Description

Position Overview:
The Director of Programs and Events leads NVC’s programmatic strategy and execution in direct alignment with the NOVA Roadmap, a call to action for Northern Virginia’s economic growth. Reporting to the SVP, Member Engagement, the Director translates organizational priorities into a cohesive annual engagement portfolio that strengthens stakeholder engagement, retention, and revenue. In this hands-on leadership role, the Director is accountable for the performance and financial stewardship of the program portfolio and personally leads both the strategic design and disciplined execution of high-impact executive experiences that shape business and policy dialogue across Northern Virginia.

 Reports to: Senior Vice President, Member Engagement

Key Responsibilities:

      Strategic Program Leadership

o   Develop, own, and continuously optimize the Chamber’s annual program portfolio strategy, ensuring measurable alignment with NOVA Roadmap priorities, membership retention, and sponsorship revenue growth.

o   Establish performance standards and metrics to evaluate program impact on engagement, renewal, and investor satisfaction.

o   Partner with Membership, Investor Relations, Government Relations, and Marketing to integrate programming into broader growth and advocacy strategies.

o   Continuously refine the program portfolio to ensure executive-level value, policy relevance, and regional impact.

      Executive-Level Program Design & Content Strategy

o   Design compelling executive programs and forums addressing timely business, economic, and policy issues.

o   Identify, recruit, and prepare high-caliber speakers, including CEOs, policymakers, and subject-matter experts.

o   Engage confidently with senior leaders and represent NVC with professionalism and strategic clarity.

o   Develop strong titles, positioning language, scripts, and run-of-show documents that communicate value and purpose.

o   Maintain high standards for content quality, speaker diversity, and audience experience.

        Portfolio & Event Execution Management

o   Oversee the full lifecycle of major awards programs, signature events, executive roundtables, and virtual convenings.

o   Manage production timelines, vendor relationships, venue coordination, and day-of execution, including providing event staffing leadership.

o   Maintain financial oversight, including budgeting, cost control, and sponsor deliverable fulfillment.

o   Lead production meetings and ensure cross-functional accountability to deadlines and quality standards.

o   Conduct post-event evaluations and use performance data to inform future portfolio decisions.

      Revenue & Membership Integration

o   Collaborate with Membership and Investor Relations teams to ensure programming supports recruitment and retention goals.

o   Integrate sponsorship visibility and value into program design while maintaining program integrity.

o   Monitor and analyze program performance data to improve engagement, renewal, and sponsorship outcomes.

o   Identify opportunities to enhance program-driven revenue and deepen executive participation.

      Leadership & Organizational Impact

o   Supervise and mentor the Program Coordinator, establishing clear expectations and production standards.

o   Delegate effectively while maintaining ownership of outcomes.

o   Set performance standards and hold cross-functional partners accountable to timelines and quality expectations.

o   Serve as a strategic internal partner in brainstorming innovative ways to mobilize members and elevate the Chamber’s regional leadership.

Requirements

Key Qualifications:

Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience leading program strategy and execution within a membership-based or similarly complex organization.
Demonstrated experience leading large-scale executive events (200+ attendees)
Demonstrated accountability for budget ownership of event portfolios.
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with business development, membership, marketing, and government relations teams.
Experience engaging senior executives, public officials, or board-level stakeholders.
Experience integrating sponsorship deliverables into program design preferred.
Familiarity with CRMs and virtual meeting tools.