Associate Director of Meeting Operations

Associate Director of Meeting Operations

Associate Director of Meeting Operations 150 150 patriciawalden
American Bar Association
Published
March 27, 2023
Location
Washington
Category
Job Type
Contact Name (not public)
Patricia Walden
Main Phone
2026621868

Description

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security.  The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI.  Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

  • Provides management of total operations of the Midyear and Annual meetings, Board of Governors meetings, and other meetings as needed.  Provides analysis and logistical oversight of the entire Department budget. Directly manages and supervises the Meetings & Travel Operations Unit and the In-House Meeting Unit.  The Midyear and Annual Meeting unit is responsible for generating approximately $1 million dollars annually in non-dues revenue via registration fees, exhibit booth sales, sponsorships, and hotel commissions. This position conducts contractor negotiations with vendors.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

  • Provides supervision to a team of direct reports and manages their activities including monitoring performance, providing guidance, coaching, feedback, and where necessary, discipline.
  • Oversight of all Midyear and Annual Meeting activities and operations including the negotiation of contracts for the housing and Registration Vendor, Decorator Vendor and EXPO Sales Vendor.
  • Staff contact for all committees related to Meetings and Travel, all Annual Meeting/Midyear Meeting issues. Responsible for providing guidance, reports and background information regarding Annual Meeting for presentation to the ABA Board of Governors when necessary.
  • Assumes any Department responsibility deemed necessary by the Director or Associate Executive Director including oversight of special projects and new initiatives.
  • Negotiates hotel contracts for current and future ABA Midyear and Annual Meetings. Staff liaison to the Annual Meeting Program Planning Committee.
  • Secure non-dues revenue for the Association via sponsorship and the ABA Exhibit Program by establishing pricing structure and negotiating contracts.  Manages the In-House Meeting Unit in both D.C. and Chicago responsible for meeting set up including food, beverage and audio visual needs for over 4,500 meetings annually.
  • Responsibilities also include the planning and strategic oversight of marketing, branding, social media and event technology footprint.
  • Researches future meeting locations and provides recommendations to the ABA Standing Committee on Meetings and Travel.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
  • At least 7 years of meeting planning experience for an organization that routinely hosts conventions and/or meetings.
  • Minimum of 5 years of contract negotiations.
  • Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience in which job was responsible for hiring and appraising performance and proving coaching, counseling and feedback.
  • Minimum 5 years of budget experience with an emphasis on analysis and oversight. 

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

  • Previous meeting planning experience in a not-for-profit, NGO or Association environment and previous experience in planning meetings in a virtual environment.
  • Experience in one or more of the following environments are preferred: association, legal or nonprofit.

Extent of Travel Required in the Job

  • As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel a minimum of 7 times per year of the time.

COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment (requests for reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons will be considered).

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.

How To Apply

To apply and learn more about this opportunity, please visit our website or click on the link below.

https://us63.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/aba/Posting/View/3414