Director, Convention & Events Management

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The core responsibility of this role is to act as the strategic leader overseeing the platforms and holistic event management processes for the National FFA Organization, notably the National FFA Convention and Expo. Collaborating closely with peers and teams within the FFA Programs & Events division, this position is pivotal in orchestrating the development and execution of national events that fulfill both participant expectations and organizational objectives. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on event management expertise to ensure the successful execution of events that not only meet organizational objectives but also resonate with participants and stakeholders alike, driving forward the mission of the National FFA Organization. This role must stay current with trends and technologies in event management to introduce innovative approaches to event planning and execution.

Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team to provide strategic direction for the overall organization.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Leadership and Management:
• Provide leadership and direction to the Convention and Events Management department, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Mentor and develop team members, empowering them to achieve individual and collective goals.
• Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all interactions.
• Guide the team through organizational changes, adapting strategies and processes to ensure smooth transitions.
• Strategy Development and Implementation:
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop strategic initiatives and goals aligned with the organization's overall objectives.
• Drive the implementation of strategic plans within the Convention and Events Management department, ensuring alignment with company-wide strategies and priorities.
• Monitor industry trends and market developments to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Operational Excellence:
• Oversee the operations of the Convention and Events Management department, optimizing processes and workflows for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Establish and monitor key metrics to track progress towards goals and objectives.
• Continuously evaluate and improve operational practices to drive innovation and quality improvement.
• Make informed decisions that align with organizational goals and priorities, considering input from team members when appropriate.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Serve as a key liaison between the Convention and Events Management department and other departments, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across the organization.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, partners, and vendors, to drive positive outcomes and mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Budget and Resource Management:
• Develop and manage budgets for the Convention and Events Management department, ensuring responsible resource allocation and adherence to financial targets.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements while maintaining high standards of quality and service delivery.
• Driving logistical coordination to bolster revenue growth through meticulous event planning and execution.
• Performance Management:
• Monitor team performance, provide constructive feedback, and implement strategies to enhance team members' productivity and effectiveness.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, assess individual and team achievements, and identify areas for improvement.
• Support the professional growth of team members through coaching, training, and mentoring opportunities.
• Event Management:
• Provide leadership during events, addressing any issues in real-time to ensure smooth execution.
• Ensure all events comply with legal, safety, and organizational guidelines as well as Identify and mitigate risks associated with event execution.
• Lead site selection, procurement, and contractor coordination.
• Oversee multiple projects related to conventions and events
• Manage Requests for Proposals (RFP) for several event-related vendors and service providers
• Develop, manage, and enforce program policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with volunteers to ensure their effective integration into event roles.
• Fulfill additional assigned duties as required.
  
  

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Event Planning, Business Administration or related field required.
  
  

Experience

• Ten years of relevant experience in event management, with a proven track record of planning and executing successful events of varying sizes and complexities required.
• Seven years of team management/supervisory experience required.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve excellence.
• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients, vendors, and team members.
• Proficiency in event management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
  
  

Designations

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification required.