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Senior Conference and Events Manager, United Philanthropy Forum

The Organization

About United Philanthropy Forum

As the largest and most diverse network in American philanthropy, United Philanthropy Forum holds a unique position in the social sector to help increase philanthropy’s impact in communities across the country. We are a membership organization of more than 90 philanthropy associations and networks, representing more than 7,000 foundations and other funders, who work to make philanthropy better. The Forum envisions a courageous philanthropic sector that catalyzes a just and equitable society where all can participate and prosper. For more information on the Forum, visit www.unitedphilforum.org.

Position Summary

The Senior Conference and Events Manager will manage the development and delivery of program logistics and content for the Forum’s annual conference and other in-person events. The Manager may also assist with the development and delivery of virtual programming as needed.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Member Engagement and Partnerships, the Senior Conference and Events Manager should be an excellent project and people manager with a solid background in event planning and management. Comfort in facilitating events and working across both internal and external stakeholders is a must. Highly polished written and verbal communication skills are required, as well as impeccable organizational skills and a strong customer service ethic in serving internal and external audiences. Ideally, the person would also be comfortable and competent in training small groups—such as speaker orientations—and be able to travel for site selection and logistics planning for the annual conference. There will be periods during the year where additional travel may be required.

This is a full-time, exempt position and is open to remote candidates.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Annual Conference

  • Serve as primary project manager for the Forum’s annual conference, which attracts more than 300 attendees and includes more than 30 sessions, multiple keynotes, pre- and post-conference workshops, exhibitors, and networking activities.
  • Recruit and coordinate volunteer annual conference committee and other internal and external subject- matter experts to create learning tracks and curate content.
  • Manage outsourced conference logistics contractors and coordinate all onsite logistics, including contract negotiation and fulfillment, reserving room blocks, making room assignments, and overseeing audiovisual services vendors, materials suppliers, shipping, and setup.
  • Manage outreach and contracts for all speakers, including keynotes; coordinate the call for session proposals, speaker selection, and select communications; provide speaker support by acting as the primary point of contact for speakers on-site and in advance of the conference.
  • Manage the conference evaluation process.
  • Develop and adhere to event plans and timelines, including internal and external deadlines.
  • Support team members in the creation and preparation of conference communications, including conference promotion and marketing, microsite, conference app, programs and signage.
  • Support team members in the development and execution of the registration management process.
  • Be responsible for accurate and timely revenue and expense tracking against the budget.

Other Programs & Events

  • Manager logistics for all other in-person Forum events, including the Forum’s annual Foundations on the Hill, Policy + Philanthropy Institute and smaller convenings, such as our annual CEO Winter Gathering.
  • Manage outsourced conference logistics contractors and coordinate all onsite logistics, including contract negotiation and fulfillment, reserving room blocks, making room assignments, and overseeing audiovisual services vendors, materials suppliers, shipping, and setup.
  • Manage outreach and contracts for all speakers; provide speaker support by acting as the primary point of contact for speakers on-site and in advance of the conference.
  • Develop and adhere to event plans and timelines, including internal and external deadlines.
  • Support team members in the creation and preparation of event communications, including event promotion and marketing, programs and signage.
  • Support team members in the development and execution of the registration management process.
  • Be responsible for accurate and timely revenue and expense tracking against the budget.

Qualifications and Requirements

  • A minimum of 4–6 years of meeting planning or event operations experience with increasing levels of responsibility required; prior association conference experience a plus.
  • Experience in and familiarity with philanthropy or the broader nonprofit sector preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, knowing how to prioritize and adjust timetables based on demand and other factors, as well as handle new or unplanned projects with agility and flexibility.
  • Desire and ability to identify and solve problems and improve processes and outcomes.
  • Strong interpersonal and written communications skills.
  • Ability to effectively work independently, as well as part of a team.
  • Experienced collaborator who works well with peers with varying levels of authority across the Forum team.
  • Versed in volunteer engagement and management.
  • Knowledge of racial equity, diversity and inclusion and an ability to source vendors and consultants through an equity lens.
  • Project management experience required, including use of project-management platforms and applications.
  • Highly detail-oriented and a self-starter.
  • Embraces the opportunity to contribute to a positive organizational culture.
  • Ability to travel to events, as needed.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, experience with a CRM or AMS, and skill using and managing applications such as Asana, Box, Zoom, Alchemer, and Slack.

Compensation & Benefits

The Forum offers a comprehensive salary and benefits package, including 100% employer paid health coverage; employer contributions to a retirement plan; dental and vision coverage; short- and long-term disability insurance; and generous vacation, holiday, and sick and medical leave. The salary range for this position is $85,000–$95,000, commensurate with experience.

Commitment to Equity

A key strategic priority for United Philanthropy Forum is to advance racial equity, diversity and inclusion in philanthropy. The Forum envisions a courageous philanthropic sector that catalyzes a just and equitable society where all can participate and prosper. It is not possible for us to achieve this vision without addressing racial equity. Externally, we strive to be a leading connector, convener and collaborative partner for all regional and national philanthropy-serving organizations (PSOs) on racial equity, diversity and inclusion. Internally, we work continuously to embed racial equity in all aspects of our work.

Equal opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles of United Philanthropy Forum, where employment and promotional opportunities are based on individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to age, disability, gender, gender identify, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, marital status, military status, pregnancy or childbirth, race or color, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected category as established under law.

Location and Work Environment

The Forum is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our D.C. office is currently closed, so all employees are working remotely. When our physical office reopens, local staff will be able to continue to work from home or to work in the office either part-time or full-time, based on employee preference. Staff located outside of the greater D.C. area will be expected to visit our D.C. office a few times a year. Employees receive financial stipends and other necessary supports to cover expenses of working remotely.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to careers@unitedphilforum.org; please use the following subject line: “Senior Conference and Events Manager: Last Name, First Name.” Application deadline is August 15, 2022.

The Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse team and encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds.

No telephone inquiries please.

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