Director of Conferences

NODA, Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education DIRECTOR OF CONFERENCES
UMN Job Code: Education Program Specialist 1 (9745S1)
Department: NODA-Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education
Position Title: Director of Conferences
Salary Range: $55,000-$61,000/year

Required application materials: Resume and cover letter

The Director of Conferences is responsible for leading, directing, providing vision and oversight for the NODA Annual Conference and Spring Learning Conferences. They will develop and implement programs and services designed to provide skill development, industry content, educational programs and professional standards addressing the information and education needs of NODA members. This individual has full authority in working with vendors to independently negotiate space, contracts, schedules, and logistics. The individual in this position must be able to make complex decisions with authority and understand the risk, liability and implications that could impact NODA, the University, and constituents/stakeholders. This position may have a future supervisory role within the Association.

This position will require occasional travel on overnight trips to attend events and flexibility to conduct work in the evenings and weekends as needed. This position will be remote with the expectation to meet in-person with Association staff as required. The Director of Conferences will report directly to the Executive Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Annual Conference Logistics (40%)
* Oversee, manage, and direct all aspects of the logistics related to the NODA Annual Conference
* Direct, develop, and collaborate with key stakeholders, such as NODA Director of Education, conference program chair and conference planning team in the development of educational program needs adhering to NODA policy and strategic initiatives and the profession
* Select, on board, and guide Annual Conference program chair and conference planning team in the development of conference expectations as guided by NODA policy
* Develop and implement safety emergency plans, procedures and protocols at the Annual Conference
* Seek and maintain knowledge and awareness of current issues, trends, theories, research in orientation, transition and retention in higher education
* Design, deliver, measure, and evaluate educational programming for the Annual Conference
* Develop a communication strategy for the dissemination of information as it relates to marketing the Annual Conference, including web content, advertising, and e-mail campaigns
* Establish pricing and rates, deadlines and registration content
* Direct the Administrative Specialist in the development of the online registration forms and applications for Annual Conference
* Manage the review process for location site selection and contract negotiation
* Complete quarterly, annual, and other requested reports

Spring Learning Conferences Logistics (50%)
* Oversee, manage, and direct all aspects of the logistics related to the NODA Spring Learning Conferences (currently 4 in-person and 1 virtual conference)
* Direct, develop, and collaborate with key stakeholders, such as NODA Director of Education, conference program chair and conference planning team in the development of educational program needs adhering to NODA policy and strategic initiatives and the profession
* Select, on board, and guide conference program chair and conference planning team in the development of conference expectations as guided by NODA policy
* Develop and implement safety emergency plans, procedures and protocols at the Spring Learning Conferences
* Design, deliver, measure, and evaluate educational programming for the Spring Learning Conferences
* Develop a communication strategy for the dissemination of information as it relates to marketing the Spring Learning Conferences, including web content, advertising, and e-mail campaigns
* Establish pricing and rates, deadlines and registration content
* Direct the Administrative Specialist in the development of online registration forms and applications for Spring Learning Conferences
* Manage the review process for location site selection and contract negotiation
* Complete quarterly, annual, and other requested reports

Financial Management (10%)
* Oversee, develop, monitor, and effectively manage conference budgets, including monitoring revenue and expenditures
* Responsible for accuracy of conference billing after event completion
* Track and analyze conference budget trends and approve payments for vendors
* Reconcile and recommend resolution for report discrepancies and problems
* Coordinate and prepare pertinent information for external accounting, auditors, and Finance Committee
* Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS:
* Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, meeting planning, higher education or other related areas
* Minimum of three years of full-time experience working in an association, non-profit and/or college/university setting
* Ability to be self-directed and work autonomously daily with capability to multi-task, make critical decisions and work with a variety of people and personalities
* Demonstrated ability to make complex decisions, problem solve and work with volunteers
* Previous experience with managing and implementing programs logistics and operations with demonstrated organizational skills and attention to details
* Ability to be a team player and work with volunteers either by leading or taking direction
* Organizational skills sufficient to perform multiple tasks while managing and monitoring many aspects of the conference experience and expectations
* Experience with conference and events planning
* Must be able to travel on overnight trips to attend events

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
* Must have a general understanding of event planning and working with volunteer leadership * Previous financial management experience
* Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with various constituencies, including diverse populations
* Recognizes the importance of volunteer leadership and participation
* Proven effectiveness at group/team member environment
* Values diversity as expressed in NODA's diversity statement

NODA is a nonprofit, membership Association comprised of professional administrators, students, faculty members as well as other higher education organizations. NODA has over 3,500 members in the U.S. and internationally, consisting of over 500 institutional memberships (public, private, 4-year and 2-year), bringing different perspectives, knowledge, and experiences. NODA's core purpose is to create an inclusive community of practice that enriches education, leadership, and professional development in the fields of college student orientation, transition, and retention. NODA staff are employees of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and are governed by an elected board of directors.

Pay Range: $55,000-$61,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).