Regular Full-Time
Rosslyn, Arlington, VA, US

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is seeking a highly skilled Meeting & Events Director.

NEMA is an industry trade association that represents the manufacturers of electrical equipment and medical imaging devices. Through the collective impact of our 300 member companies, we are leading the electrical industries into an ever-more electrified future—one defined by connected devices, electrified transportation, high performance building systems, more resilient electrical grids, and advanced manufacturing automation. NEMA is committed to expanding market opportunities and removing business barriers by developing industry standards, advocating on behalf of the industry at the federal and state level, and delivering world-class market intelligence.

The Meeting & Events Director will lead NEMA's meetings, events, and conference strategy, overseeing the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of more than 100 meetings, events, and conferences annually while maintaining direct responsibility for day-to-day event planning, logistics management, vendor coordination, registration oversight, and onsite execution., and will report to the Managing Director, Marketing and Business Development. This position will be responsible for establishing event strategy, operational standards, budgeting frameworks, vendor management practices,, on-site leadership, and resource allocation plans to ensure successful execution of NEMA’s event portfolio. Coordination of these responsibilities will require a close working relationship with multiple internal and external stakeholders, including staff, members, and various vendors.

The position will own and oversee event budgets and ensure accurate accounting is maintained and optimized for all meeting revenue and expenses. Additionally, the Meetings & Events Director will lead contract negotiations, identify opportunities to strengthen event revenue and sponsorship performance, and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership regarding NEMA’s events portfolio. This position will work closely with team members on the Marketing, Business Development and Events team on event promotion and ensure brand consistency is met in all marketing materials.

This position requires in-office presence at NEMA’s office in Arlington, Virginia two to three days per week, with the occasional need for additional in-office days for major meetings or other events. On the other workdays, work may be done at home or another suitable remote work location. The position requires occasional travel (<25%).

While this position is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of NEMA's meetings and events portfolio, it remains a highly hands-on role with direct responsibility for event logistics, registration management, vendor coordination, attendee experience, and onsite execution.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop and execute NEMA’s meetings and events strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, member engagement objectives, and revenue targets while overseeing all aspects of event planning and execution.
• Lead all venue sourcing, site selection, and contract negotiations, ensuring favorable terms and strategic alignment with NEMA’s business objectives.
• Serve as the primary strategic liaison with venues, hotel partners, vendors, sponsors, members, and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Marketing and Business Development to develop event marketing strategies, sponsorship programs, and attendee engagement initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional event planning processes, establish accountability, and ensure timely decision-making across internal teams.
• Establish standards and best practices for in-person, virtual, and hybrid event delivery, including AV, production, and technology requirements.
• Develop and manage event budgets, revenue forecasts, sponsorship strategies, and financial performance metrics in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Oversee financial performance, approve event-related revenue and expenses, and recommend strategies to maximize ROI and operational efficiencies.
• Oversee event registration, audience segmentation, and attendee engagement strategies, leveraging data and analytics to improve outcomes.
• Analyze event performance metrics and prepare executive-level reports and recommendations for leadership.
• Provide on-site leadership and executive-level oversight for major meetings and events, including venue site visits as needed.
• Lead post-event evaluations and implement continuous improvement initiatives across NEMA’s event portfolio.
• Ensure a high-quality attendee experience and maintain strong member, sponsor, and stakeholder relationships.
• Oversee conference center operations and vendor relationships in partnership with NEMA’s Building Services Manager to ensure exceptional service delivery.
• Provide strategic oversight of webinars and virtual events, ensuring alignment with content, sponsorship, brand, and audience engagement goals.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify, develop and plan new events to meet the evolving needs of NEMA members and to help enhance and grow NEMA’s brand.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on event trends, technologies, and opportunities to enhance member value and organizational impact.

Experience and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, leadership experience, strategic planning capabilities, an innovative spirit, exceptional attention to detail, an eagerness to learn, and outstanding communication skills, including writing ability. Experience working at a trade association or similar membership organization is preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive meetings and events management experience, including large-scale conferences, executive meetings, and strategic event planning.
• Demonstrated experience with event technologies, CRM systems, event management platforms, and budget oversight.
• Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of legal issues pertaining to venue and vendor contracts.
• Strong leadership, project management, organizational, and team development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel <25% of the year as needed.
• Experience managing event budgets, sponsorship revenue, and contract negotiations.

