Position Summary

The Associate Director, Events leads the strategic development for events, tradeshows, meetings, site inspections and customer experiences and manages an events team to create wow events. The Events Team is based within the Marketing and Communications department while supporting all department events and customer experiences within Destination DC (DDC). The position reports to the SVP, Marketing and Communications and manages a team of four, with three direct reports including a Sr. Events Manager and two Events Managers.

Join the team of outstanding professionals at DDC, where we offer excellent benefits, an open workplace culture focused on DEI and have fun promoting the city we love. DDC offers 10% 401-k employer match, 100% of commuter benefits and more. Employees are currently working 2 to 3 days from home.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (include the following, but are not limited to)

1. Leads strategy for all events and customer experiences in collaboration with the Events Team and other DDC staffers including, but not limited to, Senior Staff, Sales Managers and external partners as appropriate.
2. Develops events and customer experiences that highlight Washington, DC as a unique and exciting destination for meetings, events and travel and ensure DC remains top-of-mind among clients and stakeholders.
3. Manages and monitors workflow for all Events Team members by assigning projects in a balanced way, identifying the support needed for each event and ensuring variety and growth for each team member.
4. Understands and implements technology to aid in events management and tracks Events Team work through the appropriate platforms.
5. Oversees event budgets and timelines, ensuring vendor invoices are paid in a timely manner and working closely with Sr. Events Manager to develop ideas that are creative and cost/time effective.
6. Develops a comprehensive structure for prioritizing events to avoid a one-size-fits all approach and requires standardized post-event recap reports to ensure best practices are met and learnings are implemented.
7. Understands the attendee and customer journey and establishes and upholds a standard of excellence that extends to every event touchpoint, from initial meetings and status updates to recap reports and post event communications.
8.  
9. Identifies unique event venues, from hotels, restaurants and museums to galleries, university spaces and other attractions, by building relationships with Destination DC members and vendors. Conducts site visits as appropriate.
10. Assists with securing sponsors, co-ops and exhibitors for events in partnership with the leading sales manager and partnership department as required.
11. Manages and supports DDC's marquis events including but not limited to the Annual Marketing Outlook Meeting, Global Marketplace, IBEC and Travel Rally, serving as on-site event manager when appropriate.
12. Engages with Events Team as it pertains to all event logistics including negotiating space rentals, food & beverage, A/V needs, etc.
13. Examines all contracts received by Events Team, coordinating with appropriate member of senior team to finalize details as appropriate.
14. Collaborates with in-house Creative Team on development of all event collateral. This includes, but is not limited to electronic invitations, printed invitations and signage. Ensures that Events Team understands and follows established production processes to ensure successful completion of creative projects within set timelines.
15. Develops, produces and tracks promotional items and VIP gifts for the organization, in partnership with the Sr. Events Manager, Creative Project Manager and Senior Staff.
16. Engages with department heads of Convention Sales and Services, Partnerships and Alliances and Tourism Sports and Visitor Services through one-on-one meetings to build rapport, anticipate needs and assess goals and objectives for events.
17. Works with the SVP, Marketing and Communications to anticipate, identify and navigate challenges as needed and attends the M&C Leadership Team (MCLT) bi-weekly meetings.
18. Works with creative director and department heads to create a vision for strategic design and branding to align trade, events, and missions for all departments.

Experience, Competencies & Education

1. Minimum eight to ten (8-10) years progressive events planning experience preferably in the non-profit environment.
2. Bachelor's Degree (B.S./B.A.) from four-year college or university in management, sales, marketing or related field.
3. Ability to read, analyze, articulate and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals and technical procedures.
4. Excellent communication skills.
5. Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
6. Management experience required.
7. Willingness to work evenings and weekends; willingness to travel
8. High level of technical proficiency with Microsoft Office and destination management software systems required.
9. The position requires interaction with clients, members, partners and vendors, the candidate must be vaccinated for COVID-19.

To Apply: Send cover letter with salary requirements and resume to https://www.washington.org/careers.

DESTINATION DC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER