Events Manager

Open Position: Events Manager (full time)

About the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA)

Based in Washington, DC, the World Affairs Councils of America is a nonpartisan nonprofit membership organization that supports, strengthens, and represents a national network of 90 nonpartisan organizations working to deepen their communities' global perspective. Learn more at

Role Description

WACA's events manager strategically leads the planning, coordination, and execution of the organization's events and meetings, including large signature events, Council meetings, webinars, and other virtual events. This full-time, primarily in-person position is based in Washington, DC, and reports to the chief executive officer. The events manager plays a critical role in ensuring seamless event logistics, vendor and budget management, collaboration with cross-functional teams, clear communication of responsibilities, and exceptional participant experiences. The role ensures compliance with organizational standards, timelines, and strategic objectives.

The events manager will oversee a dynamic portfolio of events and meetings to support the WACA Council network and help connect diverse audiences with current issues in global affairs. Responsibilities will include planning high-profile speaker events featuring diplomats, policy experts, and thought leaders; managing national-level gatherings like the WACA National Conference and Council Leadership Meetings; organizing logistics for special issue briefings; and supporting event management for educational programs such as Academic WorldQuest.

Job Functions

Event Strategy, Planning, and Coordination (35%)

• Design creative, member-centered events and experiences that enhance engagement and satisfaction
• Lead end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of WACA's major in-person events, including the National Conference, Leadership Meeting, and the Academic WorldQuest National Competition
• Develop and manage detailed event plans, timelines, workflows, and checklists, ensuring alignment across departments
• Develop and maintain event experience standards that reflect WACA's mission and values
• Maintain the organizational events calendar and coordinate event scheduling and preparation across all departments
• Regularly communicate with content leads for signature programs to ensure a synchronized vision and implementation
• Develop, manage, and monitor event budgets, including forecasting anticipated expenses and revenues to ensure financial sustainability
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify program needs, integrate cross-departmental priorities, and maintain organizational alignment across events
• Track event attendance, participant engagement, and trends to inform ongoing planning

Logistics, Operations, and On-Site Management (35%)

• Lead logistics for all in-person events, including site visits and selection, vendor RFPs, contract negotiation, venue management, catering, AV, room sets, printed materials, book sales, exhibitors, and all production details; ensure all post-production logistics are complete
• Serve as the primary point of contact for staff, vendors, partners, and volunteers throughout the event cycle and during on-site execution
• Manage event registration systems and ticketing platforms, including setup,