EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Council on Foundations (Council) is a nonprofit membership association that serves as a guide for philanthropies as they advance the greater good. Building on their 75-year history, the Council supports over 900 member organizations in the United States and around the world to build trust in philanthropy, expand pathways to giving, engage broader perspectives, and co-create solutions that will lead to a better future for all.

As a leading national advocate for philanthropy, the Council strives to increase the effectiveness, stewardship, and accountability of the sector while providing members with the services and support they need to advance the common good. Based in Washington, DC, the Council has an annual budget of just over $12 million and a staff of 45.

The Council is now seeking nominations and applications for the role of Director, Conferences and Events. Reporting to the Vice President, Leadership, Training & Events, the Director will create strategy and priorities for the Council on Foundation’s in-person, virtual, and hybrid conferences and events. For each event, the Director will assess the needs and market, prioritize audiences, and lead in the development of content. The Director will both engage with and learn from members and other key stakeholders around thought leadership in the development and implementation of conferences and events.

The Director manages two members of the Conferences and Events team: the Manager, Conferences & Events and the Associate, Conferences & Events.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The next Director, Conferences & Events will be an exceptional project manager who will hold a portfolio of work involving strategy and content creation, budgeting, logistics and detailed planning, and managing a variety of cross-departmental teams across the Council who support the planning and implementation of conferences and events. They will hold the following responsibilities:

Conferences & Events Leadership

1. Develop, implement, and manage the overall goals, event planning timelines, and related budgets for the Council’s large convenings.
2. Support content strategy for Building Together and Leading Locally conferences and other large convenings programming, including development of programs, learning design, and overall event schedule.
3. Lead on contract negotiation and along with event team, manage relationships with vendors, speakers, talent, consultants, and agencies, etc.
4. Lead on event logistics for large convenings, including site visits, on-site management, staffing plans, production of plenary sessions, breakouts, special events and offsites, food and beverage, AV and supportive technology, event accessibility, virtual event platform management, and pre- and post-event activities.
5. In collaboration with event team and stakeholders, manage kickoff and planning meetings, develop work plan, and drive all pre-production needs (e.g. timelines, run-of-shows, trackers, agendas, rehearsals, drafting memos, documenting progress), and ensure stakeholders are engaged and aligned.
6. Research, develop, and implement best practices as it relates to implementation of future conferences and events.
7. Maintain approved provider status for Council events with various accreditation entities.

Cross-Departmental Responsibilities

1. Work closely with cross-functional teams, including communications and marketing, development, executive office, and consultants, to ensure event objectives and timelines are met.
2. Partner with Director, Organizational Learning to develop key performance indicators and conduct thorough post-event evaluations to compare, measure success, and identify areas for improvement.
3. Deliver clear communications across stakeholders and teams that engage and inform staff about the planning and delivery of large convenings.
4. Contribute to overarching organization and department goals by participating in cross-functional working groups.

Team Leadership and Development

1. Provide managerial oversight, guidance, and direction to the Manager, Conferences & Events and the Associate, Conferences & Events.
2. Develop and grow the capacity of team members through coaching and modeling.
3. Cultivate and nurture a positive and inclusive team culture.
4. Model the Council’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and lead efforts to embed this commitment in organizational systems and events.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Strong candidates will have prior experience working within a philanthropic-serving organization or an adjacent space in the nonprofit sector. While no one person will embody all the qualities enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

1. 10 years of direct experience in the production of large-scale (e.g. 500+ attendees) conferences and events.
2. 5 years of direct experience supporting event content development and design of learning environments.
3. Demonstrated success planning and managing events, plus strong financial acumen in developing and meeting budget goals.
4. Strong understanding of the philanthropic and non-profit sectors.
5. Exceptional hospitality and customer service skills with the ability to cultivate partnerships.
6. Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, navigate shifting priorities, timelines, and schedules and successfully meet deadlines.
7. Demonstrated project leader who can positively, productively, and proactively manage events and projects.
8. Strong management skills with an ability to influence, engage, and coach direct reports.
9. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to provide follow-up.
10. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentations and facilitation.
11. Knowledge of and proficient with event planning software, such as Cvent.
12. Ability to maintain a calm and open demeanor in stressful situations.

General Competencies Required of all Council Staff

1. Ability to actively engage in, demonstrate commitment to the Council’s Operating Principles and Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion values.
2. The Council’s operating principles and race, equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI) commitments exist to guide how staff interact with and treat one another, members, vendors, and the philanthropic sector. Staff are expected to consistently demonstrate the principles, and actively support commitments to building an inclusive culture.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to listen well, and positively represent the organization and its mission.
4. Ability to anticipate, identify and solve problems efficiently and quickly.
5. Ability to work effectively and positively both independently and on a team with a range of individuals and working styles, and with people at all organization levels including staff, board members, foundation officers, donors, and vendors.
6. Experience or ability to use CRM database solutions, preferably Salesforce
7. Proficient skill in Microsoft Office 365 applications.

LOCATION, TRAVEL, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Though the Council’s headquarters are in Washington, DC, the Director, Conferences & Events may be located anywhere in the continental United States.

This role requires up to 15% travel domestically, including overnight trips.

The hiring salary range for this position Is $120,000 to $136,000 based on living in the Washington DC region. Compensation may be adjusted based on the geographic location of the finalist.

The Council offers a robust benefits package, including paying 100% of the monthly premium for employee coverage in health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability. Additionally, the Council contributes 7% of annual salary to a 403(b) plan for every employee with no match requirement. Staff receive 20 days of vacation, plus sick leave and paid parental leave. The Council observes 13 holidays, a wellness break, and winter break, for which staff are paid. Learn more about Council benefits here.

TO APPLY

More information about the Council on Foundations may be found at: www.cof.org.

This search is being led by Emily Wexler and Rachel Burgoyne of NPAG. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume via NPAG’s website. The position will remain open until filled.

The Council is committed to honoring the differences, unique talents, lived experiences, identities, and full contributions of each Council staff member. We do this so every Council staff member feels that they belong and can thrive at the Council. Candidates from diverse backgrounds with a commitment to philanthropy are strongly encouraged to apply.