Director of Events

DIRECTOR of EVENTS

The Virginia Bar Association, the commonwealth’s first and largest voluntary group for lawyers, is seeking a Director of Events. We are looking for someone who knows how to put on outstanding events and programs, who enjoys working with volunteers and who pays attention to the details. This is a full-time position based in our Richmond office.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Events oversees the events department and is responsible for planning and organizing VBA conferences, educational meetings, webinars and/or other association-related/sponsored events and programs.

• Manages all aspects of internal and external meeting/event planning, administrative needs and day-to-day operations.
• Oversees team execution of VBA section-led events and support direct reports in establishing policies, procedures and guidelines for VBA events and meetings.
• Supports section and committee-led programs and initiatives.
• Directs the planning and establishment of goals and objectives for meetings, conferences, and/or events, with respect to budgets, speakers, facilities, technology, equipment, logistical requirements and other related issues.
• Works with volunteers to ensure educational programs meet the criteria set by the Virginia MCLE Board.
• Liaise with speakers and coordinate speaker needs.
• Develops promotional materials, both online and on-site.
• Coordinates with meeting venue(s) regarding all logistics and attendee needs.
• Manages logistics requirements as to space, facilities, technology, equipment, lodging, catering and on-site management.
• Serves as principal liaison between contractors, organizers, staff and association members with regards to all facets of the logistical operations support of on-site programs and events.
• Negotiates terms, execute and administer multiple contracts with facilities vendors for services.
• Creates and implements cost-saving strategies for the VBA and work with finance staff to ensure meetings and events are financially sustainable.
• Attends pre-conference meetings with hotel staff.
• Creates and executes complex event web pages and registration forms.
• Creates and manages staff schedule for all events.
• Attends event recap meetings with section chair post-event.
• Solicits and coordinates sponsors and exhibitors for meetings and events as appropriate.
• Creates exhibitor and sponsor opportunity structure and distribute for each event.
• Liaise with sponsors and create and execute proper signage/recognition for sponsors.
• Solicits and coordinates exhibitor participation.
• Creates exhibitor packages and determine pricing and liaise with exhibitors to ensure information is communicated in a timely manner.
• Processes charge forms for all conference invoices.
• Performs other additional tasks and duties from time to time as assigned by the Executive Director.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage several on-going projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Excellent customer service skills and interpersonal skills.
• Can-do attitude and optimistic view on the world.       
• Experience planning and executing multi-day conferences, seminars and professional meetings.
• Experience negotiating and managing contracts with venues.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills and creativity.
• Experience managing and guiding a team.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Occasional in-state travel, typically around six times per year.
• Excellent benefits package.
• The anticipated start date is Oct. 1, 2024.
• Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Excellent benefits package.

The deadline for applications is Aug. 31, 2024. The VBA is an equal-opportunity employer. Materials submitted must include a letter of interest, resume, and salary history and requirements and should be emailed to Paul Fletcher at pfletcher@vba.org. 

Letters without salary information will not be considered.

Only candidates receiving an interview will be contacted. No phone calls and local candidates only, please. We look forward to hearing from you!