Director, Events Programming

About the Organization

Our client is a well-established, independent, non-partisan nonprofit think tank with a global presence, dedicated to helping senior business leaders navigate complex challenges. Through rigorous research, peer-driven insights, and high-level executive convening, the organization serves as a trusted resource across industries and geographies. The culture is collaborative, mission-driven, and values both intellectual rigor and creative thinking.

Position Summary

The Director, Events Programming leads the design and execution of high-impact event strategy across a robust portfolio of conferences and convenings for senior business decision-makers. This is a senior editorial and strategic role — part producer, part editor, part content strategist — responsible for shaping compelling agendas, recruiting world-class speakers, and delivering onstage experiences that reflect the most pressing issues shaping the global business landscape.

This role owns outcomes. The Director sets the intellectual vision for event programs, serves as the primary editorial decision-maker, and is accountable for content quality, relevance, and strategic impact.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Content Strategy

Develop conference agendas from concept through execution, defining themes, topics, and narrative arc for each program. Translate organizational research and strategic priorities into engaging, insight-driven formats that foster meaningful dialogue and learning. Identify emerging trends and thought leaders across business, economics, ESG, HR, technology, and leadership. Partner with internal subject matter experts and research teams to ensure content is relevant, rigorous, and distinctive. Serve as the final decision-maker on agenda structure, thematic direction, and narrative coherence.

Speaker Recruitment & Relationship Management

Source, vet, and secure top-tier speakers, panelists, and moderators from across industries and sectors. Personally recruit and steward senior-level speakers — C-suite executives, policymakers, and global experts — while maintaining long-term strategic relationships. Manage all speaker outreach, briefing, and on-site experience to ensure alignment with event objectives. Collaborate with sponsorship teams to develop commercially relevant speaker content while preserving editorial integrity.

Event Production & Onstage Experience

Shape session structure and pacing in collaboration with production teams across keynotes, fireside chats, panels, and interactive workshops. Partner with marketing, creative, and technical teams to enhance storytelling through staging, multimedia, and audience engagement. Develop event scripts, run-of-show documents, and talking points to ensure cohesive delivery. Maintain quality control of content and pacing during live events — both in-person and virtual.

Innovation & New Formats

Experiment with new event models and engagement strategies, including hybrid programming, thematic roundtables, micro-events, and digital extensions. Define the long-term innovation roadmap for event programming and determine which formats scale across the broader portfolio.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Marketing to align messaging and support audience growth. Collaborate with Sponsorship and Partnerships teams to identify content opportunities that serve commercial priorities without compromising editorial standards. Set cross-functional direction and resolve trade-offs to keep teams aligned around strategic programming goals.

Qualifications

12+ years of experience in event programming, content development, or conference production within events, media, or professional associations
Proven ability to design engaging agendas and recruit influential, senior-level speakers
Exceptional writing, research, and storytelling skills
Strong understanding of live and virtual event production, including scripting and onstage flow
Experience collaborating across marketing, communications, and business development functions
Tech-savvy, with demonstrated proficiency in collaboration platforms and AI tools to support research, ideation, and content creation
Creative thinker with a passion for innovation in content and audience experience; embraces continuous improvement

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