Director of Conferences & Events

The Arc of the United States; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Vacation and sick leave

Paid family leave

Job summary

The Arc of the United States is seeking a Director of Conferences & Events to lead national conferences, meetings, and events. You will oversee the National Convention and partner across the organization to deliver engaging, accessible experiences for attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners.

The role requires ownership of budgets, vendor contracts, accessibility supports, and event technology, with collaboration across programs, policy, marketing, development, and other teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience with multi-day and hybrid events.
• Experience managing event budgets and expenses.
• Strong vendor management and contract negotiation skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and with executives.
• Understanding of audiovisual requirements and event technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of national conferences and meetings.
• Oversee budgets, timelines, venue selection, contracts, vendors, and on-site operations.
• Manage large-scale events with 1,000+ attendees and hybrid participation.
• Coordinate accessibility accommodations (ASL, CART, braille, large print, dietary needs).
• Collaborate with programs, marketing, development, and other teams to ensure cohesive experiences.
• Evaluate events using attendee feedback and data, driving improvements.

Skills

Budget management

Vendor management

Contract negotiation

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Event technology

Accessibility coordination

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Cvent

Zoom

Job description

Director, Conferences & Events

The Arc of the United States is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Conferences & Events to lead the planning and execution of our national conferences, meetings, and events.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished events professional who thrives on bringing complex, high-impact experiences to life. The Director will oversee The Arc's major national events, including our National Convention with more than 1,000 attendees, and will partner across the organization to deliver engaging, accessible, and high-quality experiences for attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners.

What You'll Do

Role

In this role, you will lead the full lifecycle of The Arc's conferences and events—from early planning and venue selection through production, execution, and post-event evaluation. You will:

• Lead the planning and execution of national conferences, events, and meetings, including the Disability Policy Seminar, NCE Summer Leadership Institute, and The Arc's National Convention.
• Manage event timelines, venue selection, site visits, contract negotiations, vendors, budgets, expenses, and on-site operations.
• Oversee the planning and production of large-scale events with 1,000+ attendees, including program design, speakers, audiovisual production, staging, food and beverage, facilities, shipping, sponsorship activities, and special events.
• Create and manage event budgets, including attendance, revenue, and expense projections, and provide timely reporting on event results.
• Partner with teams across programs, public policy, marketing and communications, media relations, development, and other areas to create cohesive and engaging attendee experiences.
• Ensure events are inclusive and accessible by coordinating accommodations and supports such as ASL, CART, braille, large print, dietary and allergy needs, fragrance-free environments, and sensory/quiet spaces.
• Manage event technology and online platforms used for registration, scheduling, calls for proposals, mobile applications, evaluations, and virtual/hybrid event delivery.
• Coordinate event-related travel logistics for staff, including transportation, accommodations, meals, per diem calculations, and on-site schedules.
• Collaborate with sponsorship teams to ensure event deliverables meet sponsor commitments.
• Evaluate events using attendee feedback and other data and recommend improvements that strengthen future experiences.
• Provide logistical support for Board meetings, fundraising events, program events, and internal meetings.

The role currently includes substantial responsibility for event accessibility, budgeting, vendor and contract management, cross-functional coordination, and event technology.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is a strategic, creative, highly organized events professional who can manage the big picture while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

Qualifications Include

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience, including experience managing multi-day events with more than 1,000 attendees and hybrid events with virtual participation.
• Demonstrated experience managing event budgets and expenses.
• Strong vendor management and contract negotiation skills.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Strong critical thinking, strategic thinking, and crisis-management skills.
• Creative approach to enhancing the attendee experience.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with employees at all organizational levels, including executives.
• Understanding of audiovisual requirements and event management technology such as Cvent, and Zoom.
• Knowledge of event accessibility practices is a plus.
• Ability to travel periodically for site visits and on-site event support.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events and lift up to 25 pounds.

These qualifications are consistent with the requirements in the existing job description.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, at-will position with a salary range of $90,000–$120,000, based on education and experience.

The Arc offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance, employer contributions to a 403(b) retirement plan, vacation and sick leave, paid family leave, and additional benefits.

The successful candidate will be expected to work in the office a minimum of three days per week.

About The Arc

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating with and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. With more than 600 state and local chapters nationwide, The Arc works to promote and protect the human rights of people with IDD and support their full inclusion and participation in their communities throughout their lifetimes.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Arc is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations during the application process.

Salary: $90000 - $120000 per year