Are you a master of orchestrating unforgettable experiences? Do you have a flair for creating jaw-dropping events and table top tradeshows that leave people talking for months and years? If you thrive in the fast-paced world of event planning and love bringing big ideas to life, we have the perfect role for you at SOCMA!

As our Director, Events and Exhibits, you'll be the creative genius and strategist behind our most exciting gatherings. From concept to execution, you'll lead the organization to design, plan, and deliver extraordinary events that captivate and inspire. Whether it's a high-energy conference, a stunning trade show, or an intimate networking event and member-focused dinner, you'll make sure every detail is flawless and every attendee has an unforgettable experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Visionary Planning: Develop and execute innovative event concepts that align with our brand, exceed expectations, and market our organization.
• Team Leadership: Inspire, mentor, and manage a direct report.
• Exhibit Excellence: Oversee the creation and management of show-stopping exhibits that engage and excite attendees.
• Budget Savvy: Manage event budgets like a pro, ensuring we deliver world-class experiences while staying within financial targets, and making smart investments when needed.
• Vendor Coordination: Collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and partners to bring your creative vision to life, from venue selection to décor and everything in between.
• Guest Experience: Ensure a seamless and delightful experience for all event participants, from registration to post-event follow-up.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Analyze event performance metrics to continuously improve and elevate our events.

About You:

• Creative Powerhouse: You have a knack for coming up with out-of-the-box ideas that wow audiences and make events unforgettable.
• Detail-Oriented: You live for the little details that make a big difference, ensuring every event runs like a well-oiled machine.
• Leadership Guru: You know how to lead, inspire, and bring out the best in an organization.
• Cool Under Pressure: You're the calm in the storm, effortlessly handling last-minute changes and unexpected challenges with a smile.
• Communicator Extraordinaire: You're a pro at building relationships and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
• Experience Buff: You bring a wealth of experience in event planning, exhibit management, vendor and venue sourcing and negotiation.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Your work will directly contribute to growing the organization.
• Innovation: We encourage creativity and new ideas. If you can dream it, it can happen.
• Growth: You'll have plenty of opportunities to grow in a dynamic environment.
• Fun: We believe in working hard and playing hard. Our organization knows how to have fun while delivering top-notch events.

If you're ready to take the reins and take SOCMA events to new heights, apply today.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits  

• This position is hybrid in our Arlington, VA, office and requires travel up to 10% for site visits and events. 
• This role sits within the Industry Relations department, and you'll work closely with the marketing & communications team.
• The budgeted salary range for this position is $90-95K with an outstanding benefits package, including medical and dental insurance, short-term and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401k, 10 paid holidays, 2 optional holidays, 10 days leave the first year, sick leave, transportation assistance, and more. 

Qualifications 

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in planning and managing conferences, events and trade shows for over 1000 attendees with 3 years of supervisory or mentorship experience.  
• Demonstrated experience in event project management, including creating schedules and timelines, complex data collection and tracking, managing deadlines for multiple stakeholders, ensuring compliance with organization regulations, and identifying and resolving logistical issues that may arise before and during the event.  
• This person must have the ability to thrive in fast-paced environment with complex requirements, competing priorities, and last minute changes. 
• This person must be adept at working on multiple projects at once, setting priorities, working independently, problem solving, improvising, and functioning as part of a team that often must perform under pressure. 
• Experience negotiating agreements with a solid understanding of contract terms and conditions. 
• Proficiency in event management software. 
• CMP certification is preferred but not required.  

About SOCMA

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates® (SOCMA) supports and fosters the growth of the specialty chemical industry by delivering legislative and regulatory advocacy, promoting the highest levels of safety, and strengthening business intelligence and manufacturing operations.

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