Associate Director of Events

Founded in 2007 by former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a leading nonprofit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation, and respectful dialogue. By bringing together Republicans and Democrats—and providing them with the space, policy insights, and evidence-based research needed to negotiate in good faith—BPC helps turn legislators’ best ideas into passable, durable laws. In the 17+ years since its founding, BPC has played an integral role in countless legislative accomplishments.

With projects in multiple issue areas including economic policy, energy, health, housing, human capital and democracy, BPC combines politically balanced policy making with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. As the only Washington, D.C.-based organization that actively promotes bipartisanship, BPC works to address the key challenges facing the nation. Its policy solutions are the product of informed deliberations by former elected and appointed officials, business and labor leaders, and academics and advocates who represent both sides of the political spectrum.

BPC is committed to seeing its policy solutions enacted by lawmakers. Through BPC Action, its (c)(4) affiliate, BPC engages in advocacy and strategic outreach and education to bolster the legislative center and support efforts that bring Republicans and Democrats together on the difficult issues facing the country. While a healthy, civil debate among those with differing viewpoints is an essential component of our democracy, the current partisan tone in government is impeding progress. Through the Democracy Program and bridge-building events, political summits and timely policy discussions, BPC is fostering an ongoing conversation about how to overcome political divides and help make our government work better.

Mission:
• Build connections.

• Negotiate policy.

• Achieve bipartisan solutions.

• Improve lives.

The Bipartisan Policy Center is seeking an Associate Director of Events to join its External Relations team in producing a robust calendar of in-person, hybrid, and virtual event experiences. Located in Washington, DC, the Associate Director will focus on event logistics, stakeholder engagement, and special projects to support the BPC mission of fostering bipartisanship by combining the best ideas from both parties to promote health, security, and opportunity for all Americans. This role requires an individual with both logistical expertise and hands-on event production skills to ensure successful event execution and a memorable experience for attendees.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning

• In collaboration with policy teams and Director of Events, develop and implement a comprehensive event strategy to promote the BPC brand aligned with organizational goals and objectives
• Create and manage an internal events calendar that shows all planned programming across organizations and establish an annual strategy of events, offering strategic guidance to policy teams about timing for and type of events
• Manage all public and private event programming, and major staff meetings, held at BPC, in-person, hybrid and virtual.
• In partnership with Communications team, develop and execute marketing and communication plans to identify target audiences and promote events and maximize attendance and engagement.
• Set and track measurable goals for each event.
• Test and perfect methods for hybrid events that maximize engagement of in-person and online audiences and deliver an optimal experience.
• Conduct and coordinate post-event evaluations to assess impact of BPC events and regularly advise projects and senior leadership on the success of events and recommend strategies for increasing effectiveness.

Event Execution

• Working with program teams, establish event budgets and manage expenses effectively.

• Independently organize and execute public and private events, in-person, hybrid and virtual, for BPC’s policy projects, including venue selection, contracting, logistics and production.
• Oversee all logistical aspects of event planning, including room setup, invite list building, tracking registration, reminders, thanks yous or other event-related correspondence, catering, transportation, technology, and accessibility.

• Identify and secure suitable venues, vendors, and partners, when BPC space is not suitable.
• Manage event staff, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and training.

• Manage onsite execution of events including set-up, tear-down, registration and vendor crews; oversee photographers, video crews and staging crews in preparation for and during events.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless event execution.
• Draft logistical documents including run of show, load-in schedules, emergency preparedness plans, logistics memos, seating charts, etc.
• Troubleshoot any issues that arise during events and implement solutions effectively.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and safety protocols.
• Develop and maintain high standards of event execution.
• Work with BPC’s web team to integrate digital strategies into events programming.

• Complete event follow-up including completing post-event forms and budgets, recording all pertinent event data, and final invoice payments.

Department Organization

• Build and maintain relationships with “approved” vendors for AV, sound, etc.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and best practices for BPC events
• Serve as liaison between Dynamics/Salesforce CRM and events, maintain quality lists of BPC event attendees and assist programs with invite lists and tracking

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 7 years of direct experience in event planning. Experience managing staff and budgets required.
• Experience in event marketing and strategic planning.
• Experience in sourcing and managing all aspects of live and virtual events
• Experience in effective hybrid event design that delivers optimal in-person and online experience for event participants.
• Experience managing digital platforms.
• Experience with high donor fundraising events.
• Digital communications skills, including how to use effectively use social media platforms as part of event programming.
• An ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• A demonstrated innovative and creative approach to developing successful events programming.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure. Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional relationship management skills. Experience communicating with high level principals.
• Occasional travel required. Ability to work event-based hours, including occasional nights and weekends as needed

• BPC offers a highly competitive salary and provides generous benefits. Individuals interested in this position should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample in one document. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. BPC does not sponsor employment visas.

BPC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.

Work Schedule

The work/life balance of employees is a priority for the Bipartisan Policy Center. As a result, BPC is currently operating on a hybrid schedule. Employees at BPC are currently coming into the office three times a week. Exact time and schedules will be determined between an employee and their manager.

BPC offers comprehensive health insurance benefits with a choice of open access HMO, POS, or PPO plan. HMO and POS individual plans have a monthly premium cost share of 10%. Dependent and Family HMO and POS plans are offered with a monthly cost share equal to 20% of the difference between the plan premium and the individual HMO monthly premium. PPO plans are offered with a 20% premium cost-share for all plans.

Additional benefits include 403(b) matching contributions of up to 7% of salary in addition to a non-elective contribution of 2% of salary (both after 90 days of employment); 15 vacation days, 2 personal days, 15 sick days, and 12 holidays per year; education benefits up to $5,250 per year after one year of employment; $2,000 for professional development expenses after six months of employment; Metro benefits of up to $130 per month; Company provided life insurance; and dental and vision insurance coverage with a Flexible Spending Plan.

We reasonably believe that the base salary range for this position is $100,000 – $140,000. At BPC, a wide range of factors are considered when making compensation decisions including and not limited to skill set, experience, training, education, knowledge, and other business and organizational needs.