Director, Events & Experiences

A Global Leader in Business Events

PCMA is the leading professional association and engagement platform for the business events industry. Join us to collaborate in an inclusive and creative workplace. We are purpose-driven, working toward social and economic prosperity for the organizations and professionals we serve.

PCMA, PCMA Foundation, and CEMA educate, inspire, and listen, creating meaningful experiences where passion, purpose, and commerce come together. We are the world’s largest community for Business Events Strategists, providing senior-level education, networking, and market intelligence for the global business events industry. Our mission is to drive social and economic progress through business events. Headquartered in Chicago, IL PCMA has 17 North American Chapters, regional communities in APAC, EMEA, and LATAM, and members in 59 countries. The Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA), a PCMA subsidiary, advances strategic event marketing and marketing communications for senior-level event marketers and industry professionals. Visit us at pcam.org. We welcome talented, creative, high-energy people who adhere to the highest ethics, believe that hard work can be fun, and are interested in transforming the world through the power of business events.

Above all, our People are valued. They play a meaningful role in building solutions and shaping the future of PCMA. We believe that having a diverse workforce is not enough, we also need to build a culture of inclusion that leverages the strengths of all our employees.

The Director, Events & Experiences Role:

At PCMA Event, we're a team of passionate business event professionals committed to driving change and fostering diversity in our industry. As the Director of Events & Experiences, you'll lead our efforts to execute a dynamic event portfolio while championing collaboration and supporting the growth of our team. Reporting directly to the VP of Events and Experiences, your role will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our events and maximizing their impact.

Your primary focus will be on executing our event portfolio strategy, with a keen eye on enhancing attendee experiences and driving business results. You'll work closely with the team to bring our events to life, providing guidance and support to ensure each event aligns with our vision and goals. Collaboration will be key as you coordinate with internal departments, external stakeholders, and service providers to execute flawless events that leave a lasting impression.

In addition to execution, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting the professional development of our team members. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, you'll empower team members to thrive and contribute their unique skills and perspectives to our events. Your leadership will inspire creativity and innovation, driving our team to new heights of success.

We're looking for a leader who excels at both executing events and nurturing a collaborative team culture. Your ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution will be essential in driving the success of our event portfolio. If you're passionate about creating exceptional event experiences and supporting the growth of a talented team, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of PCMA Events.

Key Accountabilities:

• Execute PCMA’s event strategy and experiences, focusing on target communities and meticulously managing resources to achieve established KPIs, while adhering to budgetary constraints, under the guidance of the VP of Events and Experiences & CMO
• Manage large-scale events, such as a 5,000-person conference tailored to event professionals, overseeing all logistical aspects, attendee experience enhancements, and ensuring the seamless execution of the event.
• Utilize strong negotiation skills to manage contracts with vendors, partners, and agencies, ensuring optimal value and cost-effectiveness in event execution.
• Foster cross-collaboration among internal teams and external stakeholders, leveraging strong communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and ensure seamless execution of events.
• Demonstrate exceptional project management skills in overseeing all aspects of event planning and execution, from conceptualization to post-event evaluation, ensuring deadlines are met and objectives are achieved.
• Manage event resources efficiently, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to maximize effectiveness and minimize costs, while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Exercise financial acumen in the development and management of the events budget for PCMA, PCMA Foundation, and CEMA, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and prudent financial stewardship.

You will bring with you to this role:

• 8+ years of marketing and events management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree, or similar experience
• Financial acumen and skilled at setting & managing a budget.
• Excels in planning and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent at collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders of all levels, both internal and external to PCMA, to accomplish event/meeting objectives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex topics with simplicity.
• Ability to work with a sense of urgency and deliver under tight deadlines/time frames; prioritize workload.
• Data-driven mindset focused on setting and measuring KPIs and pipeline targets.
• Flexible, agile with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• Experience working in both digital and in-person event environments, with in-depth knowledge in managing internal and external production teams.
• Comfortable dealing with ambiguity, with the ability to drive clarity for the team.
• Trustworthy and credible; high-level of integrity and excellent sense of judgment.
• Strong relationship builder, influencer, and acts as an ambassador for PCMA.
• Ability to travel as business needs require. Position requires approximately 30% travel.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

• Ability to perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to grasp objects utilizing the fingers (fine motor manipulation).
• Ability to travel by air or ground transportation as required in performing the work.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.

PCMA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic.