The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) seeks an organized, resourceful, detail-oriented, and collaborative nonprofit/association professional to serve as its associate director, Events. This new part-time position (60% FTE) will coordinate and manage the Association’s flagship events, which currently include semiannual Association Meetings, the annual Fall Forum, the biennial Library Assessment Conference, and the IDEAL Conference. This position may also manage other emerging association events as their capacity allows. Like all ARL staff, this position contributes to the development of a trusting and inclusive culture that reinforces ARL norms and values including our Code of Conduct.
Essential Functions
The associate director, Events will ensure the successful planning and execution of all Association flagship events. For each of these events, their duties will include:
- Serving as a member of and providing support for the event’s planning/steering committee. Such support may include working with the committee chair to develop and frame the event’s program, drafting event communication materials, engaging and managing the event speakers, and facilitating the overall work of the committee.
- Developing and managing the event’s registration process
- Coordinating and/or managing external parties such as an event’s partners, vendors, etc.
- Planning and managing the event’s logistics (for example, devising and managing an event’s call-for-papers process, developing an event’s “run of show,” selecting an event’s food and beverages, selecting and managing an event’s virtualization technology, selecting and configuring the venue, etc.)
- Developing and managing the event’s marketing and communications (in partnership with ARL’s Communications Team)
- Developing and managing the event’s budget (in partnership with ARL’s Finance Team)
- Providing “day of event” support
- Developing and managing the event’s evaluation process
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position supervises external event-related vendors such as technology providers, catering companies, etc.
Work Environment
The Association of Research Libraries is headquartered in Washington, DC, where it maintains an office in the Dupont Circle area. However, ARL follows a mobile-first strategy based on the premise that, with very few exceptions, its staff are able to conduct their work remotely most of the time without sacrificing the ability to fulfill the mission of the organization or the quality of ARL’s programs, products, and services. Where a job requires in-person attendance, such as at Association meetings, membership programs, or in representing ARL at partner events, an employee must meet those requirements regardless of their work location.
ARL will provide its staff with the technology and training needed to fully participate in a mobile-first work environment.
Position Type & Expected Hours of Work
This is a part-time position at 60% FTE (an average of 21 hours per week) and may occasionally require evening or weekend work. Occasional travel within the US and Canada may be necessary. All travel expenses will be covered by the organization.
Required Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree
- At least 5 years experience leading event planning and execution
- Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat
- Experience with cloud computing (Google Suite preferred)
Preferred Education & Experience
- Association, higher education, and/or nonprofit experience is a plus
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential
Recruitment
ARL is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the professional workplace. The Association is firmly committed to providing opportunity for outstanding persons of every race/ethnicity, gender, creed, and background. Candidates who thrive in an environment that embraces diversity and inclusivity are encouraged to apply. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. ARL offers standard benefits including sick leave, paid time off, and a retirement plan contribution. Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue to be accepted until a candidate is hired.
To Apply
The qualified applicant should submit a letter outlining interest and relevant experience, a résumé, and a list of three references using this application form.
About the Association of Research Libraries
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 125 research libraries in Canada and the US whose mission is to advance research, learning, and scholarly communication. The Association fosters the open exchange of ideas and expertise; advances diversity, equity, and inclusion; and pursues advocacy and public policy efforts that reflect the values of the library, scholarly, and higher education communities. ARL forges partnerships and catalyzes the collective efforts of research libraries to enable knowledge creation and to achieve enduring and barrier-free access to information. ARL is on the web at ARL.org.
