Conference Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Conference & Events Planning (CEP) Manager leads the leads the planning, coordination, and execution of the NASW New Jersey Chapter’s conferences, continuing education events, and special programs.

This role oversees the full lifecycle of chapter events, including logistics, budgeting, vendor management, registration systems, and participant experience. The Manager ensures high-quality, financially sustainable, and mission-aligned events that support professional development and chapter revenue. The position supervises the Continuing Education & Special Events Coordinator and works in close partnership with the Executive Director and chapter leadership to advance NASW-NJ’s strategic initiatives.

BASIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conference and Event Strategy & Planning:

• Leads the planning and execution of the NASW-NJ Annual Conference, in conjunction with the Executive Director, and major chapter events.  Oversees the volunteer planning committee.
• Develops annual event calendar aligned with chapter priorities and continuing education needs.
• Establishes event timelines, milestones, and planning processes.
• Ensures events reflect NASW mission, professional standards, and member needs.
• Continuously strengthens event quality, accessibility, and engagements.
• Oversees the Board regional units’ events.

Event Logistics & Operations:

• Oversees venue selection, contracts, vendors, and on-site logistics.
• Manages registration platforms, attendee communications, and event systems.
• Directs run-of-show planning and on-site execution.
• Ensures compliance with accessibility, safety, and organizational standards.
• Oversees production of event materials, signage, and supplies.

Continuing Education Integration:

• Coordinates CE programming logistics in collaboration with OMP leadership.
• Ensures CE documentation and event structure meet NJ licensing requirements.
• Oversees session scheduling, speaker coordination, and CE workflows.
• Monitor CE participation and completion processes.
• Serves as staff liaison to assigned committees and workgroup as requested by the Executive Director.

General Duties:

• Supervises the Continuing Education & Special Programs Coordinator.
• Strengthens alignment between volunteer initiatives and chapter strategy.
• Serves as staff liaison to assigned committees and workgroup as requested by the Executive Director.
• Reports to Executive Director on strategic planning and chapter growth initiatives.
• Represents NASW NJ at various events and meetings in the absence of the Executive Director. 

MINIMUM WORK REQUIREMENTS:

Skills:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to build trust and collaborate across sectors and with diverse stakeholders.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• This position requires the ability to routinely travel to the Princeton, NJ office and throughout the state, as needed.

Knowledge:

• Master’s degree in social work, public policy or related field required (social work preferred).
• Experience in nonprofit, association, or professional membership organization leadership
• Knowledge of New Jersey’s continuing education administration and compliance.
• Demonstrated operational and program management experience.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.

Experience: 

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in operational administration, continuing education program management, or a related field.
• Experience planning events, workshops, or trainings a plus.
• Experience with budgeting a plus.

ATTRIBUTES:

1. Results driven: This individual sees the big picture, assists with the development and monitoring of key performance metrics to produce the desired results.  
2. Strong business acumen: This individual sees opportunities and emerging trends, and is knowledgeable about the operations, unique needs, and goals specific to member-driven, not-for-profit organizations. 
3. Partnership: This individual is able to build trust internally and externally and must be viewed as highly professional, discreet, and accountable.
4. Organizational agility: This individual has a thoughtful, respectful communication style that fosters an open environment, enabling thought-provoking discussions and collaborative decision making. 
5. Perceptive:  This individual is creative and intuitively recognizes opportunities and takes appropriate action.