Vice President of Event Strategy and Member Engagement (Chicago)

This position islocated in our Chicago, IL office only.
Position Summary:

Drive transformational member experiences as the strategic leader of NAR's comprehensive event portfolio. This executive role orchestrates both virtual and in-person experiences that elevate stakeholder engagement, strengthen member value, and advance organizational objectives through innovative, data-driven event strategies.

Key Responsibilities :

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Event Portfolio Strategy : Develop and execute a comprehensive multi-year strategic roadmap for all stakeholder events, aligning with NAR's business objectives and member lifecycle goals
• Innovation Leadership : Pioneer emerging event technologies and experiential formats to differentiate NAR's member experience and maintain competitive advantage
• Financial Stewardship : Own P&L responsibility for event portfolio, optimizing ROI while delivering exceptional member value and driving revenue growth and profitability
• Stakeholder Alignment : Collaborate with C-suite executives and department heads to ensure event strategies support broader organizational initiatives

Event Excellence & Execution

• Full-Cycle Event Management : Direct comprehensive event lifecycle from conceptualization through post-event analysis, ensuring flawless execution across all touchpoints
• Hybrid Experience Design : Architect seamless integration between virtual and in-person components, maximizing accessibility and engagement across diverse member preferences
• Vendor Ecosystem Management : Cultivate strategic partnerships with premium vendors and service providers, negotiating favorable terms while maintaining quality standards
• Performance Optimization : Implement robust analytics frameworks to measure success metrics, member satisfaction, and business impact, driving continuous improvement

Team Leadership & Development

• High-Performance Team Building : Recruit, develop, and retain top-tier event professionals across multiple locations, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation
• Cross-Functional Partnership : Lead matrix relationships with marketing, communications, technology, and operations teams to ensure cohesive event experiences
• Mentorship & Growth : Provide strategic guidance and professional development opportunities to team members, building future event leaders
• Change Management : Guide organizational transformation initiatives related to event modernization and digital engagement strategies

Member Experience & Engagement

• Member-Centric Design : Leverage member insights and behavioral data to create personalized, relevant experiences that drive participation and satisfaction
• Community Building : Design networking and enrichment opportunities that strengthen member connections and advance professional development
• Accessibility & Inclusion : Ensure all events are accessible and inclusive, accommodating diverse member needs and preferences
• Lifetime Value Enhancement : Create experiences that strengthen member retention, engagement, and advocacy

Required Qualifications :

Leadership Experience

• Executive Leadership : 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in event management, with 5+ years at senior executive level
• Team Management : Proven track record building and scaling high-performing teams across multiple geographic locations
• Strategic Planning : Demonstrated success developing and executing multi-million-dollar event strategies for large-scale companies

Technical Expertise

• Event Technology Mastery : Deep expertise in virtual event platforms, hybrid experience design, and emerging event technologies
• Digital Transformation : Experience leading digital innovation initiatives and technology adoption in event environments
• Data Analytics : Proficiency in event analytics, performance measurement, and data-driven decision making
• Project Management : Advanced project management capabilities with experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives

Industry Knowledge

• Association Experience : Preferred experience in association management, membership organizations, or related sectors
• Corporate Events : Extensive background in large-scale corporate event management, including conferences, trade shows, and executive programs required
• Regulatory Awareness : Understanding of industry compliance requirements and risk management protocols

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Education : MBA or relevant work experience preferred
• Professional Certifications : CMP (Certified Meeting Professional), CEM (Certified in Exhibition Management), or similar industry credentials
• Industry Recognition : Recipient of industry awards or recognition for event excellence and innovation
• Global Experience : International event management experience with multi-cultural stakeholder groups
• Exceptional Negotiator : Proven track record contracting exceptional agreements with vendor/partners

Success Metrics:

• Member engagement and satisfaction scores
• Event attendance growth and retention rates
• Portfolio financial performance and ROI
• Team performance and retention
• Innovation adoption and member feedback
• Strategic objective achievement

Working Environment:

• Travel Requirements : 25-30% travel for event oversight and stakeholder meetings
• Schedule Flexibility : Evening and weekend work required during major events
• Remote Work : Hybrid work environment with flexibility for remote work when not traveling
• Collaborative Culture : Matrix organization requiring strong cross-functional partnership skills

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of member engagement at NAR while leading a dynamic team in an innovative, fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence to deliver transformational member experiences.
Compensation: $225,000-$250,000. NAR provides comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance.

Organizational Overview:

The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) is a team of professionals dedicated to providing world-class service to over 1.5 million REALTORS working in the United States and around the world. The real estate industry is fast-paced and fast-changing--each year, our members participate in the sale, lease, and management of real estate. As in every industry, our members value proposition is constantly being chall