Director of Programming & Strategy

About The Institutes

Located in beautiful Malvern, Pennsylvania, The Institutes® are a not-for-profit comprised of diverse affiliates that educate, elevate, and connect people in the essential disciplines of risk management and insurance. Through products and services offered by our nearly 20 affiliated business units, people and organizations are empowered to help those in need with a focus on understanding, predicting, and preventing losses to create a more resilient world.

Additionally, we understand the importance of work-life balance-in 2025 Philly.com named us a Top Workplace for the tenth year and USA Today named us a USA Top Workplace for the third year. We provide excellent benefits and a friendly, team-focused work environment to drive employee engagement.

Director of Programming & Strategy

The Director of Programming & Strategy serves as a senior leader of the International Insurance Society (IIS), responsible for the overall management and day-to-day operations of the organization, including membership, sponsorship, governance, and programming activities.

As a global membership association representing senior insurance executives, IIS plays a critical role in convening industry leaders, advancing thought leadership, and fostering collaboration across markets. The Director of Programming & Strategy will lead these efforts, with particular emphasis on shaping and delivering a world-class portfolio of programming and content.

This role combines traditional nonprofit leadership responsibilities-including operations, membership, and financial oversight-with direct ownership of IIS's programming strategy, ensuring that all convenings, content, and research initiatives reflect the evolving priorities of the global insurance industry.

What You'll Do:
Translate executive-level direction into actionable plans and drive execution across all functions.
Ensure efficient, effective operations across programs, resources, and processes.
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team with clear goals, accountability, and culture.
Direct the end-to-end planning and execution of core offerings (e.g., programs, events, content, or services).
Oversee the design and delivery of key programming initiatives, including:

Global conferences and flagship events (e.g., Global Insurance Forum, PIC)

This includes overall conference planning as well as leading the programming agenda.

Executive roundtables and leadership forums
Webinars and virtual programming
Research initiatives, reports, and thought leadership content
Awards & recognition programs (e.g. Insurance Hall of Fame, Global Innovation Awards, etc)

Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, clients, partners, and board-level constituents.
Oversee budgets, resource allocation, and financial outcomes to ensure sustainability and growth.
Support and expand sponsorship, membership, , and other revenue-generating initiatives.
Act as the central liaison across internal teams (e.g., sales, marketing) and external partners.
Support governance processes, board engagement, and organizational compliance.
Shape offerings to reflect industry trends, innovation, and evolving customer needs.
Serve as a visible ambassador to elevate the organization's brand and industry presence.
Other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For:

Bachelor's degree and relevant experience required
7-10 years of experience in management of an association, nonprofit, or related organization preferred
Experience within or familiarity with the global insurance or financial services industry preferred
Demonstrated success leading high-level programs, conferences, and/or thought leadership initiatives
Proven ability to engage and influence senior executives and industry leaders
Strong operational and program management experience
Experience managing staff
Experience with corporate event management preferred
Key Competencies

Ability to work independently, manage schedule and meet timelines.
Excellent communication skills including the ability to articulate key messages to members and stakeholders.
Sharp attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
Adept at working collaboratively and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Demonstrate integrity, a positive attitude, and be mission-driven and self-directed
Ability to think strategically, proactively and critically, synthesize complex issues and information and manage change within the context of a business unit operating as part of a larger organizational structure.
Strong programmatic and content instincts
Global perspective and industry awareness
Relationship builder with executive presence
Operational discipline and business acumen
Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on approach
Special Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Non-traditional work hours may be required on an emergency, pre-scheduled, or project basis.
International travel is required.

The Best Part? The Benefits!

To enforce the importance of work-life balance, employees enjoy excellent benefits, including:
401(k) plan with company contribution up to 16%
Generous time off package that includes paid vacation, personal, sick, and holidays
Paid maternity and parental leave
Tuition reimbursement
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
On our Malvern campus: Free lunch every day when working on campus, onsite fitness center, and a beautiful 1.25-mile walking path!

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.