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.