Manager | Event Strategy & Innovation | NASW National Office

National Association of Social Workers • Washington, DC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 120,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.
At NASW, we believe conferences are more than gatherings; they are catalysts for connection, learning, inspiration, and collective action. The Event Strategy & Innovation Manager plays a pivotal role in bringing that vision to life.
This is not simply an event logistics role. It is a leadership role in experience design and strategy. You will lead the planning, execution, and evolution of our National in-person and virtual conferences and convenings, ensuring each event is innovative, mission-aligned, financially sound, and unforgettable for our members.
We are seeking a dynamic professional who is equally energized by building a detailed project plan and shaping long-term event strategy. Someone who is excited to roll up their sleeves, collaborate across departments, mentor teammates, and continuously raise the bar for what our events can be.

Requirements

• A creative thinker with a strategic mindset.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, you love a well-executed plan.
• Comfortable moving between big-picture strategy and granular logistics.
• Energized by building meaningful member experiences.
• Skilled in managing budgets and analyzing financial performance.
• A natural collaborator who builds trust across teams.
• A mentor at heart who enjoys developing others.
• Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-focused in fast-paced environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Event & Hospitality Management, Tourism & Convention Management, Non-profit Management, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership or Organizational Strategy
• 6–10+ years of progressive experience designing and delivering high-impact conferences and events, including leading teams, owning full-cycle budgets, and executing large-scale, complex convenings (in-person and virtual).
• Demonstrated success shaping event strategy in a nonprofit, association, or mission-driven environment, with measurable growth in revenue, engagement, sponsorship, or attendance.
• Proven ability to build authentic, trust-based relationships across diverse stakeholders, including members, sponsors, vendors, senior leadership, volunteers, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience operating in agile, resource-conscious organizations, balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility while maintaining high standards of quality and execution.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans, influence decision-makers, and inspire collaboration through clear, confident verbal and written messaging.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Project Management Professional (PMP), highly preferred

Responsibilities

• Mission-Driven Experience Design
• Strategic Vision & Leadership Partnership
• End-to-End Project Excellence
• Financial Stewardship & Sustainability
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Vendor & Partner Relationship Management
• Coaching & Team Development

Benefits

• NASW offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; employer-paid disability insurance, paid vacation and sick time; paid parental leave, health savings account with employer funding, flexible spending account (healthcare and dependent care), a 401(k) with matching contribution; professional development opportunities; and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager