Summary/Objectives:
The Meetings and Conferences Manager is responsible for collaborating with ASFMRA staff, instructors, volunteers, and external vendors to deliver quality networking and educational opportunities for Society members and other customers. Success includes the creation and execution of events that are highly regarded by stakeholders while being operated in a smooth and organized fashion. The chief focus will center on three major ASFMRA events per year, as well as assisting with travel accommodations for instructors on small-scale classes throughout the year and aiding in miscellaneous Chapter and Society events. The role will work with site location contacts and other vendors as needed to run these events while managing budgets to ensure both financial success and attendee satisfaction.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Conference and Event Planning Lead
- Assist in site selection for two conferences
- Coordinate with members and staff to develop agendas and secure specific event speakers and educational offerings
- Contract negotiation and banquet event order/budget oversight and review
- Set-up/tear-down and other on-site event coordination
- Managing rooming lists and balancing the housing and travel needs of key stakeholders
Event Management
- Act as key organizer for all ASFMRA events, including its Annual Conference, Education Week, Leadership Excellence Program, and other smaller meetings.
- Serve as liaison between ASFMRA staff, volunteers and outside vendors to ensure timely and smooth execution of events
- Serve as chief on-site presence at each event to troubleshoot issues and identify areas of opportunities
- Manage budgets throughout all events and make executive decisions to best position the Society for financial success
Sponsorship
- On an annual basis, work to re-sign existing sponsors and identify and secure new sponsors.
- Ensure fulfillment of sponsor rights throughout the year, with a particular emphasis on those surrounding key events
- Identify new sponsorship opportunities with the ASFMRA’s Marketing Department, Education Department and others to expand the sponsor portfolio
Miscellaneous Duties
- Identify, propose and implement process improvements
- Meet regularly with marketing department to ensure accuracy and timeliness of communications and promotions
- Book accommodations for instructors and other key stakeholders for course offerings and events
Required Skills/Abilities/Qualifications:
- Four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience comparable to a four-year bachelor’s degree
- 4 years of experience in event planning or management
- 4 years of experience with Microsoft Suites
- Prior experience in sponsorship fulfillment and vendor negation a plus
- Prior experience with professional educational and/or non-profit organizations a plus
- Experience in the agricultural industry a plus
- Willingness to independently explore and recommend changes to current protocols or procedures
- Excellent project management skills, including the ability to juggle multiple priorities while responding to daily workload demands and changing urgencies
- Self-motivated, attention to detail, results-oriented, with strong organizational skills
- Ability to effectively communicate with staff and subject matter experts in a strong but relatable manner
- Proven ability to meet deadlines and work with teams
- High-level customer service and communications skills, including navigating complex relationships
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Working Conditions:
- 80% in-office, with 10% travel and 10% work-from-home
- Minimal extended or weekend hours required, primarily surrounding two major events each year
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting and eye strain may be required based to complete computer-based tasks
- Lightweight lifting and other physical exertion may be necessary for in-office and on-site event tasks
AAP/EEO (Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity) Statement:
The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, family or parental status, veteran, disability status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations where the organization operates.
Disclaimer:
The job description above may not be comprehensive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described and may be changed at any time.
More About the ASFMRA
The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers® (ASFMRA®) is the largest professional association for rural property land experts, boasting over 2200 members in 30 chapters throughout the United States. The ASFMRA is the premier organization for individuals who provide management, consultation, valuation services, and real estate services on rural and agricultural assets. The land experts who hold membership in ASFMRA work under a professional code of ethics, including continuing education requirements. Over 40 percent of ASFMRA's members hold a designation as an Accredited Farm Manager (AFM), Accredited Rural Appraiser (ARA), Real Property Review Appraiser (RPRA), or Accredited Agricultural Consultant (ACC). We empower our members to provide best-in-class service with an invaluable balance of education, accreditation, and support.
