Director, Event Programming

SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally.

**Summary**

The Director, Event Programming is a key member of SHRM’s Event Strategy and Experience team which is ultimately responsible for the innovation, programming, planning, and execution of SHRM’s Annual Conference and specialty conference portfolio serving 1,000 to 25,000+ attendees. Leveraging a strong foundation in human resources and adult learning principles, the Director leads the development of event content that advances SHRM’s mission and business goals. This role prioritizes building and maintaining relationships with thought leaders, speakers, and subject matter experts, ensuring diverse and relevant programming for attendees. The Director partners cross-functionally to curate memorable learning experiences and manages a team of event professionals to execute both in-person and virtual events.

As a senior member of SHRM’s Event Strategy and Experience team, the Director is key in supporting SHRM’s business goals through powerfully memorable learning experiences via both in-person and/or virtual experiences. They will lead and manage a team of event professionals – including full-time employees as well as contractors and/or vendors – to deliver high quality thought leaders and speakers and life-changing learning moments at our events. This leadership role works cross-functionally across the organization to further elevate SHRM’s event business.

**Responsibilities**

+ Leads the development and execution of event programming strategy, including speaker recruitment and selection, learning tracks, content selection, and session formats.

+ Builds and maintains a robust network of speakers, thought leaders, and industry experts to ensure innovative and relevant event content.

+ Develops and implements processes for speaker engagement, training, and support, prioritizing high-quality learning outcomes.

+ Collaborates with internal teams (including marketing, communications, and legal) to coordinate speaker announcements, contracts, and logistics.

+ Oversees programmatic timelines, communicates deadlines, and manages programming budgets.

+ Partners with sponsorship and exhibit colleagues to expand and fulfill sponsored session offerings.

+ Establishes and leads programming committees of subject matter experts to inform event content and session design.

+ Manages and mentors a team of event programming professionals, fostering collaboration and efficiency.

+ Negotiates speaker terms, fees, and engagement details, ensuring alignment with SHRM’s goals and compliance requirements.

+ Develops and maintains a best-in-class speaker database and pipeline, leveraging relationships and industry knowledge to source new talent.

+ Provides on-site leadership and support at SHRM events, ensuring a seamless experience for speakers and attendees.

+ Stays current on HR, workplace, and adult learning trends to inform programming and session topics.

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

**Education & Experience Requirements**

**Education:**

+ Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Education, Marketing Communications, Hospitality, Public Relations, or equivalent relevant work experience/training.

**Experience:**

+ Minimum of 10 (ten) years of experience in HR or similar field in which adult learning experience has been proven

**Knowledge, Skills & Abilities**

+ Background in HR or similar field

+ Proven success in leading adult learning and development programs

+ Strong project management skills: attention to detail, organization, prioritization, and analytic skills with a proven ability to multi-task and manage complexity.

+ Effective team leader with proven success as a coach and mentor.

+ Ability to work collaboratively across the entire SHRM organization, with an inclination to achieve the “best possible” result for our members and customers.

+ Excellent communication skills, including public speaking expertise and concise written communication abilities.

+ Self-starter attitude, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to move quickly in a fast-paced environment both individually and as a team lead.

+ Proven negotiation skills and strong business acumen.

+ Strong problem-solving skills and ability to diffuse challenging situations.

+ Calmly manages complex and fast-changing program elements and staffing assignments always prioritizing effectively.

+ Entrepreneurial spirit, track record of initiative, and ownership of work.

+ Experience with key software packages, including budgeting and financial management, data analysis and reporting, etc.

**Certifications**

+ N/A

**Physical Requirements**

This position operates in a typical office environment and requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical requirements may include:

+ Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

+ Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents, and using office equipment.

+ Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.

+ Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds as needed.

+ Clear verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.

**Work Environment**

**Hybrid Position (3 Days In-Office, 2 Days Remote):**

+ This position follows a hybrid work schedule, with Tuesday through Thursday in office and Monday and Friday remote. Employees must be available during standard business hours, with core hours beginning between 8:00AM – 9:00AM and concluding between 5:00PM – 6:00PM.

**Travel:** 20 – 30%

#LI

_The hiring range for this position is $130,000 to $145,000 per year. This range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. SHRM offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. The benefits for this position include professional growth and development, health, dental, vision, well-being, health savings, flexible spending, retirement, open leave, and annual discretionary bonus and incentives._

Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.

SHRM is an equal opportunity employer (Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran).

We do not sponsor applicants for work visas.

**Job Details**

**Job Family** **00 - Events**

**Job Function** **00 - Primary**

**Pay Type** **Salary**