Events Manager

The National FFA Organization is a premier youth leadership organization dedicated to agricultural education and personal growth. With a rich history spanning nearly a century, the National FFA Organization has become a cornerstone for developing the next generation of agricultural leaders in the United States. The organization hosts various events, including the renowned National FFA Convention, which draws thousands of students, educators, and industry professionals every year to celebrate agricultural accomplishments, foster leadership skills, and create networking opportunities. In addition to these large-scale gatherings, the National FFA Foundation supports the organization through fundraising and sponsorships that help provide resources and scholarships to students nationwide. The Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring that the organization’s programs remain sustainable and impactful.

This position focuses on the meticulous planning and execution of program events and meetings affiliated with the National FFA Convention as well as other organizational engagements that are not related to the convention. The role demands a high level of organization and operational expertise in managing every phase of event coordination — from initial planning and logistical arrangements through to on-site management and post-event activities. This role is integral to the success of the National FFA’s events portfolio, ensuring that each event runs smoothly, meets its strategic goals, and provides an exceptional experience for all attendees.

The individual in this role will assist the department director in achieving strategic goals by supporting decision-making processes and driving operational excellence across multiple projects simultaneously. They will manage complex event logistics such as coordinating equipment orders, catering, transportation, audiovisual needs, and room setups while handling travel arrangements and accommodation logistics for participants and staff. Occasionally, the role requires travel to attend various conferences to facilitate event management on-site.

Moreover, the candidate will be responsible for overseeing budgets up to $500,000 annually, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and financial targets are met. This includes identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising the quality of events and services. The individual will lead pre- and post-event activities including pre-convention meetings and debriefs to maintain seamless communication and continuous improvement of event processes.

Collaboration is key to this role, especially working alongside the organization’s foundation team to secure sponsorships through accurate information sharing. The candidate will also develop standard operating procedures, timelines, and guidelines aligned with the organization's strategic event management plans. Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork play a vital part in building and maintaining relationships with internal staff, external clients, vendors, contractors, and venue personnel, ensuring that all logistical elements align with the organization’s mission and brand.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a customer-focused approach by initiating communications with clients and stakeholders before and during events. They will also provide exceptional service to both internal and external customers, ensuring their needs are understood and met effectively. Dependability is essential, as this role requires confidence in decision-making and problem-solving, as well as maintaining consistent attendance and punctuality.

Working within a hybrid environment, the role requires the individual to be on-site for the week-long National FFA Convention in October and other events, typically scheduled around June or July. Travel accounts for approximately 20% of the workload, including overnight stays. The physical demands are mostly sedentary but may involve occasional lifting of items up to 50 pounds and require close visual acuity for activities such as computer work and extensive reading.

FFA’s core values — integrity, respect, and accountability — form the foundation of this role. The candidate is expected to embody these values by showing honesty, courage, consideration, accountability, and respect in all professional interactions. They will foster an inclusive and supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of FFA staff, students, teachers, and stakeholders, actively promoting kindness and dignity throughout their work.