Conferences & Events Specialist

At the American Public Power Association (APPA), we serve as the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. We represent public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 54 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ. We advocate and advise on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Help us continue to achieve our mission for our members and the communities they serve!

At APPA, we strive to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and feels valued.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Conferences & Events Specialist that plays an integral role in organizing, planning, and implementing over 75 annual APPA Academy in-person, virtual, and on-demand events and special projects. The Specialist helps develop and execute the Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo and Customer Connections Conference, assists with course development and manages logistics for the Spring Education Institute courses, and coordinates key components of the Leadership Essentials Certificate Program. This person will travel on-site to oversee events and manage logistics.

This is a hybrid position which requires the incumbent to reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and come into the office a minimum of two to three days each week (with Tuesdays being a mandatory day).

Responsibilities:

• With the Director, Conferences & Events, develops and coordinates activities related to the Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo from conception to implementation.
• Helps oversee and manage on-site logistics for 8-10 in-depth courses; provides support and direction to instructors, hotels and members on-site; audits course curriculum; works with instructors to develop and edit course materials; manages pre- and post-course correspondence with attendees and instructors; participates in planning and debrief calls with instructors and meetings staff; help coordinate event items for shipment.
• With the Manager of Conferences & Events, conceives, develops and implements key aspects of the Business & Financial Conference and CTI Summit: coordinates program activities, program development and delivery, travels on-site to oversee logistics, and helps evaluate results.
• Helps manage and implement the delivery of virtual training events from beginning to end: prep (working with instructors on course materials – PPTs, agendas, learning outcomes, engagement activities; leading practice sessions, developing scripts, evaluations, correspondence and promotional web text); during events (moderating live events, communicating and troubleshooting technical logistics); follow-up items (tracking participation and engagement, editing recordings, database management tasks, and invoicing).
• Creates events within our technology platforms; develops online evaluations in our online survey platform; oversees course material organization and distribution within our digital rights management platform; and performs database management tasks.
• Helps develop project management boards for events to document key processes and procedures, identify efficiencies, provide clarity, and increase accountability.
• Drafts speaker confirmation letters for instructors and assists with invoicing for the education department.
• Responsible for compliance with the IACET Standard by reviewing course curriculum/design documents, developing timed agendas and learning outcomes, calculating CEU credits, conducting debriefs with instructors, creating marketing and communication materials, auditing events and analyzing feedback.
• Develops a thorough knowledge and understanding of APPA’s membership, APPA Academy offerings, and stays abreast of industry issues and trends.
• Travels to Lineworkers Rodeo, Spring Education Institute, Business & Financial Conference and Cybersecurity & Technology Summit, and potentially other events as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Degree from four-year college or university.
• Three years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience with event planning and adult education course delivery (in-person and virtual formats)
• Strong command of Microsoft Office skills, Zoom and Teams.
• Ability to prioritize workload and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication and critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and ability to initiate activities.
• Demonstrated organization, project planning, time management skills, and ability to prioritize work and multi-task in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to work effectively with other staff, members and the public and develop strong relationships with instructors, members, and other industry partners.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Prolonged periods of standing and extensive walking during conferences and meetings.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 lbs.
• Travels out of town up to 10% of the year to support APPA’s conferences, events, and meetings.
• Association or non-profit organization work experience preferred.

In addition to a highly competitive salary and bonus program, APPA offers a robust benefits package to include a comprehensive health and wellness package, 20 days of PTO accrued in the first year, 401(k) match and additional contributions, and more!

APPA is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion. This commitment pertains to our internal policies and staff expectations but also extends out to the wider public power community. As part of our strategic plan, we aim to assist members in meeting workforce challenges—including attracting and retaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture—through offering educational programs, developing resources, and serving as a platform for the public power community to exchange ideas and best practices.