Senior Director, Event Strategy

Summary / Objective The Senior Director, Event Strategy is a key leader at IFT who is responsible for the overall strategy, design, and portions of the execution of Institute of Food Technologists’ annual event and expo, IFT FIRST. This role will also be responsible for other meetings, conferences, and special events throughout the year. The Senior Director, Event Strategy oversees the full attendee and exhibitor journey at IFT FIRST, ensuring seamless, engaging, and impactful experiences that advance IFT’s mission, strengthens its brand, and delivers measurable results. This role combines high level event strategy with a strong focus on pricing strategies, revenue growth, and international audience development ensuring the successful execution of impactful events while meeting IFT’s overall organizational, business, and financial goals.

Essential Responsibilities

Develops and implements the strategic vision for IFT FIRST and other IFT-managed events, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, budgets, and audience needs

Collaborates cross-functionally and leads efforts across IFT to the benefit of the organization’s members and customers

Works in partnership with the Director, Event Operations, to lead the team and the organization to create and execute world-class events and experiences

Manages relationships and is a trusted resource to destination partners, convention centers, and visitor bureaus

Oversees event programming, production, design, and engagement strategies to create memorable attendee experiences

Leads cross-functional planning teams and manages vendor partnerships / contracts to ensure high-quality delivery

Identifies emerging trends in event design, technology, and audience engagement to keep IFT events at the forefront of industry creativity and innovation

Drives revenue growth through innovative programming, sponsorships, international expansion, and optimized pricing strategies

Leads the international strategy to attract and retain global attendees, exhibitors, and partners

Oversees all annual and long-term venue and destination strategy and agreements, including direct engagement with Choose Chicago, convention centers, and visitor bureaus

Negotiates contracts and manages budgets for event production, design, and creative services, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with financial goals

Manages and nurtures the relationship with IFT’s designated registration provider, overseeing and evolving the event registration process and all of its components

Leads creative efforts for IFT, including design, photography and videography

Acts as a key leader with a cross-functional team responsible for evolving the IFT FIRST exhibitor engagement efforts and ensuring exhibitor satisfaction

Develops and implements strategy, increasing engagement and delivering on output of the Exhibitor Advisory Group, in coordination with the Vice President of Sales, Director of Event Operations, and other key IFT leaders

Analyzes data accurately to guide decision-making, improve ROI, and measure event impact against KPIs

Directs efforts related to the implementation and management of attendee tracking tools, such as beacons or sensors, ensuring accurate data collection and meaningful insights

Leads strategy, implementation, analysis, and reporting of event / meeting analytics and surveys while sharing findings with key stakeholders to aid in decision making and innovation

Manages event production, as well as creative design for organizational needs, including photography and videography

Ensures compliance with industry and legal regulations and best practices, and adherence to company processes and procedures

Travel Required

Occasional domestic travel is expected including the ability to attend occasional evening, weekend, and overnight meetings

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or equivalent

7+ years of experience or demonstrated competency in leading and managing large‑scale, highly complex events, conferences, or trade shows

7+ years of experience or demonstrated competency in managing venue selection, destination partnerships, and competitive bid processes

Proven track record in successful event strategy development and execution

Strong background in creative direction, visual design, photography, and videography

Preferred Experience

Experience in events, conferences, or trade shows in an association or nonprofit environment

Experience with digital / virtual events

Experience in exhibit management

Other Duties This position, and all others at IFT, may be modified at any time. To ensure operational efficiency and meet the changing needs of our customers and our Business, other duties may be assigned as needed.

Compensation & Benefits Salary Range : $160,000 to 170,000 Per Year (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Benefits : IFT offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to reward and energize our employees, so they can live a balanced life and maintain their well-being. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans at affordable rates. Life and Long Term Disability insurance is completely free to all employees. Most benefits begin the first of the month following employee’s start date. To learn more about IFT and our excellent benefits, please visit our careers page here : https : / / www.ift.org / about -ift / work-at-ift

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