Director, Event Strategy – Operations

WorldatWork

. Set the strategy and operating model for WorldatWork’s portfolio of conferences, meetings, and events .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $120,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in event strategy, planning, and execution, with a strong focus on budget management, performance metrics, and stakeholder collaboration. Proven ability to lead large-scale meetings and conferences while ensuring exceptional attendee experiences and operational efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Event Strategy DevelopmentBudget ManagementCertified Meeting Planner (CMP)Project ManagementNegotiation Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Event PlanningPerformance MeasurementVendor ManagementFinancial ForecastingKPI EstablishmentLogistics CoordinationContract NegotiationPost-Event EvaluationDatabase ManagementInternational Event Support

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsProblem-SolvingDecision-MakingCustomer ServiceCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeAssociation Management SoftwareCanvasAdobeSalesforceProject Management Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

Industry Keywords

Association Meeting PlanningEvent ProductionConference ManagementAttendee EngagementSponsorship Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set the strategy and operating model for WorldatWork’s portfolio of conferences, meetings, and events
Establish event goals, priorities, and performance measures aligned with organizational objectives and industry trends
Lead meeting and event site selection and services while minimizing financial liability
Conduct post-event evaluations using attendee feedback and financial/operational data
Identify new event formats, technologies, and business models to increase member value, audience reach, and revenue
Direct conference planning and execution through oversight of conference management partners, venues, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders
Oversee event production and operations, including AV, general services contractors, housing, registration, catering, transportation, signage, security, and on-site execution
Collaborate with internal staff on sponsorship, exhibition, speaker, and attendee goals
Negotiate contracts and oversee venue management, including meeting space, exhibit hall floor plans, rooming lists, menus, audiovisual services, and room setup
Develop and oversee on-site logistics plans
Support event-related marketing and communications programs
Lead development and delivery of the Annual Conference educational program, including content strategy, speaker engagement, abstract management, keynote selection, accreditation requirements, and program evaluation
Develop and manage the Meetings and Events budget and financial performance
Oversee revenue and expense management, financial forecasting, post-event reconciliation, and ROI analysis
Establish KPIs for registration, revenue, margin, attendee satisfaction, sponsor/exhibitor satisfaction, operational performance, and event growth
Direct and supervise team members while fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth
Lead and develop a team managing logistics, housing, sourcing, and specialized functions
Partner with program, content, marketing, and executive leadership departments to align meeting objectives and logistics
Lead conference evaluation activities and implement innovation and process improvements
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Events Advisory Council
Provide outstanding customer service internally and externally

Requirements

What you’ll need

Undergraduate degree in Education, HR, Business Administration, or another related area, or equivalent experience
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in association meeting planning and management
At least 5 to 7 years managing large-scale meetings with 3,000+ attendees
Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) or similar industry credential preferred
Previous association and/or major event experience preferred
Significant project management experience, including oversight of vendors with multiple deliverables
Experience producing or supporting international events is a plus
Advanced knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
Knowledge of database management systems
Experience with association management software desired but not required
Track record of negotiating and overseeing $500K+ vendor contracts and tradeshows
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
Proactive problem-solving and strong decision-making capability
Ability to remain composed and exercise sound judgment in high-pressure environments
Ability to manage complex issues, competing priorities, and unexpected challenges
Ability to prioritize work, work at a fast pace, and meet critical deadlines
Highly tech savvy, with ability to work with educational technologies and tools
Experience with Canvas, Adobe, Salesforce, Excel, and project management tools desirable
Outstanding customer service skills
Clear and concise oral communication skills
Effective written communication skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality of data and information
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to travel up to 20%
Equivalent experience may substitute for the undergraduate degree

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual discretionary bonus with a target of 15% of base salary
Ongoing professional development training opportunities
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Well-being benefits
Health savings account
Flexible spending account
Retirement benefits
Remote work option