Description
Position Summary:
The National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) is a higher education association seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and flexible professional to join our Meetings Team. We believe kindness and creativity are professional strengths. Our team values curiosity, open communication, and genuine care for one another. The person in this role will support our culture where ideas are welcomed, people feel heard, and enthusiasm drives innovation.
The Manager, Meetings & Conferences will oversee all logistics for select NCURA Traveling Workshops held across the U.S., serve as part of the planning team for National Conferences, support one of NCURA’s online learning programs, and coordinate social media marketing for meetings and events. This role requires exceptional customer service, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(Including but not limited to:)
Travel: Required 6-8 times per year (including some weekends). Comp time will be given for any weekend travel or meetings. The Manager will travel independently for smaller workshops and as part of a team for large national conferences.
Event Management: Staff lead for select workshops responsible for all logistical activities including hotel arrangement, registration management, accommodations, travel, catering, and audio-visual. For larger events, this individual will work on select areas of logistics and will work closely with the meetings team.
Venue & Vendor Management: Source venues and vendors; prepare detailed RFPs; evaluate proposals; make recommendations to the Director; and negotiate contracts for assigned smaller meetings.
Member Support: Provide outstanding customer service to volunteer presenters and members at workshops and national conferences.
Regional Support: Manage and oversee the registration process for 1-2 Regional Annual Meetings a year, as well as managing the Regional Calendar.
Marketing Coordination: Collaborate with staff to manage all marketing needs for meetings, including email communications and social media promotion.
Online Learning: Mange one of NCURA’s Online Programs in partnership with the Deputy Chief Executive.
ANNUAL SALARY: $61,800 per year
HYBRID POSITION: This position offers a hybrid schedule, combining onsite and telework. The full team collaborates in the office each Thursday, with the flexibility to work remotely the remaining four days of the week. Team members are always welcome to work additional days in the office if they prefer.
During the first 30 days of employment, the position will be fully onsite to support a comprehensive onboarding experience. Occasionally, such as during shipping or preparation periods before meetings, an additional in-office day may be needed to help manage those activities.
JOB TYPE: Full-time
BENEFITS: 100% medical and dental coverage for staff; 50% medical and dental coverage for family; 10% Employer contribution to your 403 B based on salary; two weeks’ vacation in years one and two, additional week off between Christmas Eve and New Years and 10 paid holidays throughout the year. The NCURA office is in the Farragut North neighborhood of NW DC easily accessible by Metro.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: NCURA will support your membership to the American Society of Association Executives for your continued professional development.
NCURA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
Requirements
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year accredited institution
- Hospitality experience (meeting planning, hotel, convention center, or event management)
- Customer service experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Collaborative mindset with a creative, solution-focused approach
- Kindness, professionalism, and integrity in all interactions with staff and our members
- Enthusiasm for teamwork and organizational mission
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat)
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
Preferred:
- Experience in an association, nonprofit setting or hotel events
- Social media marketing experience
- General website management skills (e.g., updating web pages, creating email marketing campaigns)