Interested individuals should apply directly to NEMA at: NEMA CAREERS

Shape the future of electrical and medical imaging standards at NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. NEMA is the leading trade association and ANSI-accredited standards developing organization representing manufacturers of safe, reliable, and increasingly intelligent electrical and medical imaging technologies. As the electroindustry becomes more connected, digital, and dynamic, NEMA plays a critical role—setting standards, advancing policy, and providing decision‑grade insights that help our members compete and innovate.

NEMA is seeking a Managing Director, Standards to provide strategic, operational, and technical leadership for one of the association’s most mission‑critical functions. This is a highly visible senior leadership role for a standards expert who wants to influence the direction of industry, guide complex technical programs, and work at the intersection of technology, policy, and market transformation.

The role

The Managing Director, Standards leads NEMA’s standards strategy, compliance, and operations. This leader ensures that NEMA’s standards and technical programs deliver value to members, reflect market and regulatory realities, and strengthen the global competitiveness of the electroindustry.

Working collaboratively across a matrix organization, the Managing Director oversees the full lifecycle of NEMA standards—from strategic planning and development through publication, promotion, and continuous improvement. The role also serves as NEMA’s primary senior representative to key domestic and international standards bodies, bringing technical rigor, credibility, and diplomacy to complex stakeholder environments.

What you’ll do

Lead NEMA’s standards strategy and execution

• Serve as NEMA’s senior authority on standards and technical activities, with deep expertise in standards development, electrical equipment, performance and safety standards, and building codes
• Set and execute a forward‑looking standards strategy aligned with industry needs, market trends, sector strategies, and NEMA’s organizational goals
• Oversee the development, maintenance, approval, and promotion of all NEMA standards and technical processes
• Ensure successful delivery of the annual Standards Publication Plan, with clear accountability and performance tracking
• Lead ANSI accreditation and audit activities, ensuring compliance and continuous process improvement
• Drive digital transformation of standards development, including workflow automation, system modernization, and application of AI‑enabled tools
• Provide executive oversight of technical committees and contribute strategic input to Board‑level technology governance
• Lead, mentor, and develop staff while managing budgets, priorities, and performance expectations
• Build and strengthen standards capabilities across NEMA staff and member company representatives

Represent and elevate NEMA externally

• Act as a visible and credible champion for NEMA standards and the electroindustry
• Lead coordinated promotion of NEMA’s technical publications in collaboration with Marketing and Communications
• Strengthen strategic partnerships and alliances that advance NEMA’s standards leadership and influence
• Serve as NEMA’s senior representative to ANSI, ULSE, SES, NFPA, ICC, and other key standards organizations
• Advance NEMA policy and technical positions through trusted relationships and effective advocacy
• Represent NEMA as a speaker and thought leader at conferences and industry events

Provide organizational leadership and member engagement

• Serve as an active member of NEMA’s Leadership Team, contributing to the association’s strategy and cross‑functional collaboration
• Ensure strong engagement between technical staff and members, helping members understand and maximize the value of NEMA’s standards activities
• Proactively assess and address member satisfaction within technical committees and connect standards work to broader NEMA value streams

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field, or a non‑technical degree with equivalent technical experience
• At least 10 years of experience in standards, codes, conformity assessment, or technical program leadership
• Deep knowledge of ANSI and other standards development and approval processes; SES CSP certification expected
• Demonstrated leadership within domestic and/or international standards and code‑making organizations (e.g., ULSE, NFPA, ICC, IEC)
• Proven experience leading digital transformation of standards processes, systems, or tools, including AI applications
• Strong strategic, operational, and people leadership skills, with the ability to manage complexity and competing priorities
• Executive‑level communication and diplomacy skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Strong technology fluency and proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Teams)
• Ability to resolve conflict with fairness, judgment, and organizational awareness
• A leadership style that reflects NEMA’s core values: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Leadership, and Agility

Projected compensation for this position is $160K to $200K (annual USD). Final salary offered will generally fall in this range and is determined by various factors, including but not limited to the individual’s combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, and internal pay equity, location, and other organizational requirements.

NEMA offers a competitive salary and eligibility for incentive pay, and excellent benefits package, including paid holidays, personal time, flexible working hours, 401(k) plan, health/dental insurance, health savings plan, and partial pre-tax parking/Metro subsidy.

NEMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Interested individuals should apply directly to NEMA at: NEMA CAREERS