Event Producer

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the world’s leading think tank for science and technology policy, seeks a highly motivated, highly organized professional who is both logistically minded and technically savvy to plan and execute its regular program of events and meetings, which are critical to the organization’s mission as a thought leader on technology and innovation issues.

In normal times, ITIF’s events include in-person panel discussions, roundtables, and conferences, both on-site in our Washington, DC, offices and off-site at locations such as Capitol Hill and other capital cities around the world (requiring remote logistical support, not foreign travel). During the COVID-19 pandemic, these events have moved online, both as publicly streamed video webinars and as private roundtable-style meetings on video conferencing platforms.

The event producer helps plan and leads the marketing and technical production of all of these events from beginning to end. This requires efficient mastery of administrative logistics including scheduling, marketing (through email lists, social media, word of mouth, and other means), A/V operation, room staging, and contact database management. In addition to producing an average of six public and private events a month (more in peak periods), this position also will collaborate with ITIF’s operations manager to support the organization’s chief operating officer, director of development and outreach, and policy team on a range of other administrative tasks and projects, as needed.

This is an external relations function that will provide the right candidate an opportunity to work at the fast-moving intersection of technology and public policy in Washington, DC, by staging events that help influence debates on important issues of the day. The position interacts with representatives of advocacy groups, companies, academics, and offices of government officials, among others. The ideal candidate will have previous professional experience in a fast-paced professional environment, plus strong technical proficiency with A/V equipment, contact databases, and email marketing platforms. He or she will proactively manage multiple short-term and long-term deadlines simultaneously, taking ownership and responsibility for getting things done with an eye for professional quality and detail.

Essential responsibilities:

• Schedule, plan, and coordinate the logistics for ITIF’s regular program of public and private events (online and in-person) for audiences in Washington, DC and Brussels.
• Coordinate with ITIF analysts on event scheduling and speaker recruitment, taking ownership of deadlines and providing progress updates.
• Liaise with speakers to provide logistical information and briefing materials.
• Market events through email, social media, day books, and other means.
• Grow the audience for ITIF public events by finding new places to publicize them, tracking attendance, and managing ITIF’s mailing lists.
• Manage technical production of online webinars involving video and streaming platforms such as Zoom, YouTube, and Microsoft Teams.
• Reserve event spaces and make all necessary arrangements for staging, room set-up, A/V, catering, and other needs.
• Manage A/V needs before, during, and after in-person events, including: setting up and operating a video camera, microphones, and live stream; managing computer-based presentations and remote panelists; troubleshooting audiovisual equipment and computers; and producing event videos and content for the web.
• Prepare collateral materials such as agendas, handouts, and signage.
• Organize private breakfasts, happy hours, and other meetings.
• Continuously evaluate and improve the quality of ITIF events.

Qualifications:

• Previous professional experience working in a fast-paced office environment.
• Previous experience with event coordination, marketing, and production.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail with an ability to meet and anticipate deadlines, use time effectively, and thrive in periods of intense activity.
• Proficiency with video conferencing, audiovisual technology, and basic video editing.
• Proficiency with office software such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Clear and concise communication skills, both written and oral.
• Mature, professional demeanor with ability to proactively “manage up.”
• Willingness to work irregular hours, on occasion, such as early mornings and weekends.
• Photography skills are a plus.
• Keen interest in public policy is preferred, particularly technology issues.

• Cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position, relevant past experiences, and mid- to long-term professional goals.
• Résumé.