Experiential Learning & Engagement Program Manager

NACD•Arlington, VA

15d•$85,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Experiential Learning & Engagement Program Manager designs, implements, and oversees immersive learning experiences tailored for corporate directors and board-level executives. This role manages creative event design, immersive learning, and flawless execution that elevates leadership, governance, and peer exchange via community and connection at in-person events. This role requires a passion for storytelling, design, and transformative experiences to curate high-impact experiences for corporate directors whether invite-only niche events or included as part of larger member events. The experiential learning and engagement manager applies exceptional creative vision, logistical acumen, and stakeholder management skills to deliver high impact experiences to board-level audiences.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and minimum of 5 years of experience in executive events and luxury hospitality.
Experience with C-suite or board-level audiences as well as luxury event design and production.
Must have basic knowledge of meeting planning and exhibit operations principles and practices as well as industry terminology.
Proven track record designing and executing high-end, offsite experiences for senior leaders.
Proven experience and success handling multiple projects simultaneously with ease and needs to be comfortable working with multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
Must demonstrate ability to work independently as a self-starter as well as work as part of a team and collaboratively across the organization, handling multiple activities and priorities while meeting deadlines and maintaining the utmost professionalism, organization, and extreme attention to detail.
Must exhibit exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to deal effectively with internal/external customers and vendors.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel is required.

Nice To Haves

Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) designation or Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) (or significant progress towards) preferred.

Responsibilities

Experiential Event Design Conceptualize and produce exclusive, offsite learning experiences tailored for corporate directors.
Leverage technology, storytelling, and real-world scenarios to create immersive learning environments.
Continuously evaluate program effectiveness through feedback, metrics, and strategic outcomes.
Researches and secures unique venues—historic estates, architectural landmarks, cultural institutions, and unexpected spaces.
Collaborates with designers, artists, and production teams to transform venues into immersive learning environments to build community and connection.
Continuously explores new event and engagement formats, technologies, and cultural trends to elevate the experiential portfolio.
Leads creative direction for event aesthetics, storytelling, and sensory engagement.
Ensures every detail—from lighting to scent to sound—enhances the narrative and emotional impact.
Remains up to date on industry trends, competitive products, and emerging technologies to identify new revenue opportunities.
Stays current, and often ahead of the curve, on event planning, design, and production trends.
Event Execution & Stakeholder Engagement Proven track record designing and executing high-end, gold standard experiences for senior leaders by managing logistics for niche, invite-only events including guest curation, travel coordination, and hospitality.
Ability to collaborate with internal customers to develop creative briefs, provide an event vision, demonstrate logistical acumen, and meet the expectations of stakeholders.
Coordinates needs with partners, exhibitors, internal NACD departments and other stakeholders who may have a presence at NACD events.
Oversee vendor relationships, budgets, and timelines.
Tracks expenses for assigned events/projects, ensuring that the event/project stays at or below projected expenses, and reconciles all final bills.
Exhibit and Sponsorship Management Manages Summit Insight Hub creation, planning and logistics, including layout and space utilization.
Oversees website content, service kit creation, and exhibitor communications.
Primary department liaison in sales prospectus creation developing sponsorship opportunities and packages and pricing structures across the portfolio that offer value to sponsors and align with NACD’s strategic objectives.
Liaison with exhibitors, preparing and distributing exhibitor service kits, ensuring regular communication, and providing customer service to exhibitor needs.
Manages the exhibitor and sponsor registration and housing process for all meetings.
Tracks and fulfills sponsorship deliverables at in-person and virtual events.
Partners with cross-functional teams to grow sponsorship and exhibits goals across NACD’s portfolio of meetings.
Primary lead with NACD’s exhibits and sponsorships partner (e.g., a contracted third-party sales service provider) to identify new sponsors and exhibitors and to steward relationships with existing sponsors and exhibitors.
Identifies opportunities for increasing attendee traffic and participation with exhibitors and sponsors.
Travels to and attends offsite events as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.