Program Specialist, Conferences

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA); Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Education, Training & Events team seeks an organized, communicative professional to support the design, development, and delivery of its conferences and programs. You will coordinate materials, communications, technology platforms, and onsite logistics across cross‑functional teams.

This role supports program managers, speakers, and subject matter experts for high‑profile member events and is eligible for NRECA’s hybrid schedule,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 3+ years supporting conferences, events, or large meetings.
• Hands‑on experience with event tech platforms and speaker management.
• Working knowledge of AV coordination and presentation standards.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint and Microsoft 365 tools; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Supports planning and execution of complex conferences.
• Collaborates with program, Marketing, and Business Development on collateral.
• Provides frontline service and administrative support to members.
• Manages speaker communications and logistics: bios, photos, letters, materials.
• Plans and manages conference mobile app content and attendee data.
• Develops run-of-show slides and room monitor materials.
• Maintains event websites and content within Sessionboard.
• Publishes final materials to website and mobile app.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Project management

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Communications, Marketing, or Business Administration

Tools

Conference mobile apps

Registration systems

Speaker management tools

PowerPoint

Microsoft 365

Job description

Job Description

NRECA’s Education, Training & Events team designs, delivers, and facilitates high-impact learning experiences and events—both online and in person— that empower cooperative leaders and staff to guide their organizations and communities into the future. The portfolio includes certification programs, a robust education curriculum of 100+ courses, leadership development programs, a trade show, thought leadership events and multi‑day conferences.

Position Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly organized, skilled communicator to provide multi‑level support for the design, development, and delivery of NRECA Education Training & Events conferences and programs. This position supports program managers, speakers, and subject matter experts in the execution of high‑profile, member‑facing events, coordinating conference materials, communications, technology platforms, and onsite logistics. This individual will work collaboratively across cross‑functional and cross‑departmental teams to ensure a seamless and high‑quality event experience. This position is eligible for NRECA’s hybrid schedule which allows flexibility to work from home up to 2 days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the planning and execution of complex, high‑profile conferences.
• Collaborates with program, Marketing, and Business Development teams to develop and execute program collateral.
• Provides front‑line service and administrative support to members by responding to inquiries and requests.
• Communicates directly with program managers, other NRECA staff, national directors, high‑profile public figures, federal agency executives, network partners, and member cooperatives.
• Manages speaker communications and logistics, including agreement letters, collection and organization of biographies, photos, and presentation materials, and preparation of materials for AV teams.
• Designs and produces digital and printed signage for assigned conferences, coordinating print production and delivery timelines.
• Plans and manages conference mobile app, including home page layout and content pages, while managing attendee data and pre‑ and post‑event communications.
• Develops rolling and run‑of‑show slides for general sessions and breakouts, and prepares room monitor materials.
• Reviews and maintains event websites and content within Sessionboard.
• Collects and publishes all final materials to the website and mobile app.

Qualifications

• Formal Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Communications, Marketing, or Business Administrations, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience.
• Experience and Certifications Required: 3+ years of experience supporting conferences, events, or large‑scale meetings, preferably in an association, nonprofit, or professional education environment.
• Hands‑on experience with event technology platforms such as conference mobile apps, registration systems, and speaker management tools.
• Working knowledge of speaker management processes, presentation standards, and AV coordination.
• Strong organizational and project management skills for managing competing deadlines and multiple projects at various stages with consistent attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft 365 tools (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive).
• Ability to problem‑solve and adapt while executing high‑impact, high‑visibility tasks in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of personalities and manage competing requests while maintaining high standards.
• Ability to travel approximately 5‑10%, as required.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point) and to operate various office equipment such as personal computer, copier, printer, fax machine, or other job‑related equipment.
• Ability to report to the office when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Essential Physical Requirements

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Salary Range: $75,000–$93,000 annual salary Final compensation determined by individual qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Disclaimer Statement: The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Additional Requirement: The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e‑mail [e-mail] or call: 703‑907‑5992 - NRECA Arlington Human Resources. Please call 402‑483‑9275 - NRECA Lincoln Human Resources, for Lincoln, NE employment opportunities. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case‑by‑case basis.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released the ‘Know Your Rights’ poster, which updates and replaces the previous “EEO is the Law” poster and “EEO Is the Law Poster Supplement”.

Pay Transparency Non‑Discrimination. NRECA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.

E‑Verify. As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E‑Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E‑Verify.

For more information about life at NRECA please visit www.Electric.coop. Learn more about who we are, career opportunities, employer awards and life at NRECA.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), with offices in Arlington, VA and Lincoln, NE is the trade association for over 900 consumer‑owned electric cooperatives serving more than 42 million people.

At NRECA, we work with people who are leaders in their fields. They are down‑to‑earth, hardworking professionals committed to helping our members serve their communities.

Our work is interesting, constantly evolving, and requires new skills to meet the changing needs of a dynamic industry.

Employees are united around the compelling purpose and history of electric cooperatives which allows teams and individuals to thrive as they collaborate and engage to accomplish great things in the pursuit of our mission.

And topping it off, NRECA cares about each person’s overall well‑being, encouraging health, financial security, and a sustainable work/life balance.

Learn more about who we are at https://www.electric.coop/our-organization/careers.