Description

About the Role

We’re building an international event presence, and we're looking for a Director of Events to lead this growth while owning the strategy and execution of our overall event portfolio. You'll lead our events team and drive strategy across AEE’s events, from our flagship annual conference to emerging international markets. You'll own the full lifecycle of international events: from market selection and venue negotiation to event execution and on-site leadership.

This role requires someone who thinks strategically about how events drive member engagement and revenue – and who isn't afraid to execute the details that make that strategy real.

During onboarding you'll work on-site in our Atlanta office; after that, the position may move to hybrid upon supervisor approval.

Qualities that Matter

• People-first: You genuinely invest in your team’s development and strive to deliver event programs that bring our members, certificants, and other industry experts together.
• Hands-on leader: You roll up your sleeves and help the team. You lead by example and get involved in the execution.
• Collaborative: You partner across departments, build trust, and communicate clearly.
• Organized and detail oriented: You catch risks and errors before they become problems. You manage complex timelines and requirements with precision.
• Comfortable with ambiguity: You’re building something new internationally. You’re energized by emerging markets and aren’t intimidated by complexity.
• Mission-driven and financially disciplined: You understand how events drive revenue and member engagement. You care about both the impact and the sustainability – managing budgets carefully and thinking strategically about growing funds to further invest in our mission.

What You'll Own

Department Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the Events Department, responsible for setting and executing strategy for all AEE’s full event portfolio
• Establish and monitor SMART goals aligned with organizational priorities
• Hire and develop your team, address performance issues, and foster strong cross-departmental relationships
• Manage event budgets, ensure cost control, and identify revenue opportunities
• Foster strong cross-departmental collaboration and communication

Event Planning and Delivery

• Own end-to-end execution of international conferences, including site selection, venue management, supplier contracts, and compliance requirements
• Set strategy and provide operational leadership for AEE World and U.S. regional conferences
• Partner with Executive Leadership to evaluate and select optimal event locations, markets, and growth opportunities
• Develop long-range event calendars and expansion strategies informed by AEE’s strategic priorities
• Ensure exceptional experiences for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors
• Represent AEE at site visits and provide executive-level onsite leadership
• Lead contract negotiation and vendor relationships for venues, hotels, and service providers
• Oversee vendor management, timelines, and budget performance

Financial Oversight

• Own the financial performance of the events portfolio
• Monitor profitability, cost control and forecasting
• Collaborate with Executive Leadership and Accounting to ensure accurate reporting and financial transparency
• Identify opportunities to increase event revenue and long-term portfolio sustainability
• Partner with Marketing on promotion and engagement strategy

Technology & Operations

• Oversee event technology platforms, registration systems, and exhibitor fulfillment
• Build scalable processes and systems that support sustainable growth

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

Required

• 7+ years of event leadership experience, ideally including international conference planning
• Experience in team management and cross-functional collaboration
• Comfortable with both strategic thinking and operational execution
• Ability to communicate clearly, push back thoughtfully, and genuinely collaborate
• Understanding of meeting compliance, contracts, and vendor management
• Organized, detail-oriented, and can manage multiple complex timelines
• History of driving revenue growth and operational efficiency

Nice to Have

• CMP or other related certification
• Previous work with association conferences and/or tradeshows
• Experience managing and optimizing event technology platforms
• Project management experience in Asana or other similar tools

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At AEE, we put people first, and that commitment starts with how we support our team. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• A generous profit-sharing retirement plan
• 22 days of PTO, paid holidays, and a year-end office closure
• Company-paid medical premiums for employees
• Dental and vision coverage for families
• Paid parental leave
• Bonus opportunities
• A company-paid wellness subscription
• Flexible work arrangements
• Company social gatherings and team events

Work Environment

On-site in Atlanta with opportunity for hybrid
Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization

Physical Demands

This position will be performed on-site at the AEE office in Atlanta, GA. The physical demands outlined below represent the requirements necessary to successfully perform the essential duties of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Extended Work Hours: Due to the nature of the role, working more than 35 hours per week may be necessary to meet job responsibilities. Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work may be required, particularly during events.
• Physical Demands: The role may involve occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs. Other physical tasks may be required based on the needs of the position.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or physical demands associated with the role. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed, with reasonable accommodation available for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Travel Requirements

Travel may be required up to 20% of the time for this role. Modes of transportation include air, car, and rail.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

AEE provides equal opportunity in all our employment practices to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, transfer, disciplinary action, layoff, return from layoff, training, and social and recreational programs. All such employment decisions will be made without unlawfully discriminating on any prohibited basis.