Vice President, Strategic Events

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Founded in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) is a non-profit organization focused on eliminating disparities within the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.  Our primary focus areas are Education, Public Health, Economic Empowerment, Civic Engagement, and other issues impacting the global Black community. Applicants may visit the web site at www.cbcfinc.org to view more information on CBCF programs and initiatives.

POSITION SUMMARY

CBCF is seeking a dynamic leader to join its strategic events team.  The Vice President, Strategic Events will provide leadership, direction, and management of the events department, and strategic plans for all events and stakeholder engagement.  The VP is responsible for building CBCF’s reputation for high performance and results through executional excellence; stakeholder engagement; and high caliber strategic events.  This position creates the atmosphere for CBCF to educate the public as a critical part of its mission.

The VP will provide oversight for all strategic events and production. This position requires a results-oriented leader with exceptional communication and relationship building experience to partner with a myriad of CBCF stakeholders, vendors, and partners to further advance the organization’s mission as well as drive broader awareness and donor support for the organization.  Responsibilities include developing departmental plans for innovation, operational improvements, and maintaining collaborative partnerships and ongoing engagement. This leader will own the success of the CBCF events calendar and ensure successful management  of inter-departmental collaborations and external partnerships through flawless execution and delivery.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

1. Reports to: Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer
2. Directly Supervises: Director, Strategic Events
3. Indirectly Supervises: Senior Managers, Event Manager, Event Coordinator and Consultants
4. Type of Supervision Received: Minimal supervision
5. Internal Relationships: Close coordination with the President and CEO, Resource Development, Finance, Team, Center for Policy Analysis and Research, Marketing and Communications to ensure all internal stakeholder needs are considered and met for executional excellence.     
6. External Relationships:  This position will interact with CBCF donors, vendors and supporters, members of Congress and their staff as well as other elected officials, CBCF Board of Directors, key executives, attendees, and other stakeholders as defined by CBCF priorities.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Essential duties and responsibilities include:

1. Responsible for overall strategic vision and planning of all major organizational events, including conferences, fundraisers, celebrations, and cultural events. 
2. Partner with management team to identify strategic objectives, creative direction, budget planning, vendor management, or process improvements necessary to maximize stakeholder satisfaction and engagement.
3. Manage event team and coordinate production; supervise the delegation, planning, coordination, and logistical decisions related to all aspects of varying events.
4. Direct cultivation of relationships with all stakeholders engaged in organizational events. Ensure timelines and deadlines are met; and contractual obligations and organizational policies and procedures are maintained.
5. Produce/oversee run of events.
6. Manage and lead output of event related internal/external work teams. Ensure proper partnerships with vendors/consultants to minimize redundancy and maximize return.  Ensure sufficient staff and volunteers to maintain required staffing levels and support for event(s).   
7. Develop and manage conference/event budget in collaboration with Senior Leadership and event clients; reconcile expenses and provide regular reporting on expenditures and future cost analysis. Forecast budget variances and respond accordingly to maintain approved expense levels.  Conduct post project / event reconciliation with Finance team in collaboration with client. Provide recommendations for cost savings or efficiencies for current and future events.
8. Execute and manage the RFP/RFQ process for conference/event vendors. Evaluate, recommend, and negotiate contracts; and manage vendor relationships and performance. Conduct periodic review and evaluation of the RFP process to implement improvements, best practices, and greater service value.
9. Review invoices for payment; and conduct other duties and projects as assigned.

B. Required Special Skills

1. CMP required with a minimum of 8 years of progressive demonstrated work experience.
2. Proven history of success in delivering large-scale, city-wide conferences and/or high-profile events on time within budget, and with flawless execution.
3. Financial and Budgeting Experience.
4. Project Management Experience specific to event planning,
5. Strategic and Critical Thinking.
6. Experience managing talent negotiations including artist riders, ethics agreements, talent releases, and technical production.
7. Intensive experience with hybrid and fully virtual programming and production.
8. Previous senior leadership experience with ability to lead, manage, develop, and ensure accountability.
9. Collaborative interpersonal skills and experience working with high profile clients and stakeholder groups.
10. Understanding of the user and attendee experience through invitations, registration, mobile app usage, and overall engagement with event programs.
11. Effective oral and written communication including preparing and disseminating briefings, reports, and presentation skills.
12. Experience with the White House, US Secret Service, & US Capitol Police is a plus.
13. Ability to be nimble, work evenings, long hours, and weekends.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY/ACCOUNTABILITY

Incumbent must follow and adhere to federal, state, and local ethics laws, as well as CBCF policies governing conduct in addition to performing his/her duties in an ethical, professional, and objective manner. Failure to comply may result in penalties for CBCF and the Vice President of Strategic Events.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Knowledge:  A Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university, with a minimum of 8 years’ progressive demonstrated experience in leading large-scale city-wide events with proven results and effective leadership and management skills.  CMP certification required. Requires experience with directing high profile stakeholders and managing multiple diverse priorities. Proven track record of success in planning and executing a major public policy conference in a business, agency or nonprofit setting is desired.  CSEP and CEM, or equivalent certification, preferred.  An advanced degree in business management, financial planning or strategic management is a plus.
2. Computer and Technical Proficiencies: Advanced skills in all Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Access, Word, Excel, Adobe, PowerPoint, and Project Management tools.
3. Skills and Abilities:  This position requires a disciplined work ethic with accountability and ongoing follow-through. Proven ability to plan and manage a conference budget of $2M – $5M.  Ability to drive innovation and strategic planning to leverage new partnerships and forge varied relationships. Attention to detail is required.  Must demonstrate extraordinary customer care and strong problem-solving skills to respond to a number of end users with sound judgement. Ability to effectively manage and balance myriad responsibilities with capacity to deliver against the organization’s goals and objectives Ability to effectively collaborate with staff, consultants, and vendors to facilitate conferences, large scale events, and related projects.
4. Physical Requirements:  The candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demanding deadline schedules, long hours, some evenings, and weekends during peak times and be responsive to last-minute changes and demands. Applicants must be confident and reliable with the ability to engage in moderate travel.  Ability to produce and be flexible in a multi-priority, high demanding environment is essential.

CBCF is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, 403(b), paid vacation and sick time. Qualified applicants only must forward a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and three professional references. The position will remain open until the position is filled, using CBCF’s online employment portal. No phone calls accepted.