Career Center

The Linguistic Society of America (LSA) invites applications for the position of Meetings and Convenings Director. This person will direct all aspects of the LSA Annual Meeting and the Society’s virtual events/programs. The LSA Annual Meeting attracts approximately 1,000 linguists to share their research, engage in professional development, network, and explore the offerings of an exhibit hall. The society plans to expand beyond its in-person offerings to provide year-round virtual convenings for presentation of scientific findings and professional development. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic individual to become a valued member of a small, innovative, and collaborative team. The position includes flexibility for remote work up to two days a week with the other three days a week being in person at the LSA offices. LSA has over 3,000 members who work in colleges and universities as well as in a variety of practice settings. LSA’s mission is to advance the scientific study of language and its applications.

Essential functions:

• Directing Annual Meeting site select and contract negotiations.
• Directing all event-related vendor selection and contracting.
• Directing exhibits, advertising, and sponsorship opportunities for in person and virtual convenings.
• Coordinating with LSA’s sister societies on shared meeting spaces including establishing MOUs.
• Creating and maintaining the Annual Meeting and virtual convenings area of the website.
• Annual Meeting and virtual convenings promotion through multiple channels.
• Managing database records related to meetings and convenings.
• Working with appropriate committees to plan content, manage submissions and their review, and scheduling.
• Directing the production of the Annual Meeting Program Handbook.
• Directing all aspects of on-site event execution.
• Proposing, monitoring, and reporting on Annual Meeting budget and financials, including post-meeting reconciliation, and billing.
• Arranging supplies and materials at event locations that may require the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: 522 21st Street NW, Suite 120, Washington D.C. 20006

Qualifications

• 4-year degree preferred.
• CMP or CSEP preferred.
• Significant experience (3-5 years) in meeting planning.
• Strong work ethic, with the ability to multi-task and commit to project deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of team, engage in problem solving, creative thinking, process development, project management.
• Ability to work independently and with multi-stakeholder teams.
• Ease with technology, including databases.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret basic data and make decisions, judgments, and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain a positive and diplomatic composure, especially under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Experience with association management software, conference management software, virtual event platforms, CMS website maintenance, Adobe Acrobat; mobile event apps, and social media; Experience with Oxford Abstracts a plus.
• Ability to travel for the Annual Meeting in early January as well as site visits; ability to work some flexible hours.

To apply: Please submit a substantive cover letter and a resume to Margaret Vitullo, Executive Director, at mvitullo@lsadc.org. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.

LSA does not tolerate any forms of discrimination based on age, gender, race, socioeconomic status and socioeconomic origins, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, health conditions, political affiliation, marital status, domestic status, parental status, or any other applicable basis proscribed by law. We prioritize cultivating an inclusive workplace where collaboration and creativity are encouraged, and employees excel based on merit and job performance. LSA is an equal opportunity employer.