Founded more than a century ago, ICMA is the premier professional association for local government leaders, managers, staff, and stakeholders, serving more than 13,000 members globally. As a membership association, we provide research and knowledge resources, professional development and training, peer to peer engagement, and technical assistance. We are also a major implementing partner for many grant and contract funded programs on emerging and prevailing topics and challenges to create stronger communities.
At ICMA, we take the concept of local government leadership, management, and innovation further into the future. Through our mission and passion to advance professional local government, we help communities deliver innovative services, empower resident engagement, enable economic development, strengthen leadership, uphold ethics, and provide forward-thinking management.
We ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace by welcoming people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and by learning from each other, individually and collectively.
A Great Opportunity:
ICMA is seeking an enthusiastic an energetic Manager, Conferences and Events to manage the logistics for ICMA Conferences and Events, including the ICMA Annual Conference, ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conferences, ICMA Executive Board meetings, and other ad hoc digital and in-person events. This position communicates with internal stakeholders across all levels within the organization and external stakeholders, including the Executive Board, association members involved with hosting and planning conferences and meetings, and vendors involved with all aspects of event logistics including site selection, general services, hotel sales and catering, audio-visual services, and social event and tour planning.
The Manager, Conferences and Events reports to the Senior Manager, Conferences and Events.
What you'll do:
Annual Conference
Manages logistics and operationsincluding, but not limited to, sporting events, transportation, tour planning, digital signage, the conference app, and the digital/virtual platform
May supervise multiple contractors and temporary staff during events
Monitors contractor performance and ensures their understanding of ICMA quality standards
Negotiates and reviews vendor and venue contracts to ensure maximum discounts on service provided
Writes event related copy for the website, preliminary and final programs, conference app as well as marketing materials
Establishes and manages department production schedule for the digital conference
Has P/L and budgetary responsibilities for the ICMA Annual Conference
Local Government Reimagined (LGR) Conferences
Manages conference logistics for local conferences including, but not limited to, RFP creation, site selection, contract negotiation, logistics planning, freight signage, scheduling, catering, audio-visual services, social events, and tour planning
Monitors contractor performance and ensures their understanding of ICMA quality standards
Oversees management of conference hotel block including weekly pickup reports
Writes event and logistics-related copy for the website, preliminary, and final programs as well as marketing materials
Has P/L and budgetary responsibilities for LGR Conferences: Manages budget, financial reporting and forecasting; ensures all budget guidelines are followed; monitors direct expenses, pays vendor bills, and allocates costs to non-conference accounts
ICMA Executive Board
Manages logistics for quarterly Executive Board meetings including hotel sourcing, hotel contract negotiation, audiovisual arrangements, catering, room sets, restaurant and tour reservations
Conferences, Events and Sponsorship Team
Leads planning of digital events which includes management of the audiovisual team, building the digital platform, ensuring registration is set-up properly and “onsite” management during the digital event
What you need to be successful in this role:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Five (5) plus years of progressive experience managing conferences and/or meetings
Preferred Licenses and Certification:
Certified Meeting Professional Certificate preferred
Digital Events Strategist Certificate a plus
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Ensure all deadlines are met in a timely manner
Knowledge of the principles and practices of state-of-the-art conference and meeting planning
Ability to plan and manage complex events
Ability to coordinate resources from multiple sources, including negotiating skills to obtain resources from within and outside the organization
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with association leadership, members, vendors, and co-workers
Ability to act professionally in a variety of situations and to make quick decisions in a fast-paced environment while remaining calm under pressure
Detail-oriented and ability to multitask, think long term, and creatively problem solve
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is typically performed in a virtual home office environment free from hazards or unpleasant environmental conditions
Work requires travel up to 25% of time, primarily within the U.S.
What we can offer you:
Remote work environment
A collegial working environment where teamwork and individual contributions are valued
A competitive salary
A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer sponsored health, dental, life, disability, and employee assistance benefits
Paid time off to include vacation, sick leave, holidays, and floating days
Generous retirement plan
Opportunities for ongoing professional development
This position is based out of ICMA’s headquarters, located in Washington, D.C. At this time, all ICMA staff are working remotely. The selected individual must be able to work the core business hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST. Our office will remain operational and accessible for staff to use on a voluntary basis.
The selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
EEO Statement
At ICMA, we strive to promote and sustain a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging every day. ICMA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or on any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. We proudly support and encourage people with military experience (active, veterans, reservists, and National Guard) as well as military spouses to apply for ICMA job opportunities.
