Career Center

The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking a full-time Conference Manager to oversee all logistical activities for in-person and digital components of Conference Services meetings and events. This includes the ALA Annual Conference and LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience.

Reporting to the Director of Conference Services & Operations, and in collaboration with members of the Conference Services team, and supported by a conference planner and conference coordinator, the Conference Manager responsibilities include:

• Managing logistical activities for in-person/virtual
• Oversite and delegation of setup for meeting space and offices including the accurate scheduling of meetings and programs
• Working with hotels and/or convention centers and contractors for meeting services (space, audio-visual, computers, telephone/internet/electrical, signage)
• Acting as the liaison  to audio-visual provider for meeting space (concurrent functions)
• Oversite of conference program accessibility compliance
• Oversite of  Food & Beverage Orders
• Pre-event invoice review
• Space management and onsite room checks
• Post-event review, allocation, and payment of invoices

This is a regular full-time position based in our Chicago office.  ALA staff are currently working flexible hybrid schedules.   Please note that although we have a generous telecommuting policy for our employees, we do not have any truly remote positions in states outside of our workplace sites. 

ALA currently requires that employees be fully vaccinated as defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Proof of vaccination will be required on or before start date. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.   

Starting Salary:  Negotiable from the mid-60s, based on relevant experience. ALA offers a 35-hour work week, excellent benefit package including low-cost medical/dental insurance, retirement annuity and generous paid vacation.  You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

FOR CONSIDERATION

Apply online including cover letter and resume.

OR

Send a cover letter and resume to:

Mary Pullen, ALA Senior Human Resources Manager

Ref: confmgrConfSvcs

Email: mpullen@ala.org

The American Library Association is an equal opportunity employer:  Disability/Veteran.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or related field.

• Five to seven years’ experience in hands-on conference management with exposure to multi-hotel/city-wide events

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) –a current certification is preferred
• Prior experience working with an Association or Association Management Company, with a strong background in cross organizational collaboration is a plus.
• Experience in producing virtual events
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) with strong knowledge and skills in Excel.  Proficiency in Cadmium CD a plus
• Strong, creative problem-solving skills with the ability to perform in a high volume, time sensitive and deadline driven environment
• Experience in contract negotiation
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail
• Ability to function independently and with minimal supervision
• Must be able to travel several times a year, including the weeklong annual conference
• Strong attention to detail.  Project management experience is a plus