Event Manager

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the world’s leading think tank for science and technology policy, seeks a highly motivated, highly organized professional who is both logistically minded and technically savvy to plan and execute its regular program of events and meetings, which are critical to the organization’s mission as a thought leader on technology and innovation issues.

ITIF’s event programming includes both online webinars and in-person panel discussions, roundtables, and conferences, both on-site in our Washington, DC, offices and off-site at locations such as Capitol Hill and other capital cities around the world (requiring remote logistical support, not foreign travel). Reporting to the executive vice president of communications, the event manager orchestrates an average of six public and private events per month.

This involves driving all event logistics in collaboration with policy analysts who are subject-matter experts; coordinating marketing efforts with communications managers; and personally managing and executing technical production from beginning to end. The position therefore requires efficient mastery of administrative logistics, including scheduling and contact database management; familiarity with email marketing, social media, and word-of-mouth marketing; experience managing webinars; and ability to manage in-person room staging and A/V operation.

This is an external relations function that will provide the right candidate an opportunity to work at the fast-moving intersection of technology and public policy in Washington, DC, by staging events that help influence debates on important issues of the day. The position interacts with representatives of advocacy groups, companies, academics, and offices of government officials, among others.

The ideal candidate will have previous professional experience in a fast-paced professional environment, plus strong technical proficiency with A/V equipment, contact databases, and email marketing platforms. The candidate will proactively manage multiple short-term and long-term deadlines simultaneously, taking ownership and responsibility for getting things done with an eye for professional quality and detail.

Essential responsibilities:

• Schedule, plan, and coordinate the logistics for ITIF’s regular program of public and private events (online and in-person) for audiences in Washington, DC and internationally.
• Coordinate with ITIF analysts on event scheduling and speaker recruitment, taking ownership of project management, deadlines, and providing progress updates.
• Liaise with speakers to provide logistical information and briefing materials.
• Market events through email, social media, day books, and other means.
• Grow the audience for ITIF public events by finding new places to publicize them, tracking attendance, and managing ITIF’s mailing lists.
• Manage technical production of online webinars involving video and streaming platforms such as Streamyard, Zoom, YouTube, and Microsoft Teams.
• Reserve event spaces and make all necessary arrangements for staging, room set-up, A/V, catering, and other needs.
• Manage A/V needs before, during, and after in-person events, including: setting up and operating a video camera, microphones, and live stream; managing computer-based presentations and remote panelists; troubleshooting audiovisual equipment and computers; and producing event videos and content for the web.
• Prepare collateral materials such as agendas, handouts, and signage.
• Organize private breakfasts, happy hours, and other meetings.
• Continuously evaluate and improve the quality of ITIF events.

Qualifications:

• Previous professional experience working in a fast-paced office environment.
• Previous experience with event coordination, marketing, and production.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail with an ability to meet and anticipate deadlines, use time effectively, and thrive in periods of intense activity.
• Proficiency with video conferencing, audiovisual technology, and basic video editing.
• Proficiency with office software such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Clear and concise communication skills, both written and oral.
• Mature, professional demeanor with ability to proactively “manage up.”
• Willingness to work irregular hours, on occasion, such as early mornings and late evenings.
• Photography skills are a plus.
• Previous experience with working with congressional offices or communicating to Capitol Hill is a plus.
• Keen interest in public policy is preferred, particularly technology issues.

Salary range:

$60,000–$90,000

To apply:

Cover letter describing your interest, qualifications for the position, and relevant past experiences. Resume. Applications without these materials will not be considered.