American Cleaning Institute logo

Senior Director, Meetings

Washington, DC, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

briefcase

Employment Type

Full-time
moneybag

Compensation

Salary
Exact $100,000.00
clock

Work Schedule

Standard Hours
Flexible
diamond

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Flexible work schedule
Employee assistance program

Job Description

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) is a leading trade association representing the cleaning products industry. ACI is dedicated to advancing the science, advocacy, and education related to cleaning products and technologies. Serving a diverse array of businesses and stakeholders in the cleaning value chain, ACI plays a vital role in fostering innovation, sustainability, and collaboration within the industry. Through its comprehensive events portfolio, ACI convenes key industry players, facilitates thought leadership, and supports business growth and member engagement across a variety of platforms.

The Senior Director, Meetings at ACI is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational success of all meetings, conventions, and engagement experiences hosted or managed by ACI. This position oversees a broad and dynamic range of member-facing and internal events such as the Annual Meeting and Industry Convention, Spark Summit, various webinars, and other influential industry convenings. Reporting initially to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Meetings and transitioning to report directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this role is tasked with ensuring that ACI’s meetings portfolio aligns with organizational goals, drives engagement, and reinforces ACI's reputation as the authoritative, science-based voice of the cleaning products industry.

The Senior Director will lead the continuous modernization of ACI’s event strategy, utilizing data-driven insights, emerging technologies, and industry trends to enhance attendee experience and event effectiveness. This forward-looking approach involves designing innovative, high-impact experiences that not only support member interaction but also foster collaboration among industry stakeholders. Acting as a key cross-functional partner, the Senior Director will coordinate internally with committees, senior management, and external partners to deliver flawless event execution, promote industry connections, and support organizational growth.

In addition to strategic planning and operational execution, the Senior Director manages budget development and financial oversight for the meetings portfolio, ensuring fiscal responsibility while identifying opportunities for cost savings and revenue generation. The role involves negotiating contracts with venues and vendors, managing risk through legal compliance, and leading on-site event management to ensure seamless delivery. Leadership responsibilities include direct supervision of the Manager, Meetings, promoting a collaborative, high-performance team culture centered on excellence and service.

The ideal candidate for this position holds at least a bachelor’s degree (advanced degrees preferred) and professional certifications such as CMP, CEM, or CAE. With a minimum of eight years of progressive experience in event management, especially within trade associations or membership organizations, the candidate must demonstrate exceptional project management capabilities, budget acumen, and contract negotiation skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and event management platforms, along with excellent communication and leadership abilities, is crucial. The candidate should also be comfortable working with scientific-minded professionals and prepared for domestic travel and extended work hours as needed around event dates.

This full-time role demands a strategic thinker and operational expert who can champion ACI’s mission through impactful event planning and execution. The Senior Director, Meetings will play an essential role in shaping how the organization engages its members, supports industry leadership, and navigates the evolving landscape of conferences and conventions in a post-pandemic world, leveraging technology and innovation to stay ahead. If you are a seasoned meetings professional passionate about creating meaningful industry experiences, this leadership opportunity at ACI invites you to make a significant impact on an organization that shapes the future of the cleaning products industry.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 8 years of experience in conventions, meetings, and event management
  • Professional certification preferred
  • Experience managing large-scale conferences
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Budget management experience
  • Skilled in contract negotiation
  • Strong communication skills
  • Leadership experience
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Willingness to travel and work extended hours

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • Advanced degree a plus
  • Professional certification in meetings and events preferred (CMP, CEM, CAE, or equivalent)
  • Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in conventions, meetings, and event management
  • Experience within trade associations or membership organizations preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale conferences and multi-track events
  • Exceptional project management and organizational skills
  • Proven experience in budget management and financial reconciliation
  • Skilled contract negotiator
  • Excellent communication and proofreading skills
  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships
  • Experience supervising and developing staff
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Familiarity with event management platforms and registration systems
  • Ability to communicate effectively with scientific-minded professionals
  • Willingness to travel and work extended hours as needed

Job Duties

  • Implement ACI’s annual meetings and events strategy as set by the COO
  • Develop and manage a master event calendar and operational plan for all ACI meetings
  • Oversee all logistical and operational aspects of ACI meetings including venue selection, contract negotiation, and vendor management
  • Serve as the on-site staff lead for all events managing staff, vendors, and troubleshooting
  • Coordinate speaker logistics, registration management, signage, and event materials
  • Develop and deliver ACI webinars and virtual event components
  • Manage and monitor all meeting and convention budgets ensuring financial targets are met
  • Work with In-House Counsel to review contracts for compliance and risk management
  • Serve as ACI’s primary operational contact and liaison for industry meeting planners
  • Provide staff support and facilitation management for the Innovation & Education Committee
  • Supervise the Manager, Meetings, providing feedback and development support
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of all meetings through data analysis and attendee feedback
  • Prepare and deliver post-event reports with recommendations for future events

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


Job Location

Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.

We'll match you with best jobs

Get job offers faster

Business woman
Business man
Search For More Opportunities:

How Candidates Get Hired Faster

Apply to 2–3 similar roles

Complete profile & get best matches

Check new opportunities daily

Woman chef
Man chef