TITLE: Communications Event Advance and Logistics Director
ORGANIZATION: National Governors Association
LOCATION: Washington, DC (onsite)
DURATION: Full Time
POSITION STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: A competitive compensation package will be made to the qualified candidate
REPORTS TO: Chief Communications Officer
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is the bipartisan organization of governors from the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA's mission is to share best practices, address issues of national and state interest, and drive innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism.
NGA's Center for Best Practices is the policy and research arm that helps governors develop and implement solutions to public policy challenges. NGA's State-Federal Affairs group assists in ensuring the voice of governors is heard in Congress and the Executive Branch, and NGA's Communications team collaborates with governors' offices to amplify bipartisan messaging and strategy.
Throughout the year, NGA convenes governors and senior advisors for meaningful discourse, problem-solving and thought leadership.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMUNICTIONS EVENT ADVANCE AND LOGISTICS DIRECTOR
Working with the chief communications officer, this position will execute the vision, creative direction, and coordinated delivery of NGA's marquee convenings. This role will oversee the planning, logistical and production of NGA’s signature events which are high-impact, media- and communications-forward experiences that reflect the organization’s mission, vision, and values and provide governors with a distinctive, bipartisan national platform.
This position will shape a portfolio that includes the Winter Meeting, Summer Meeting, New Governors Leadership Forum, Chair’s Initiative convenings, leadership-development programming, and other high-level engagement opportunities for governors, governors-elect, first spouses and families, chiefs of staff, and senior state officials. This position will guide programming strategy and content, build key stakeholder relationships, and coordinate cross-functional planning and execution. Programming will be timely, bipartisan, and designed to support strategic storytelling, media engagement, digital amplification, and measurable outcomes.
Working collaboratively across Governor Office Engagement, the Center for Best Practices, Events and Hospitality, Communications, State-Federal Affairs, and Development teams, the director will align state and federal engagement, partner and media involvement, and event delivery to create a cohesive, high-value experience for governors, their families and their teams.
Other important responsibilities of the program director include:
Major Events and Execution
- Working closely with the chief executive officer and chief communications officer, execute on the creative vision for NGA's major convenings and other governor-facing programs that drive energy and engagement;
- Develop memorable, experience-based programming that encourages meaningful engagement;
- Lead coordinated major event planning, including agenda, timelines, speakers, delegation of briefing materials, participant schedules, and run-of-show documents;
- Partner with Events and Hospitality on NGA’s signature meeting design, production, registration, transportation, security, and onsite execution for signature events;
- Manage external talent and creative partners, and recruit prominent speakers, moderators, and guests;
- Coordinate with the Governor’s Office of Engagement to support high-touch experience for governors and their families through dedicated staffing, and support for thoughtful hospitality.
Content, Media, and Governor Engagement
- Support development of content and media strategies for each convening, including town halls, media rows, podcasts, interviews, and digital programming;
- Position NGA's convenings as leading bipartisan platforms for governors to shape the national conversation;
- Ensure each governor has a meaningful role aligned with their priorities, expertise, and communications goals;
- Work with Governor Office Engagement to add thoughtful and meaningful opportunities for other constituencies, including chiefs of staff, communications directors, policy staff, and state/federal representatives;
- Partner with Communications colleagues to secure national and Washington, DC-based media, generate news, and amplify meeting content across platforms.
Partnerships, Mentors, and Resource Development
- Support coordination with organizations such as RGA, DGA, and the Chiefs of Staff Network, as appropriate and consistent with NGA's bipartisan role;
- Build relationships with academic institutions, leadership organizations, former-governor networks, and other strategic partners;
- Partner with Development to pursue sponsorship, underwriting, and long-term funding for major convenings and new-governor programs.
Measurement and Continuous Improvement
- Collaborate with fellow Communications team members to establish measures for governor participation, media reach, sponsorship, participant satisfaction, and program impact;
- Analyze feedback and performance data to strengthen future convenings and leadership programs;
- Keep senior leadership informed of progress, emerging risks, resource needs, and outcomes.
And other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Communications Officer.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in communications, political science, communications-adjacent or related field. Candidates should bring seven plus years working in government, communications, public policy, or executive leadership support, including demonstrated experience working directly with governors, senior elected or appointed leadership, or equivalent high-level stakeholders.
Direct, recent experience developing and supporting major convenings and creating executive-level content, as well as demonstrated experience managing complex initiatives, developing strategic partnerships, and collaborating on fundraising and development efforts, including donor engagement and sponsorship strategies.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:
- Maintain keen attention to detail;
- Work respectfully and collaboratively across multiple stakeholders and internal teams;
- Complex problem solve in real time;
- Manage crises;
- Bring a deep understanding of state government structures, gubernatorial leadership, and state executive branch operations;
- Demonstrate acute sensitivity to the leadership role governors occupy at both the state and national level, including the political, institutional, reputational, and personal considerations that shape their decisions and public engagement;
- Exercise sound political judgment in a strictly bipartisan setting, including recognizing sensitivities before they surface and calibrating programming, visibility, and recognition accordingly;
- Design and deliver high-profile convenings, leadership programs, or executive experiences;
- Provide creative thought leadership, translating vision into distinctive, memorable programming and experiences;
- Build relationships and engage stakeholders, particularly senior-level leaders and their staff;
- Communicate, write, and facilitate exceptionally well, including briefing senior leaders and facilitating high-level discussions;
- Work in bipartisan environments with a high degree of discretion, professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment;
- Manage projects and organize work effectively, including oversight of multi-phase initiatives;
- Think strategically and translate vision into structured programs and measurable outcomes;
- Operate comfortably in dynamic, fast-moving environments where priorities shift quickly;
- Demonstrate a sustained commitment to bipartisan collaboration;
- Travel, as necessary.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply online through NGA’s career site. NGA uses Clear Company and all information is kept strictly confidential. An application is considered when all required fields are completed.
Please include:
- Your resume highlighting your education, experience, and direct transferable skills
- A portfolio of your best work (attach to your candidate profile via Clear Company)
COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $150,000 - $160,000 annually. This salary range represents a good faith estimate of the lowest to the highest salary for this position. The final salary offered will be based on qualifications and experience.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. NGA is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants considered for employment.
WORKING AT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
NGA staff proudly serve our nation’s governors daily, and it’s our mission to ensure we offer a?comprehensive, competitive benefits package, to include healthcare and more, designed to support the needs of NGA employees.?
NGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.?
