Manager, Innocence Network Events

Innocence Project•New York, NY

2d•$93,500 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Network Support Unit (NSU), a department within the Innocence Project, works to strengthen the Innocence Network and its member organizations to achieve breakthrough results in addressing and preventing wrongful conviction. The Manager, Innocence Network Events works to strengthen the organizations that comprise the Innocence Network through planning and executing high quality convenings, including ensuring related effective stakeholder communication, and facilitating collective decision-making, initiatives, and work products. The largest project in the Manager, Innocence Network Events’ portfolio is the Innocence Network Conference, an annual gathering of over 1,200 Network organization staff members, partners, as well as freed/exonerated people and their family members. The Manager, Innocence Network Events also organizes multi-day regional gatherings to further the aims of Innocence Network member organizations, plans and facilitates ad hoc virtual convenings, and manages various collaborative groups and processes. The Manager, Innocence Network Events reports to the Director, Innocence Network Support Unit and works collaboratively with the staff at the Innocence Project, the leadership of the Innocence Network, and staff and board members at individual Innocence Network member organizations. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer. The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed virtually/in-office. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organization’s “anchor day” where all staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of hands-on experience leading and executing complex events, convenings, or productions from planning through post-event follow-up
Deep knowledge of event management best practices, including agenda design, participant experience, and inclusive, trauma-informed approaches to gathering and facilitation
Demonstrated interest in the work of the Innocence Project and Innocence Network; passion for nonprofit management, organizational development, leadership development, facilitation, collective decision-making, and diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices
Superior verbal and written communication skills
Experience preparing and managing budgets and financial plans
Experience working with a broad array of stakeholders; experience collaborating with coalitions of independent and allied organizations and justice-impacted individuals a plus
Ability to travel up to 20%
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

graphic design skills a plus

Responsibilities

Develop and drive strategic direction for annual Innocence Network Conference.
Manage the public call for session proposals, including the evaluation and selection of breakout session content.
Assemble and direct the Network’s Conference Planning Working Group.
Partner with innocence movement thought leaders and Network member organizations to develop plenary content.
Provide critical feedback and ongoing support to breakout session organizers.
Establish dedicated time and space at the conference for affinity group meetings, peer-to-peer collaboration, and informal connection.
Develop, communicate, and implement health/safety protocols and community guidelines.
Recruit and manage the Conference Ambassador Program.
Collaborate with Innocence Project Development team members and the Network’s Conference Sponsorship Working Group to advance the event’s financial targets.
Perform a thorough evaluation of the conference each year.
Report to the Network Executive Board on conference related processes and decisions.
Plan, coordinate, and execute the annual Innocence Network Conference.
Manage contracted conference consultants and interns.
Manage conference volunteers and temporary on-site support staff.
Identify and work with organizations/vendors to provide training and resources to conference attendees.
Create the conference schedule.
Manage all conference materials production.
Oversee the conference registration process.
Manage logistical elements such as site selection, planning timeline, hotel rooming lists, ordering supplies, and packing and shipping materials.
Populate the conference website, updating content frequently.
Plan and manage on-site logistics ensuring a positive attendee experience.
Manage all fiscal aspects of the conference including developing and reconciling budgets, generating financial reports, and ensuring invoices are processed.
Serve as the NSU’s lead on Network Regional Leadership Summits, organizing annual gatherings.
Manage the annual budget for these four regional summits.
Lead end-to-end planning and execution for regional summits.
Serve as a strategic partner to Network member hosts and facilitators.
Compile and deliver comprehensive post-summit reports.
Intentionally design each gathering agenda to include dedicated time and space for affinity group meetings, peer-to-peer collaboration, and informal connection.
Create and implement approaches that help Network leaders and the Innocence Project/NSU communicate and work together effectively on convening plans and execution.
Manage the Innocence Network’s new and ongoing external partnerships.
Facilitate relevant Network working groups and committees.
Provide advice and coaching to staff of Innocence Network member organizations.
Leverage the annual conference and other convenings to support leadership development opportunities for freed/exonerated people.
Oversee a variety of virtual convenings, identifying speakers and coordinating educational content.
Develop and share relevant Network resources.