Organization: The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)

Position: Senior Director, Event Operations

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Southfield, MI/Remote/Work-from-home Flexibility

Are you a strong leader with experience in events operations and vendor relations?  The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is a nonprofit association of professionals, educators, and students committed to promoting and supporting the manufacturing industry so manufacturers can innovate, grow, and prosper.  They are seeking a Senior Director of Event Operations to lead vendor relations, event budgeting, and strategy planning for all SME events.  This is an excellent opportunity to bring new, innovative ideas to a talented team of event professionals!  SME offers generous benefits and flexible hours.  This position can be remote or offers work-from-home flexibility for local candidates.  This position requires occasional in office attendance in Southfield, MI.

As the Senior Director of Event Operations, you will perform a key leadership function for the Events unit by playing an active role in the budget and strategy planning, participating in leadership meetings, and acting as the primary point of contact for high level SME (Corporate) activities.  You will be responsible for event-related strategic and operational initiatives across SME business units, providing guidance and ensuring the successful delivery of SME’s Events for all stakeholders.  You will lead with a Customer First mindset that places service excellence at the core of all customer interactions and experiences.  This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and manages and leads a team that supports the overall operational objectives and initiatives for the organization.

Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in business or communications, plus a minimum of ten years of experience in trade show and event management (or equivalent experience).  SME is seeking individuals with expense management experience of operational budgets ranging from $50,000 to over $5M and superior knowledge of industry regulations and event operational guidelines.  This position requires the ability to travel up to 30%.

How To Apply

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume and cover letter to the following job link (or copy/paste link to a new window):

https://recruitcrm.io/apply/16582484354400013318tUm

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at jobs@cessnasearch.com.

SME is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. 

About The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is a nonprofit association of professionals, educators, and students committed to promoting and supporting the manufacturing industry.  SME helps manufacturers innovate, grow, and prosper by promoting manufacturing technology, developing a skilled workforce, and connecting the manufacturing industry.  SME offers the top manufacturing technology resources and news and produces the industry’s most valuable events.  With offices located in Southfield, MI, Cleveland, OH, and Ontario, SME supports manufacturing based on its core belief: Manufacturing is key to economic growth and prosperity.  

The SME Education Foundation is committed to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative by providing increased opportunities to underrepresented and disadvantaged communities across the country.

About Cessna & Associates, LLC

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission driven, non-profit organizations.  Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.  

The Power of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fuels Success

Cessna & Associates embraces and celebrates the strength that diversity brings to our organization.  Just as we are deliberate in our own pursuit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, our efforts support our clients' DEI success. We drive every search with an unyielding focus to create an even playing field for all candidates and assess their ability to be "culture adds", not merely "fits" for our clients.  Our team builds and nurtures this rich tapestry of diversity for ourselves and for our clients.