Career Center

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is an organization of more than 10,000 public and private sector professionals committed to advancing from solid waste management to resource management through their shared emphasis on education, advocacy and research. Our mission is to advance the industry from solid waste management to resource management through an emphasis on education, advocacy and research.

For more than 60 years, SWANA has been the leading association in the solid waste management field. SWANA serves industry professionals through technical conferences, certifications, publications and a large offering of technical training courses. We are the largest member-based solid waste association in the world, with 47 Chapters in the U.S, Canada and the Caribbean.

Role Overview:

The Director of Meetings & Events directs the planning and execution of SWANA’s meetings, including logistics, vendor relations, and contract negotiations. The Director works with SWANA staff and volunteers to coordinate scheduling of education programs and industry events throughout the year. SWANA holds 2 major in-person conferences each year with up to 2000 attendees and 150 exhibits, plus a number of smaller meetings and retreats throughout the year.

Responsibilities:

• Leads planning and strategy of SWANA meetings and events in alignment with organizational goals, objectives, and strategic priorities.
• Implements best practices and develops planning standards, policies and procedures.
• Strategizes and implements events to include fostering awareness of participant needs and expectations, planning timelines and production schedules, and working towards a positive attendee experience for all meetings.
• Develops and maintains a network of vendors to assist with SWANA events.
• Oversees the sourcing process including vendor selection, negotiation and drafting of contracts.
• Reviews and finalizes venue arrangements, catering, technology and other event support services.
• Oversees execution of event production schedules for all meetings and workshops to ensure targets are met.
• Oversees the registration system for all meetings and events, and reviews and approves event websites to ensure usefulness, accuracy, and timeliness of information.
• Directs and manages all onsite logistics for in-person events including management and direction of all SWANA staff onsite.
• Tracks and analyzes trends and other data to inform planning and processes for future events.
• Develops and manages financial aspects of meetings and events, including setting annual budgets and pricing, reconciling budget variances, and approving expenses.
• Collaborates with communications team and program managers to provide program and event information through multi-media communications.
• Seeks and builds knowledge of meeting and event planning including opportunities to innovate and upgrade SWANA events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Please provide resume, cover letter and salary requirements to hr@swana.org. SWANA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including generous vacation and sick leave, several Carefirst medical options including employer-funded HSA plans, employer-paid disability, life insurance, and long term care insurance, and work location flexibility with work-from-home options.

SWANA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field required.
• CMP certification required.
• 5-7 years of experience managing comprehensive meetings and events, including at least 3 years as a meetings/events director.
• Expert knowledge in the latest meetings tactics to improve experience and profitability of events.
• Excellent project and deadline management skills.
• Highly motivated, quick-learning, and a self-starter.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Knowledge and skills in the use of iMIS and SWOOGO preferred.
• Candidates with PCMA or ASAE memberships preferred.