Manager (Conference Planning & Conference Center Operations)

Position Details :

Find out more about this role by reading the information below, then apply to be considered.

Position Emphasis : The position is a key player in supporting the NEA’s strategic objective. It focuses the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward promoting public education by providing vision, leadership, and advocacy to the conference planning area of NEA’s Conference and Facilities Management department.

Position Summary : The essential functions of this position include managing the day-to-day activities of the Conference planning area of CFM.

The incumbent will oversee all operations of the Annual Meeting, the placement of external meetings, and the NEA Conference Center.

The incumbent manages the logistical operations of the Annual Meeting and pre-conferences, which includes housing, travel (air / ground), childcare services, emergency medical services, catering, and assigning of space for NEA departments and constituency groups.

Additionally, the incumbent oversees the State Coordinators Assembly Meeting for the selection of properties used by each state affiliate, which includes reviewing policies and procedures, making adjustments and recommendations to fit unique circumstances, and providing consultation for state affiliates in their selection process.

The incumbent manages external NEA contract negotiations, placement, and problem-solving. The incumbent also manages the Conference Center in the NEA building and manages catering operations building-wide.

To carry out responsibilities, the incumbent stays abreast of industry innovations, uses a personal computer, associated software, and other office technology, and travels occasionally.

Minimum Education Requirement : Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration or related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

A Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications : Seven years of experience in convention and meeting management. This experience must combine sales management experience (hotel, convention center, convention bureau, or special events venue) and association, corporate, or venue meeting planning experience.

Minimum of five years of experience in a supervisory role fostering teamwork and collaboration.

Additional minimum qualifications include expertise in contract negotiations with hotels, convention centers, and other meeting industry suppliers.

Experience determining the layout and design of large convention centers. Proven experience in developing and managing large budgets.

The ability to analyze and evaluate cities for citywide events. Expertise in developing, managing, and executing a comprehensive strategy for in-person, hybrid, and virtual meetings.

Experience evaluating event data for better efficiencies and positive financial implications. Other Requirements : Availability to work extended hours on evenings and weekends.

Frequent travel is required (approximately 25-40 overnights) per year.

Selection Criteria : Tier 1 (Essential) : Proven ability to direct, coordinate, coach, mentor, motivate, delegate, and supervise staff effectively through a collaborative approach with minimal personal supervision.

Demonstrated effectiveness in resolving employee issues, such as performance, attendance, productivity, and interpersonal relations.

Proven experience in meeting / conference planning, negotiating, and contracting with vendors. Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment with skills in coordinating numerous priority activities concurrently and reacting positively to unexpected changes / situations by applying analytical skills, troubleshooting skills, problem-solving orientation, and sound judgment.

Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with executive management, all levels of staff and members. Demonstrated high-level interpersonal and communication (both oral and written) skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively on cross-functional and diverse teams (internal and external) on complex conference and facilities management issues.

Demonstrated practical team-building skills, sensitivity, and commitment to a diverse workplace.

TIER 2 (Significant) : Managerial / supervisory experience in a union environment. Knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry standards and best practices with a proven ability to share information.

Knowledge of labor relations in hotels and convention centers. Knowledge / experience with building and managing large budgets.

Proficiency with Cvent or similar event management systems.

TIER 3 (Desirable) : Knowledge of conference center software applications. Successful completion of the Certified Meeting Planner designation.

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