Director, Conferences & Events

Position Overview

The Director, Conferences & Events acts as the operational leader for the strategic planning, production, and management of national conferences, meetings, leadership gatherings, fundraising and donor engagement events at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). Reporting to the Senior Director, Conferences & Events, this role converts organizational goals into impactful event experiences that promote BBBSA's mission, enhance stakeholder involvement, support fundraising efforts, and elevate national recognition.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project management and execution of an array of national events, including major conferences, leadership council meetings, fundraising events, and virtual summits.
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and operational frameworks ensuring seamless delivery of logistics such as registration, accommodations, transportation, catering, audiovisual setups, security, and attendee services.
• Serve as the main onsite decision-maker during events and oversee operational risk management including contingency and crisis response planning.
• Manage budgets, negotiate contracts, conduct vendor and venue sourcing with rigorous standards, ensuring compliance with procurement rules.
• Drive event communications, content development, and attendee engagement utilizing multiple channels like websites, mobile apps, email, and social media in coordination with marketing teams.
• Coordinate with sponsors, exhibitors, donors, board members, and affiliates to deliver sponsorship benefits and maximize event exposure, including local community impact initiatives.
• Recruit, lead, and develop event teams and contractors, fostering a supportive and high-performing culture aligned with BBBSA values.
• Continuously evaluate event effectiveness, attendee satisfaction, and implement best practices for process improvements and scalability across all events.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; strong preference for advanced administrative experience and proficiency using project management platforms such as Asana.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience managing large-scale conferences or nonprofit events, including budget and vendor management.
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement, fundraising events, and supporting executive leadership and boards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM/AMS platforms, event registration systems, and virtual event technologies.
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and multi-project management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt in evolving nonprofit environments and manage complex, cross-functional collaborations.
• Certified Meeting Planner certification is preferred but not mandatory.

Work Location and Travel

This position is fully remote within the Continental United States, preferably aligned with the Eastern Time Zone. Travel requirements are estimated at 25-35% depending on organizational needs.

Organizational Commitment

BBBSA embraces diversity, inclusion and strives to create an environment where every individual can thrive, contribute, and be valued. The organization is an equal opportunity employer and respects all protected classes under applicable laws.

Additional Information

BBBSA directly hires for this role and does not engage recruitment agencies. The role requires compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and essential job functions must be performable with or without accommodations. Job duties may be subject to change based on organizational needs.