Director, Events and Marketing
Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, Chicago, IL, United States
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES EVENTS
Develop detailed, executable plans for all IHLA events, meetings and seminars
Negotiate contracts with suppliers such as hotels, speakers, and vendors
In coordination with membership staff, promote/sell tickets and event sponsorships
Build out event registration pages in Association Management Software
Establish and manage event budgets including the review and approval of event invoices; assist Finance Director in reconciling event budgets
Manage Events Committee and sponsor feedback to plan scope and format of events
Assist Finance Director with accounts receivable and collections for all event attendees
Provide on-site logistical leadership at all events, including directing other staff and volunteers. Manage in-kind product donations and vendors
Conduct post-event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved
Coordinate annual Stars of the Industry program, including nominations, judging and ceremony
Order awards, gifts and other event-related supplies as required
Arrange for audio-visual equipment, transportation, displays and other event needs
Coordinate overnight housing for IHLA members and staff, as needed
Read trade publications, attend seminars, and consult with other meeting professionals to keep abreast of meeting management standards and trends
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Serve as “Chief Storyteller” and position IHLA as a resource and thought leader to external audiences on topics important to the hotel industry
Design event marketing materials and distribute in an efficient and economical manner
Enhance and refresh IHLA’s branding and design across multiple online and hard copy mediums
Maintain and update all digital assets for external and internal groups, including website, social media, presentation slide decks, and communication methods
Evaluate metrics to determine the success of online communications and website visitation and develop strategies to grow engagement with members
Develop and maintain organization’s print and electronic collateral and branding material including, but not limited to sales collateral
Collect content for and edit regular bi-weekly newsletter
Create, update and distribute blast emails, webinars and event announcements, including assisting in handouts and materials for virtual and in-person meetings and events
Provide writing and editing support to other departments as needed
REPORTING Reports to the President and CEO. This position will manage one team member: Coordinator of Events and Marketing
WORK LOCATION This is a hybrid role with an expectation to be in the downtown Chicago office 3 days per week
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) preferred
Proficient experience with MS Office Suite; website and graphic design software; and social media applications
Strong customer service/sales skills via phone, email, and in-person
Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task, excellent time management skills
Ability to think and strategize at a high-level as well as perform tactically
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Exhibit high energy and be a team player
Excellent attention to detail
Willing to take initiative on projects and suggest innovative solutions
Ability to occasionally work beyond office hours (including early mornings, evenings, and weekends) and occasionally travel throughout the state for events, including overnight stays
COMPANY OVERVIEW The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(6) trade association that represents the lodging industry in Illinois. IHLA members consist of over 500 hotels and their employees throughout the state as well as related industry partners and suppliers. IHLA provides significant benefits to its members by advocating the industry’s position on political issues, educating through quality, relevant seminars and webinars, providing promotional exposure and access to current industry news, resources, and contacts through IHLA’s website, marketing initiatives, member programs, and networking events, and recognizing hotel employees for their outstanding accomplishments, service, and leadership in the Illinois hospitality and lodging industry.
IHLA is proud to offer a competitive compensation and benefit plan. IHLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse work culture.
TO APPLY Please send a resume and cover letter to Job@illinoishotels.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Develop detailed, executable plans for all IHLA events, meetings and seminars
Negotiate contracts with suppliers such as hotels, speakers, and vendors
In coordination with membership staff, promote/sell tickets and event sponsorships
Build out event registration pages in Association Management Software
Establish and manage event budgets including the review and approval of event invoices; assist Finance Director in reconciling event budgets
Manage Events Committee and sponsor feedback to plan scope and format of events
Assist Finance Director with accounts receivable and collections for all event attendees
Provide on-site logistical leadership at all events, including directing other staff and volunteers. Manage in-kind product donations and vendors
Conduct post-event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved
Coordinate annual Stars of the Industry program, including nominations, judging and ceremony
Order awards, gifts and other event-related supplies as required
Arrange for audio-visual equipment, transportation, displays and other event needs
Coordinate overnight housing for IHLA members and staff, as needed
Read trade publications, attend seminars, and consult with other meeting professionals to keep abreast of meeting management standards and trends
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Serve as “Chief Storyteller” and position IHLA as a resource and thought leader to external audiences on topics important to the hotel industry
Design event marketing materials and distribute in an efficient and economical manner
Enhance and refresh IHLA’s branding and design across multiple online and hard copy mediums
Maintain and update all digital assets for external and internal groups, including website, social media, presentation slide decks, and communication methods
Evaluate metrics to determine the success of online communications and website visitation and develop strategies to grow engagement with members
Develop and maintain organization’s print and electronic collateral and branding material including, but not limited to sales collateral
Collect content for and edit regular bi-weekly newsletter
Create, update and distribute blast emails, webinars and event announcements, including assisting in handouts and materials for virtual and in-person meetings and events
Provide writing and editing support to other departments as needed
REPORTING Reports to the President and CEO. This position will manage one team member: Coordinator of Events and Marketing
WORK LOCATION This is a hybrid role with an expectation to be in the downtown Chicago office 3 days per week
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) preferred
Proficient experience with MS Office Suite; website and graphic design software; and social media applications
Strong customer service/sales skills via phone, email, and in-person
Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task, excellent time management skills
Ability to think and strategize at a high-level as well as perform tactically
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Exhibit high energy and be a team player
Excellent attention to detail
Willing to take initiative on projects and suggest innovative solutions
Ability to occasionally work beyond office hours (including early mornings, evenings, and weekends) and occasionally travel throughout the state for events, including overnight stays
COMPANY OVERVIEW The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(6) trade association that represents the lodging industry in Illinois. IHLA members consist of over 500 hotels and their employees throughout the state as well as related industry partners and suppliers. IHLA provides significant benefits to its members by advocating the industry’s position on political issues, educating through quality, relevant seminars and webinars, providing promotional exposure and access to current industry news, resources, and contacts through IHLA’s website, marketing initiatives, member programs, and networking events, and recognizing hotel employees for their outstanding accomplishments, service, and leadership in the Illinois hospitality and lodging industry.
IHLA is proud to offer a competitive compensation and benefit plan. IHLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse work culture.
TO APPLY Please send a resume and cover letter to Job@illinoishotels.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr