Strategic Meetings Director (Hybrid, Chicago)

ACS; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation, personal, and sick hours (13

paid holidays)

Tuition Reimbursement

Medical—BlueCross BlueShield

Dental, Vision, Prescription drug

403(b) Matching Program

Pension Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Short Term/Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Domestic Partner Coverage

Job summary

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) seeks a Senior Meetings Manager to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a portfolio of ACS meetings, including the HQ hotel operations for the annual meeting with ~10,000 attendees.

You will guide planning, execution, and continuous improvement, manage budgets, vendor relations, and cross-functional collaboration in a hybrid Chicago-based role with a focus on revenue growth and attendee experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, communications, or related field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible meeting planning experience.
• Three years of direct people management experience.
• Experience in hotel logistics, contract negotiation, and vendor management.
• Large-show convention experience and association experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior operational authority for assigned events.
• Oversee Chicago-based Conference Center Operations.
• Lead planning and execution aligned with ACS priorities.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and revenue opportunities.
• Coordinate with vendors, staff, and cross-functional partners.
• Improve workflows and on-site operations after meetings.
• Lead attendee experience and sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Strategic planning

Budget management

Vendor management

Leadership

Project management

Negotiation

Communication

Hotel logistics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, communications, business, or related field

CMP/CAE/CEM/DES designation preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Event technology platforms

Job description

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) seeks a Senior Meetings Manager to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a portfolio of ACS meetings, including the HQ hotel operations for the annual meeting with ~10,000 attendees.

You will guide planning, execution, and continuous improvement, manage budgets, vendor relations, and cross-functional collaboration in a hybrid Chicago-based role with a focus on revenue growth and attendee experience.