director in achievement of NAFSA strategic goals and objectives(5%)
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum two years of work experience with general office administrative work.
Demonstrated ability to appropriately prioritize, manage, and complete multiple projects and assignments while meeting competing deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite products; ability to master various technology, web, and data management systems.
Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and a track record of excellent customer relations support using a variety of communication platforms and media.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Commitment and enthusiasm for NAFSA's mission.
Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment as well as independently with minimal direction.
Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends; occasional travel required.
Desired Qualifications
Experience with conferences, meetings, or event planning, especially planning large conferences.
Previous experience with NAFSA, international education, or other association membership or nonprofit organizations.
Experience in a membership organization working with volunteers and committees.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office suite products.
Experience with project management and database software.
CMP designation.
Scope of Supervision
The position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Work Relationships
As representatives of a membership organization with a broad and diverse range of activities related to education and training, NAFSA staff possess more than simply specialized capabilities. Each individual is expected to take the initiative to become knowledgeable about the organization as a whole. Association members and other staff expect colleagues to be accessible and responsive, to convey a positive attitude, and to exhibit a high degree of professionalism.
Office Environment
The workday is generally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The week after Memorial Day to Labor Day, it is 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday.
Travel is required occasionally related to job responsibilities, especially for the annual conference, regional meetings, and other leadership meetings. Participation in the NAFSA annual conference the week of Memorial Day, including the holiday itself, is a job requirement. The annual conference is held in varying cities.
Total Compensation, Benefits
The hiring range for this full-time, 35-hour per week Program Manager, Conferences & Meetings position is $55,000.
Total compensation for employment at NAFSA entails a competitive employee benefits package including:
Competitively priced medical and dental insurance plans with CareFirst and MetLife
403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for a 5% employer contribution
Generous paid vacation, sick, personal, and parental leave plans
Thirteen paid holidays
Fully paid group life and disability insurance coverage
Health and dependent care flexible spending account plans
Pre-tax parking and transportation plans
Opportunities for professional development and partial tuition reimbursement
Free onsite fitness center and secure bicycle parking
About NAFSA: Association of International Educators
NAFSA believes that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, is essential for developing globally competent individuals, and builds leadership for the global community. We believe that international education lies at the core of an interconnected world characterized by peace, security, and well-being for all.
NAFSA is a workplace that not only appreciates diversity but believes it is our strength, and we strive to create an inclusive culture for all our team members. NAFSA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Learn more about NAFSA at www.nafsa.org.
