Director, Events

Organization Overview

Results for America (RFA) is the leading national nonprofit organization helping policymakers at all levels of government harness the power of evidence and data to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Our mission is to make investing in what works the “new normal,” so that, one day, all government leaders use rigorous evidence and quality data to inform important policy and funding decisions. We believe that data-driven and evidence-based policy decisions could significantly increase the impact of the over $2 trillion that governments spend annually to advance economic mobility and racial equity.

Position Overview

Results for America seeks an experienced, dynamic Director of Events to lead our events strategy. This Director will set strategy for and directly execute RFA events work, which includes major announcement events, webinars, convenings, sprints, Congressional and federal agency briefings, virtual conversations with national leaders, and other events that help mobilize leaders at all levels of government to invest in what works.

This role may require travel up to 15% annually to plan, staff, and execute events and attend organization-wide meetings and partner events. 

This is a full-time, exempt position based in a home office anywhere within the U.S., with a preference for Washington D.C. location due to frequent in-person events.

Reporting Relationship

The Director of Events will report to the Vice President of Strategic Communications and oversee the Manager of Events. The Director of Events will be a senior leader on the Communication Team and will work closely with other RFA teams and external consultants.

Position Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Plan and Execute Virtual/In-Person Events (50%)

• Oversee and lead the planning and execution of all RFA events;
• Oversee and make adjustments to RFA’s Annual Events Calendar; 
• Serve as Events Team Lead on signature RFA events, including but not limited to:
• Events with the White House, Congressional, and other senior bipartisan leaders;
• National and regional economic mobility events;
• Federal and State Standards of Excellence events;
• What Works Cities Certification events;
• Examples of previous events:
• Evidence Act event
• 10-year anniversary event
• RFA Summit
• Presidential Primary events 
• Year of Evidence for Action event
• Associated duties include, but are not limited to:
• Pre-event 
• Partner with specific RFA teams to develop event communications, including mass emails, social media (in advance and on-site), and other publicity in close partnership with RFA program and communications staff;
• Work with teams to develop event agendas, registration pages, event budget trackers, session guides, and help coordinate speaker prep sessions;
• Day of event
• Serve as the on-site event lead; Oversee event registration and coordinate with RFA staff, vendors, and event consultants; 
• Oversee the event production, including a smooth run-of-show and transitions into break-out rooms and networking opportunities;
• Provide excellent customer service to and manage any specific logistical needs for event speakers, participants, guests, and RFA staff;
• Manage pre-event set-up and post-event wrap-up activities;
• Manage the technology and run of the show for virtual events.
• Post-event
• Manage post-event comms, including recognition for event speakers, participants, sponsors, partners, and RFA staff; 
• Ensure timely payment of event expenses to event vendors and consultants reimbursements for speakers and attendees.
• Work with the Communications team on event invitations, branding, event materials, and building audiences for events.

Develop Comprehensive Events Strategies (35%)

• Work with the VP, Strategic Communications, and Executive Team to build a comprehensive events strategy that advances RFA’s mission;
• Work with Vice Presidents and Program Leaders during the annual planning process to set events calendars and budgets for the following year; 
• Lead the development of new events, event platforms, and event innovations;
• Lead the Events team in establishing metrics of success for events and annual goal-setting with a focus on RFA’s events strategy ROI;
• Set and refine RFA event policies and processes;
• Represent RFA in developing event partnerships (co-sponsored events with other organizations, media partnerships); 
• Identify and negotiate contracts with vendors, venues, hotels, and restaurants that meet team needs and budgets;
• Partner with other Strategic Communications teammates to develop announcement events for key RFA releases.

Supervise Team and Strengthen the Organization (15%)

• Supervise the Manager of Events and any consultants or interns on the Events team toward meeting annual Events team goals;
• Work with the Finance and Operations team to track, manage, and effectively deploy event budgets;
• Work with the Development team to set, plan, and execute relevant grant reporting deliverables. 

All RFA employees are expected to participate in the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Experience 

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, as well as an alignment with Results for America’s mission and organizational values:

• 12+ years of progressive functional experience in product, grant, and team management (experience working for government, policy, advocacy, or nonprofit organizations strongly preferred) and a college degree;
• Proven track record of planning and executing major in-person events (500+ participants, $250,000+ budget);
• Proven track record of planning and executing successful virtual events and webinars (at least 10+ annually)
• Deep familiarity with features and functionality of Zoom Meetings and Zoom Webinars (RFA’s preferred webinar platform);
• Experience managing event budgets (over $500,000 annually), negotiating event contracts, and tracking event analytics;
• 5+ years prior supervisory experience;
• Demonstrated experience navigating complex stakeholder relationships and establishing buy-in as part of previous roles; 
• Demonstrated history of designing and successfully implementing outcomes-based strategies, objectives, and plans.

Competencies and Qualifications 

• Proficiency with Asana, Slack, CRM (Salesforce), and G-Suite (Docs, Sheets) preferred;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and clients;
• Strong writing and editing skills, with knowledge of how to write for specific audiences;
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills;
• Ability to build a culture of trust, innovation, and buy-in for common visions and goals;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders (internal and external);
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to establish and implement systems to achieve goals; 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented, collegial environment as well as work independently while fostering a team-focused culture that encourages collaboration and peer support;
• Superior work ethic; 
• Creative problem-solving and a growth mindset; 
• Deep curiosity about what works in improving economic mobility outcomes across multiple issue areas.

Salary and Benefits

Results for America offers a compensation package that includes:   

• A competitive base salary commensurate with relevant work experience; and
• A benefits package that includes choice in medical plans, dental/vision coverage, paid time off, and a 403b retirement plan with employer contribution.  

The salary range for this position is $142,758 - $185,812.

New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. 

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please complete and submit all information using the application link below.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to include their pronouns in their cover letter.

RFA is an equal opportunity employer that values/celebrates diversity, and that follows a policy of making all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, partnership status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses or stalking, military status, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state or local law.

Applicants for employment with RFA must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.