NACRJ Conference and Events Director

POSTED JANUARY 17, 2025

The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as our Conference and Events Director. This individual will play a pivotal role in planning and executing NACRJ’s flagship national conference, as well as other key organizational events. Candidates should bring demonstrated experience leading large-scale (1,000+ attendees) event or conference planning in a non-profit or mission-driven environment.

Application Details:

Position Title: Conference and Events Director

Type: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Remote

Salary Range: $60,000-$75,000

Job Posting Date: January 17, 2025

Job Closing Date: Application closes February 18, 2025.

How to Apply: Please complete the form below and submit a resume and cover letter.

Please click here to view a PDF copy of the complete job description and qualifications. 

Overview of NACRJ: 
NACRJ has convened nine National Conferences on Community and Restorative Justice to date. The incredible growth of the conference over the past seventeen years, with attendance increasing from 183 participants in 2007 to 1,902 attendees in 2024, reflects the strong interest and global expansion of community and restorative justice across the United States and the world. Formally established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2013, NACRJ not only hosts the national conference but also offers membership services, formulates position and policy statements, and provides a growing number of programs and services to support and advance the fields of community and restorative justice. 

Our Vision
We envision a safe and equitable world where restorative interactions transform individuals, relationships, communities and systems through the prevention, repair and deep healing of harm.

Our Mission
We advance community and restorative justice as a social movement by serving people and organizations committed to building community and addressing harm. NACRJ provides guidance and support to establish high quality practices with fidelity to restorative principles.

Our Commitment to DEIJ 
At NACRJ, our work is guided by our dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. Read our full DEIJ statement here. 

Position Summary: 
The Conference and Events Director will lead the planning and execution of NACRJ’s flagship national conference and other organizational events, ensuring their long-term success, scalability, and alignment with the organization’s mission and values. This is a full-time, remote position that requires exceptional leadership, organizational, and project management skills to oversee all aspects of event planning, including logistics, budget monitoring, volunteer oversight, contract coordination, and event marketing and promotion. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Conference and Events Director will focus on creating meaningful program and event experiences that foster community building, knowledge sharing, and networking for NACRJ members and the broader community and restorative justice fields.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Event Management and Program Development

• Oversee all aspects of conference and event planning and execution, including volunteers, vendors, contractors, marketing, programming, registration processes, and attendee engagement.
  
  
• Work closely with the Executive Director to develop event expansion and scalability strategies to accommodate a growing number of participants and expand the scope of programming to meet increased interest in community and restorative justice.
  
  
• Maintain scheduling databases for speakers, volunteers, and key logistical details to ensure smooth event operations.
  
  
• Oversee event setup and necessary event elements including breakout session management and session room assignments. 
  
  
• Ensure compliance with legal, contractual, and logistical requirements to guarantee a seamless and high-quality attendee experience.
  
  
• Evaluate event success, gather feedback from attendees, and generate reports highlighting key outcomes and areas for improvement.

Volunteer and Team Collaboration 

• Carry on the tradition of developing relationships with local communities to create a conference experience that is authentic and reflective of the host community.  
  
  
• Recruit, build relationships with, and engage conference volunteers, providing comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure their contributions are meaningful and effective. 
  
  
• Develop and oversee local and national planning teams to create event themes, speakers, agendas, and key elements in alignment with NACRJ’s mission and vision.
  
  
• Develop partnerships to enhance the conference’s impact and reach, fostering meaningful community building and collaboration opportunities.
  
  
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all volunteers and conference committees, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and support throughout the planning and execution process.
  
  
• Empower planning teams and volunteers to take ownership of specific aspects of the conference, fostering a sense of shared purpose and community engagement.  

Marketing and Communications 

• Develop NACRJ conferences and events through relationships as well as comprehensive marketing and outreach plans.  
  
  
• Create original and innovative marketing copy and online content to support conference promotion and engagement.
  
  
• Lead the development of the national conference website and registration process using the Cvent management system.
  
  
• For onsite events, develop effective signage to guide attendees, enhance event navigation, and elevate branding and messaging.  

Financial Oversight 

• Work closely with the Executive Director to create a sustainable long-term budget strategy for the national conference and other events that support organizational growth and financial sustainability. 
  
  
• Work closely with the Executive Director to negotiate and manage contracts with key vendors, including venue providers, technology and AV suppliers, and food and beverage services, ensuring cost-effective solutions while meeting the organization’s standards and attendee needs.
  
  
• Oversee and control expenditures and costs related to the national conference and other events, ensuring tight budgetary control and financial sustainability.
  
  
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and potential sponsors and grant-making organizations.
  
  
• Develop and implement strategies, including donations and grants, to ensure equitable access and affordability for conference attendees, including scholarship programs.

Skills, Competencies, and Qualifications:

Degree requirements 

• Minimum Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Nonprofit Management, or a related field. 
  
  
• Preferred Degree Requirement: Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
  
  
• Certifications: Certifications in event management and planning are valued. 
  
  
• Alternative Degree Qualification: Significant professional experience in lieu of a degree may be acceptable, especially for candidates with substantial expertise in large-scale conference planning or demonstrated leadership in non-profit social justice organizations.     

Required

• Commitment to community and restorative justice principles, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) values.
  
  
• Leadership experience engaging volunteers, committees, and contractors in event management.
  
  
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple events and activities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.  
  
  
• Strong interpersonal and relational skills with an emphasis on relationship building and collaboration. 
  
  
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills.
  
  
• Self-starter, motivated, and driven.

Preferred

• Experience leading large-scale (1,000+ attendees) event or conference planning in a non-profit or mission-driven environment.
  
  
• Proficiency in event planning software, ideally Cvent Management System.
  
  
• Experience developing event marketing and resource materials. 
  
  
• Experience developing and overseeing event/program budgets.
  
  
• Experience with funds development and conference sponsorships. 

Operational Context: 

• This is a full-time, remote position that may require occasional travel, evening, and weekend availability, particularly during the lead-up to the national conference and other events.
  
  
• Given the limited staffing structure, this position will handle responsibilities ranging from high-level planning to the granular details of daily operations.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to: Executive Director. 
• Supervises: Conference volunteers and event contractors. 

NACRJ is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.