Director, Event Operations

About the role

Job Opening: Director, Event Operations Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising globally. The IFA’s mission is to protect, enhance, and promote franchising through government relations, public relations, and educational programs. IFA members adhere to the highest standards, including franchise companies in over 120 business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies supporting the industry in marketing, law, and business development. The Director of Event Operations plans and executes events, oversees all logistical aspects from initial concept to post-event evaluation for a portfolio of IFA Events. The Director of Event Operations works closely with internal stakeholders across levels and is pivotal in all aspects of events. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Programs and Operations and working closely with the Vice President of Event Design and Strategy and VP Content and Marketing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the logistics planning and execution of a portfolio of IFA events, managing internal process and external vendors
• Identify and assess conference/event needs. Draft meeting specifications and communicate conference requirements to venue and suppliers.
• Logistics and execution: coordinate all event logistics, including catering, audio-visual equipment, transportation, and staffing.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, manage relationships with stakeholders, and approved suppliers.
• Maintain concise production timelines and communication plans to ensure seamless event delivery and stakeholder alignment
• Develop and manage event logistics budgets and track expenses
• Develop and support on site event plan with IFA staff, volunteers, and on-site teams, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities.
• Provide on-site direction during events, manage guest services, and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Ensure all events comply with local health and safety regulations and oversee security operations and emergency procedures.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to measure success, provide reports, and identify areas for improvement.
• Contribute creative ideas and process improvements to strengthen IFA’s overall event strategy and member engagement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5 to 7 years of experience in event planning and management
• CMP Certification or equivalent (PMP)
• Proficient in MS Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, & Excel
• Excellent communication skills both written & verbal
• Comfortable in high pressure, fast paced, multi‑tasking environment
• Requires on‑site presence at all events
• Experience in CVENT or Bizzabo event registration a plus

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage
• Generous paid time off
• Competitive retirement plans
• Added perks that promote work‑life balance and overall well‑being

Pay

Salary range is between 120k and 140k, depending on experience.

Schedule

This position follows a hybrid work model, with employees expected to work from our Washington, DC headquarters at least two days per week and remotely for the remainder of the week.