Director, Education & Conference Center

Title: Director, Education and Conference Center

Department: Education and Conference Center

About The New York Academy of Medicine:

The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) tackles the barriers that prevent every individual from living a healthy life. NYAM generates the knowledge to change systems so people can access what they need to be healthy. Through its research, high-profile programming, focused symposia for health professionals, its base of dedicated Fellows and Members, and a historic library, NYAM engages the minds and hearts of those who value advancing health equity to maximize health for all. Throughout our 177-year history, we have uniquely championed bold changes to the systems that perpetuate health inequities. Through our work, NYAM’s legacy as a public health leader continues.

Department Summary:

The Education and Conference Center (ECC) is the hub for all event planning and management activities at NYAM. Located in a historic Fifth Avenue building on Museum Mile, our department supports NYAM’s mission as the premier venue for health and public health organizations. NYAM’s facilities boast over 20,000 square feet of event space, including a dedicated conference floor, theatre-style auditorium, a board room, event space overlooking Central Park, and several multipurpose function rooms. Our events range from intimate gatherings to large conferences, accommodating anywhere from 20 to 500+ persons. We also host social engagements and occasionally serve as a TV/Film shoot location.

Position Summary/Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of The Education and Conference Center to lead our event planning and management team. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record of growing business lines, successfully conceptualizing, planning, and executing large-scale events, managing small but effective teams, and collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure success. This role requires strong leadership, organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under pressure. The Director will play a key role in driving revenue growth, enhancing brand reputation, and delivering exceptional experiences for both internal and external clients and attendees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

Develop and implement comprehensive event strategies aligned with organizational goals and objectives; Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities in the events industry; Collaborate with senior management to define event objectives, target audiences, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Event Management:

• External Event Management: Oversee the end-to-end planning and execution of events and conferences, ensuring seamless coordination of logistics, scheduling, and resource allocation; Manage event budgets, negotiate contracts with vendors, and optimize cost efficiencies while maintaining high-quality standards; Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including facilities, catering, audio-visual, and operations, to ensure alignment and synergy across departments; Implement best practices for event registration, attendee engagement, and post-event follow-up to maximize ROI and client satisfaction.

• Internal Event Management: Develop and oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of internal events, including employee gatherings, team-building activities, and corporate functions; Collaborate with department heads and internal stakeholders to understand their event needs and objectives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals; Coordinate logistical aspects of internal events, including catering, audiovisual equipment, and guest accommodations, to ensure seamless execution.

Team Leadership:

Recruit, retain, train, and mentor a high-performing team of event professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence; Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively, leveraging team strengths and expertise to optimize productivity and outcomes.

Client Relations:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, understanding their unique needs, preferences, and objectives to deliver customized event solutions.

• Cultivate strong relationships with existing clients and proactively identify opportunities to expand business through upselling, cross-selling, and client referrals.

• Collaborate with catering, security, audio-visual, and internal stakeholders to develop compelling event proposals, presentations, and pitches to win new business and retain existing clients.

• Review contracts and work with vendors to ensure the best possible outcome for NYAM.

Qualifications:

• Proven track record of diversifying revenues and successfully growing business lines, managing large-scale events from conception to completion.

• Strong financial acumen and experience managing event budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and team members.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate challenges, mitigate risks, and capitalize on opportunities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as required.

NYAM has a hybrid work schedule in place. Due to the nature of the role, this will be primarily an onsite position, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office to ensure effective management of event planning and execution, collaboration with team members and stakeholders, and to provide leadership and guidance to the event management team and senior leadership.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, marketing, or related field or a minimum of 10 years of experience in event planning. Must also have at least 3 years in a leadership role.

• Background in hotels, hospitality venues, or event management is required.

• Proficiency in event management software, Priava systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Certification in Event Management (e.g., Certified Meeting Professional - CMP) is a plus.

NYAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. NYAM is an affirmative action employer. As an organization whose primary focus is health equity, NYAM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees.