About Us
Common Ground Research Networks is a not-for-profit social knowledge organization based in the Research Park at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Our mission is to support the building of better societies, and informed citizens, through rigorous and inclusive social knowledge practices. We do this by creating, curating, and nurturing in-person, print, and online scholarly communication spaces. The Conference Team produces annual meetings of our Research Networks bringing together thought leaders, innovative researchers, and emerging scholars, to foster compelling and productive conversations.
The Role
The Conference Producer takes full ownership of a portfolio of conferences, held internationally and domestically. They are responsible for full-cycle project planning, execution, and evaluation of these events. The role also interfaces with Research Network leaders and partners to develop annual agendas, recruit speakers, and plan future meetings. A Conference Producer must also always be looking towards the future, consistently seeking to enhance events and bring new ideas, both strategic and executional, to their portfolio and the broader team.
The Responsibilities
The ideal candidate is a self-starter who possesses creativity and a commitment to deadlines. We are looking for someone who likes to build, lead, and make an impact.
Relationship Builder: build and nurture relationships with Research Network leaders, speakers, partners, and members
Agenda Setter: the ability to program events that will satisfy a demanding, intelligent, technology-savvy, and highly literate audience
Innovator: design exciting session format to meet the needs of the desired audience
Negotiator: Reviewing and negotiating all venue and vendor contracts
Openness: An understanding of change – what you do today may not be what you do tomorrow. Working in client-services is not a 9 to 5 job. Your ability to work irregular hours and travel based on client deliverables is required.
Traveler: represent the company on regular travel assignments to various locations in the United States and overseas
What You Need to Be Successful in the Role:
Project management skills - excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet multiple deadlines
Ability to research and provide strategic information required to market conferences, including detailed information on disciplines and geographic markets, relevant associations, industry publications, and competitive events
High energy and the ability to succeed amidst multiple deadlines
Ability to juggle several events/projects at any one time
Understand the strategic and creative requirements and objectives of the event and collaborate with department leads to ensure production is on point
See beyond the immediate tasks and comprehend the big picture – the 360 view of the overall event – and make recommendations and adjustments as necessary
Drive and track cost management and efficiencies through negotiation
Oversee the onsite execution of the event and be responsible for post event deliverables, including post-event reconciliation with all team leads
Desire for domestic and international travel – approximately 8 to 10 weeks annually
Write marketing copy for promotional conference brochures, and other mailing pieces
Making a significant contribution to the overall growth
Who We Are Looking For:
Required:
Excellent networking and information gathering abilities
Engaging, professional and diplomatic demeanor
Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team
Superior oral and written communications skills
Strong leadership potential
Flexible and collaborative personality
Creativity, resourcefulness and an innovative approach
Proven track record of defining and executing key analyses with minimal supervision
Demonstrated experience working in a team environment with experience communicating with senior managers
Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite; comprehensive knowledge of Word and Excel
Preferred
Experience in conference production
Track record of launching and overseeing repeat events
Demonstrated understanding of the competitive event landscape in academic research settings
Bachelor’s degree in communications, business, writing, marketing or related field
Benefits and Perks
All employees rate a prospective employer using their own personal set of criteria based upon what is important to them. While we realize we cannot be "all things to all people", we strive to exceed employee's expectations and offer a wide variety of benefits, flexibility, cash and non-cash rewards and most importantly create an environment where employees are financially rewarded, feel appreciated and most importantly, respected. We also offer an opportunity to be part of a committed group of colleagues. We operate an open environment where you’ll be encouraged to make an impact. We offer a fast-paced culture that rewards on merit and appreciates the hard work you put into our collective success.
Why Join Us?
For more than three decades, Common Ground Research Networks has been a global leader in education technology, the curation of in-person Research Networks and digital knowledge ecosystems. What drives our work is a belief that fair and equitable access to the social knowledge processes of scholarly communication can be impactful on our individual lives and the societies we are a part of.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter describing your specific qualifications and interest to hr@cgnetworks.org. Applicants who best match the position description will be contacted. Submissions without cover letters will not be considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Common Ground Research Networks is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans’ status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We are committed to creating and sustaining a culture that embodies diverse walks of life, ideas, genders, ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities and other unique qualities of our employees. We strive to offer a workplace where every employee feels empowered by the ways in which we are different, as well as the ways in which we are the same.
Note
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this role. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position. Please also note that we do not offer relocation assistance; only local candidates able to work in the office will be considered at this time.