Gartner Conferences is seeking an experienced Associate Director to manage and optimize the Production Experience and Marquee Content team for our Destination Conferences portfolio. The Associate Director will oversee a team of project managers responsible for the planning, execution and delivery of marquee conference sessions – including Keynotes, Signature Series sessions, Guest Keynotes and other high‑profile sessions. This role focuses on the strategic direction of the Production Experience to ensure operational excellence, continuous process improvement and a world‑class attendee experience.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic direction of the Production Experience for the Destination Conferences portfolio with a focus on globally scalable solutions that result in a world‑class attendee experience.
- Lead and develop a team of production project managers, ensuring effective planning and execution of conference production projects.
- Oversee project management for Marquee Content sessions ensuring timelines, budgets and deliverables are met.
- Collaborate with Conference Program Management, Logistics and the Business and Technology Insights team to align production with conference objectives and audience needs.
- Manage relationships with internal and external production partners and vendors, ensuring high‑quality creative and technical execution.
- Implement and refine processes, templates and documentation to drive operational efficiency and scalability across the global portfolio.
- Ensure all production assets align with Gartner’s brand standards and creative direction.
- Be responsible for financial management of production projects, including budget tracking, forecasting and vendor negotiations.
- Use data to drive decisions about new initiatives and areas for improvement.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team – creating individual development plans for all team members to continue to grow in their careers.
- Represent the Production Experience team in cross‑functional meetings, initiatives and special projects.
- Domestic and international travel as required.
Expected Results
- High attendee satisfaction scores for Keynotes.
- Consistent and efficient execution of production projects globally.
- Achievement of financial and operational objectives.
- Strong team performance and professional development.
- Effective management of internal and external partners.
- Continuous process improvement and innovation.
- Excellent working relationships across teams and stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- 7–10+ years experience in conference management, conference project management, event production or related fields.
- Experience leading teams.
- Experience with agency and vendor management.
- Experience managing complex multi‑day conference programs.
- Global event experience preferred.
- Client‑focused, results‑oriented and collaborative.
- Strong organizational, prioritization and time‑management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Effective team leadership and development.
- Strong process improvement and documentation abilities.
- Creative thinker with attention to detail.
- Executive presence and confident decision‑making.
- Willingness to travel as required.
Gartner believes in fair and equitable pay. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is 107,000 USD – 161,000 USD. Employees may also participate in an annual bonus plan or a role‑based, uncapped incentive plan. Additional benefits include generous PTO, a 401(k) match up to $7,200 per year and stock‑purchase opportunities.
We are an equal‑employment‑opportunity employer. Gartner provides opportunities to all job seekers, including persons with disabilities. We commit to reasonable accommodations for applicants who require them. The policy of Gartner is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
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