Position Overview
The UN Foundation strives to advance human dignity and protect the planet through our work on transformative issues critical to humanityโs shared future. As a strategic partner to the United Nations, we bring together fresh thinking and diverse voices to mobilize the people, ideas, and resources needed to tackle urgent problems and drive progress toward the collective promise of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Events Director is the creative and driving force behind the most compelling and engaging events and convenings that advance UN Foundation priorities, strengthen brand position as the UNโs closest strategic partner, and help demonstrate the UNโs unique value to the world. With a strong creative vision as well as first-rate skills in planning and execution, they will help the Foundation push the boundaries of high-impact events by combining of the best of physical, virtual, and hybrid event production. From high-profile, and multi-day convenings with large numbers of people and major public figures, to small white-glove private workshops and briefings, the Events Director demonstrates the ambition, vision, drive, and practical skills needed to build on UN Foundationโs reputation for excellence and take the organizationโs events and convenings to the next level, continually innovating on formats and virtual/hybrid technology to drive engagement. With experience across both physical and virtual events, this person will roll up their sleeves as well as lead a team of skilled events staff, manage contractors and suppliers/vendors, and provide strategic and tactical expertise to marketing teams across the Foundation. The Events Director is a member of the Public Affairs Team, reporting to the Senior Director, Communications & Special Initiatives, and working closely with leaders and teams across the organization.
This position is based in Washington, DC (hybrid schedule).
Essential Functions
Selection Criteria
College degree and/or Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).10+ years of related work experience, including 5-7 years of experience with UN/governmental protocol and events involving high-level public figures and celebrities, as well as large-scale convenings of on-the-ground practitioners, and activists.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Highly creative, with an eye for design.Extremely well organized, obsessive attention to detail, and the highest standards of service-delivery and audience/participant engagement.Experience managing a team.Considerable demonstrated experience and expertise in virtual, and hybrid events, and relevant technology and tools; existing relationships with virtual platform vendors strongly preferred.Professional attitude, with experience working with people at all levels, both externally and internally.Excellent judgment, and creative problem-solving skills, including contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and contingency planning.Self-starter, and a team player who thrives in atmosphere focused on building an organization rather than individual success.Ability to stay calm and make quickly thought-out, appropriate decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs.Comfortable with flexible working hours and dependable to be available via phone or email during these times.Experience of MS Suite, Monday.com, SplashThat, CRM databases including Salesforce, and Every Action, event software including but not limited to Zoom, and virtual event platforms, including some technical fluency.Ability to travel and work domestically and internationally up to 25%. Work hours may occur outside standard business hours including evenings or weekends when necessary.Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.Ability to work under pressure and handle stress.Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy.Benefits & Compensation
For full-time, benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of benefits, including:
a choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with HSA)dental insurancevision insuranceflexible spending accounts403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contributiongroup term and supplemental life insuranceshort-term disabilitylong-term disabilityhealth club discountscommuter subsidyback-up careemployee assistance programAdditionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of family leave care.
LI-#Hybrid