Position Description
Position: Director of Programming
Reports to: VP of Programming
ABOUT DRI
DRI is the leading organization of defense attorneys and in-house counsel. Membership in DRI provides access to resources and tools for attorneys who strive to provide high-quality, balanced, and excellent service to their clients and corporations. DRI is host to over 29 substantive committees whose focus is to develop ongoing and critical dialogue about areas of practice. DRI provides access to resources and tools to grow your practice – members can search a database of more than 65,000 experts, attend renowned CLE seminars, conferences and webcasts, network with 20,000+ like-minded defense practitioners and more.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Programming oversees the coordination and execution of all DRI seminars and meetings, including the Annual Meeting, regional and specialty meetings as well as continuing legal education (CLE) seminars. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of meeting planning, including venue selection, contract negotiation, vendor coordination, and on-site logistics. The Director of Meeting Services will lead a team to ensure a seamless event and adherence to budgetary and organizational objectives.
The Director collaborates with internal departments, volunteer leaders, and external vendors to develop and execute high-quality events that enhance member engagement and align with DRI’s mission.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Key duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Oversee the planning and execution of all DRI seminars and meetings,
• Supervise and provide leadership to the Programming team.
• Manage the entire event lifecycle, including site selection, contract negotiation, vendor management, and budget oversight.
• Serve as the primary contact for Program and meeting-related service providers.
• Develop and maintain standardized procedures for program and meeting planning, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all events.
• Coordinate with the Marketing Department on the development and production of promotional materials, including registration brochures.
• Work with the VP of Programming to plan and manage budgets.
• Work with the VP of Programming to develop and implement departmental goals that align with company objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual obligations and track DRI’s meeting/hotel business.
• Draft RFPs and make recommendations for meeting locations based on organizational needs.
• Provide on-site event management, including troubleshooting and ensuring a seamless experience for attendees, speakers, and exhibitors.
• Manage and oversee the reconciliation of meeting expenses and ensure adherence to budget constraints.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, event planning, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in meeting planning, association management, or a related field.
• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designation preferred.
• Strong leadership and management skills with experience supervising staff.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating contracts, managing vendors, and coordinating logistics for large-scale events.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with Re:Members software and Microsoft Teams preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed to support DRI meetings and events.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• This position works 37.5 hours per week Monday through Friday around core business hours.
• This position requires in-office work 3 days per week and allows for remote work for 2 days a week.
• Travel is required.
• This position requires lifting and moving up to twenty (20) pounds at a time.
• The position requires you to be able to stand for up to eight (8) hours at a time.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
DRI provides equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, creed, gender and gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, including pregnancy and childbirth, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, political belief or activity, veteran or military discharge status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law and regulations under Title VII.
The policy applies to all employment practices, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, transfer, termination, layoff, compensation, benefits, social and recreational programs, and all other conditions and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
BENEFITS
Salary Range: $85,000 to $115,000
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Life Insurance
• Medical Insurance: PPO/HSA/HRA/HMO, Prescription Drug Program
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Up to 15 vacation days per year, which accrue monthly
• Up to 12 sick days per year, which accrue monthly
• Up to two personal days per year
Updated: March 2025