Posted: 16-Jun-26
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Position Summary:
The Manager, Conference Operations, is a key member of the Conference Operations team, providing operational support for both internal and external meetings and events. This role has full lifecycle responsibility for multiple high-profile conferences annually, guiding events from concept development and strategic planning through onsite execution and post-event financial reconciliation.
Day to Day Responsibilities:
External Meeting Services (90%)
- The conference operations team works closely with internal stakeholders from initial concept to day-of execution to ensure every aspect of the event aligns with NAM visions and goals.
- Support full cycle internal and external events. This includes but is not limited to sourcing and logistics, planning and strategy, day-of execution, and post-event operations. Specific responsibilities as they pertain to each event to be outlined by the Vice President, Conference and Office Operations (e.g., Manufacturing Institute’s FAME National Conference and STEP Ahead Awards and Leadership Conference, Manufacturing Leadership Council’s Rethink Conference and IRI Innovators Summit).
- Manage and execute assigned Manufacturing Leadership Council onsite plant and facility tours and related programs as they to pertain to our membership companies.
- Oversee the registration process for all assigned conferences and events using the CVENT suite of products, including system configuration, reporting, attendee communications, and onsite registration management.
- Manage mobile apps and or websites for assigned conferences and events.
- Manage shipment of materials to and from events.
- Support the event design process for assigned conferences and events.
- Assist in site selection research, develop RFPs, evaluate properties, and participate in site visits; negotiate hotel contracts, meeting space, and room blocks to optimize concessions and cost savings.
- Assist in negotiation and managing vendor contracts, ensuring favorable terms, performance accountability, and accurate invoice reconciliation.
- Complete post-event activities, including expense reconciliation, vendor evaluations, and preparation of written reports and recommendations.
- Manage additional meetings and special events as assigned by the Vice President, Conference and Office Operations.
In-House/Internal Conference Center Services (10%)
- Backup support for conferences and events held at the NAM Conference Center.
- Management of vendors and temp staff as needed.
The above list of responsibilities is representative of the position and is not intended to limit or preclude other responsibilities and tasks that may be associated with or added to the position.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Provide supervision at events/meetings of NAM staff, temps, and vendors.
Qualifications:
- 3 – 5 years of meeting management experience.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
- Knowledge of CVENT suite of products required.
- Strong understanding of contractual terms and conditions, including contract negotiations with hotels and vendors.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with competing and changing priorities and deadlines.
- Awareness of current and emerging industry trends and demonstrated application of best practices in meetings and events planning, management, and logistics
- Ability to anticipate issues and proactively propose solutions.
- Experience in overseeing contract personnel and vendors.
- Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time, including overnight stays, and to work a flexible schedule that may include early morning and late evenings.
- Some weekend assignments may be required.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
- Computer proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Power Point)
- Must be capable of handling basic facets of the A/V conference center AV system, training available.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, with strong ability to coordinate effectively with staff at all levels
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, quality, and goal driven work environment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary Range: $74,000 – $80,000 annually. This salary range represents a good-faith estimate of the lowest to the highest salary for this position. The final salary offered will be based on qualifications and experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The National Association of Manufacturers is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We welcome and celebrate everyone’s uniqueness here at the NAM. We provide equal opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. At the NAM, we believe in Second Chances! There are nearly 70 million Americans that face tremendous disadvantages in life because of a criminal record and WE are here to bridge this gap. The NAM is committed to offering equal employment opportunities to ALL. We only require that you have the qualifications, talent, and passion to be successful in your role.
The NAM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at humanresources@nam.org.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States and one of the nation’s most influential advocates for manufacturing. By joining the NAM, you become part of a spirited and dynamic team that is driven to succeed. We recognize and reward our staff with competitive pay and annual performance-based bonus programs. We offer an outstanding benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, SmarTrip, and a 401(k) Salary Deferral plan with employer match and contributions, vacation and sick leave, complimentary on-site gym access and healthy snacks in the break room. Become part of a fast-paced team passionate about keeping the United States the world leader in manufacturing.