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Conference Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Conference Services Manager Department: Sales & Catering / Events Reports To ... Director of Sales & Marketing 1. Objective To ensure the seamless planning and execution of all ...

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Conference Director information

See Washington salary details

$37.4K

$82.1K

$158K

How much do conference director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for conference director in Washington is $82,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $90,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a conference director do?

A Conference Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all aspects of conferences and large events. Their duties include managing budgets, coordinating with speakers and sponsors, selecting venues, and supervising event logistics. They also handle promotion, registration, and problem-solving to ensure the event runs smoothly. Conference Directors work closely with teams to deliver a successful experience for attendees and stakeholders.

What are some common challenges faced by conference directors when managing large-scale events?

Conference Directors often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple stakeholders, managing tight deadlines, and adapting to last-minute changes. Ensuring seamless communication between vendors, speakers, sponsors, and internal teams is crucial to avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, balancing budget constraints while delivering an engaging attendee experience requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills. Proactively anticipating potential issues and staying organized helps Conference Directors navigate these complexities successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conference director?

To thrive as a Conference Director, you need strong project management abilities, event planning expertise, and a background in business or hospitality, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems is typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, leadership, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for coordinating complex events, ensuring stakeholder satisfaction, and delivering seamless conference experiences.

What is the difference between Conference Director vs Event Coordinator?

AspectConference DirectorEvent Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire conference planning, strategy, and executionHandles specific event logistics and day-to-day tasks
CredentialsOften requires experience in event management, project management, or related fieldsTypically requires event planning or hospitality experience
Work EnvironmentWorks with senior management, vendors, and large teams in corporate or academic settingsWorks directly with clients, vendors, and smaller teams for event execution
Industry UsageCommon in corporate, academic, and large-scale conference settingsCommon in hospitality, wedding planning, and smaller events

The main difference is that a Conference Director manages the overall conference strategy and leadership, while an Event Coordinator focuses on executing specific event details. The Conference Director has broader responsibilities and often requires more experience and higher-level skills compared to the Event Coordinator.

What does a conference director do?

A conference director oversees the organizing and planning of a convention, exhibition, or other events, often on behalf of a specific venue. In addition to meeting with potential clients and marketing on behalf of the venue, their responsibilities include the negotiation of contracts for outside services, such as catering or equipment rental. Their duties are to manage logistics and execute the contracts of all events. Qualifications often include a bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality, or a related field as well as experience in logistics or event planning.

What are the most commonly searched types of Conference jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Conference jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Conference Director jobs in Washington? For Conference Director jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Conference Director jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Conference Director jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Conference Director jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Conference Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Conference Director job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,054 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Director, Conference Programming

Mortgage Bankers Association

Washington, DC • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

As the leading advocate for the real estate finance industry, MBA is committed to providing our members with unmatched value and unparalleled benefits. In doing so, we recognize that our most valuable resource is our employees. MBA prides itself on sourcing top talent from all fields and is committed to investing in a culture where communication is essential, diverse voices are encouraged, and embrace inclusion for all.

  • Competitive salary and benefit packages including Medical, Dental, and Vision.
  • Hybrid work schedule that supports work-life balance
  • Professional development opportunities

If you are looking for a career-defining opportunity, share similar values, and are ready to make a difference in the real estate finance industry, look no further. Apply today!

Position Summary:

Position designs conference programming and carries out critical functions for the MBA Meetings department. Utilizing strategic thinking, industry knowledge, and stakeholder alignment across departments and membership, the position develops program content, executes speaker logistics, ensures accurate program representation on external-facing websites and apps, and manages onsite stage production consistent with established standards for conferences within budget. Position also collaborates with Marketing on promotional plans and Public Affairs on speaker scripting. Position is an individual contributor role.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Works with subject matter experts within MBA membership and on MBA staff to select topics and speakers for conference sessions. Participates in educational opportunities and engagements to stay abreast of real estate finance industry topics.
  • Stays abreast of meetings industry best practices to ensure MBA programs and experiences are designed and delivered in fresh, engaging formats.
  • Works collaboratively with the marketing department on promotional plans and content. Proofreads and approves digital and print marketing, as well as on-site materials, signs and screen graphics. Updates program information on the website within 48 hours of receipt. Inputs program-related elements into mobile event app.
  • Executes speaker management with a high level of service, professionalism and attention to detail. Provides speakers with detailed logistics; prepares and delivers invitations and briefings to officers and high-profile speakers; obtains photos, bios, and speaker licenses. Facilitates planning calls, reviews and approves slides, and manages onsite logistics with high level of detail and accuracy. May include managing any necessary contractual obligations associated with speakers.
  • Collaborates with manager, Public Affairs team, and show producer to create and manage run of show. Reviews and edits scripting and onsite graphics.  Provides onsite stage management and audiovisual execution and integrates polling or other interactive software.
  • Collaborates with meetings team to ensure program optimizes and complies with registration, sponsorship, exhibit, membership and logistical considerations, as well as with manager to ensure MBA initiatives are properly represented.
  • Develops and adheres to a project management plan for producing conference programs aligned with established critical path deliverables.  Responds in a timely manner to member and speaker inquiries.

Qualifications:

Requires a bachelor's degree plus a minimum of eight years of prior relevant experience with corporate or association conferences, events, or education programs and familiarity with customer/member databases. Experience in mortgage/real estate finance industry highly preferred.

Competencies:

  • Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, multitask, and adjust priorities based on timelines.
  • Ability to work in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
  • Ability to work independently and take ownership of tasks.
  • Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diplomacy.
  • Requires exceptional organizational skills.
  • Requires in-depth knowledge of MS Office suite, digital software platforms such as surveys and polling and experience with customer/member databases.

The current recruitment range for this role is $155,000 - $177,000.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or based on disability.

MBA is an E-Verify employer. Please note that MBA will not sponsor employment.

Employment Type: Full time