Position Overview:
The Director of Programs and Events leads NVC’s programmatic strategy and execution in direct alignment with the NOVA Roadmap, a call to action for Northern Virginia’s economic growth. Reporting to the SVP, Member Engagement, the Director translates organizational priorities into a cohesive annual engagement portfolio that strengthens stakeholder engagement, retention, and revenue. In this hands-on leadership role, the Director is accountable for the performance and financial stewardship of the program portfolio and personally leads both the strategic design and disciplined execution of high-impact executive experiences that shape business and policy dialogue across Northern Virginia.

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Member Engagement

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Program Leadership
  • Develop, own, and continuously optimize the Chamber’s annual program portfolio strategy, ensuring measurable alignment with NOVA Roadmap priorities, membership retention, and sponsorship revenue growth.
  • Establish performance standards and metrics to evaluate program impact on engagement, renewal, and investor satisfaction.
  • Partner with Membership, Investor Relations, Government Relations, and Marketing to integrate programming into broader growth and advocacy strategies.
  • Continuously refine the program portfolio to ensure executive-level value, policy relevance, and regional impact.
• Executive-Level Program Design & Content Strategy
  • Design compelling executive programs and forums addressing timely business, economic, and policy issues.
  • Identify, recruit, and prepare high-caliber speakers, including CEOs, policymakers, and subject-matter experts.
  • Engage confidently with senior leaders and represent NVC with professionalism and strategic clarity.
  • Develop strong titles, positioning language, scripts, and run-of-show documents that communicate value and purpose.
  • Maintain high standards for content quality, speaker diversity, and audience experience.
• Portfolio & Event Execution Management
  • Oversee the full lifecycle of major awards programs, signature events, executive roundtables, and virtual convenings.
  • Manage production timelines, vendor relationships, venue coordination, and day-of execution, including providing event staffing leadership.
  • Maintain financial oversight, including budgeting, cost control, and sponsor deliverable fulfillment.
  • Lead production meetings and ensure cross-functional accountability to deadlines and quality standards.
  • Conduct post-event evaluations and use performance data to inform future portfolio decisions.
• Revenue & Membership Integration
  • Collaborate with Membership and Investor Relations teams to ensure programming supports recruitment and retention goals.
  • Integrate sponsorship visibility and value into program design while maintaining program integrity.
  • Monitor and analyze program performance data to improve engagement, renewal, and sponsorship outcomes.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance program-driven revenue and deepen executive participation.
• Leadership & Organizational Impact
  • Supervise and mentor the Program Coordinator, establishing clear expectations and production standards.
  • Delegate effectively while maintaining ownership of outcomes.
  • Set performance standards and hold cross-functional partners accountable to timelines and quality expectations.
  • Serve as a strategic internal partner in brainstorming innovative ways to mobilize members and elevate the Chamber’s regional leadership.

Key Qualifications:

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience leading program strategy and execution within a membership-based or similarly complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale executive events (200+ attendees)
• Demonstrated accountability for budget ownership of event portfolios.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with business development, membership, marketing, and government relations teams.
• Experience engaging senior executives, public officials, or board-level stakeholders.
• Experience integrating sponsorship deliverables into program design preferred.
• Familiarity with CRMs and virtual meeting tools.