About the Job
POSITION SUMMARY
The SEM Conference Director is the face of and leads the annual Strategic Enrollment Management Conference. The Director works with the ̽»¨Â¥ Associate Executive Director (AED), Education and Member Development, to maintain and expand the SEM conference as the world’s preeminent meeting on this topic, investigate and implement emerging delivery modes for content, grow conference attendance, and target groups identified as critical to the health of SEM worldwide. The Director is a key member and contributor of the ̽»¨Â¥ SEM Advisory Group(s).
In collaboration with the ̽»¨Â¥ Meetings Department and under the supervision of the AED, the Director coordinates content for the full SEM Conference, including workshops, breakout sessions, and plenary panelists. The director utilizes ̽»¨Â¥ technology and systems for session proposal management and session scheduling. The Director provides support to SEM Conference presenters and VIPs, and supports the ̽»¨Â¥ Consulting SEM Teams program.
Time commitment varies widely throughout the year, from sporadic emails, monthly conference calls during the planning cycle, to concentrated periods of session review and full engagement during the conference.
This is a part-time, remote position; work hours vary and may occur during the day or evening to accommodate advisory group schedules, time zones, etc. Some travel and weekend work is required as related to the SEM Conference, which takes place in the Fall.
Transition Year: The incoming Director will shadow the current SEM Conference Director from the SEM 2025 Conference through the conclusion of the SEM 2026 Conference. Full responsibilities will commence immediately after the SEM 2026 Conference for the SEM 2027 program year.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Coordinate the SEM Conference “Call for Proposals”
Coordinate the SEM planning team meetings.
Coordinate the SEM advisory group(s) that provide input on strategic direction and content of the Conference.
Prepare and submit project plans to the AED
Work with the ̽»¨Â¥ MarComms department to prepare and/or proof copy for communications to ̽»¨Â¥ Membership and SEM Conference attendees
Assist ̽»¨Â¥ staff in preparing marketing materials content (articles for ̽»¨Â¥ publications, notices on ̽»¨Â¥ Exchange and Web, social media content, response to inquiries, etc.).
Utilize the session builder/abstract manager to review, select, and schedule SEM Conference sessions.
Evaluate, select, and communicate with SEM Conference presenters.
Provide recommendations on the SEM Conference program (events, sequencing, and special topics).
Act as primary host/emcee.
Develop relationships/community with key ̽»¨Â¥ partners and sponsors
Provide post-conference evaluation summary and recommendations for future SEM conferences.
Interact with the ̽»¨Â¥ Meetings Department, whose responsibilities include the following:
Configure and manage administration of the abstract management database/scheduler
Monitor the budget and payment of invoices
Plenary presenter arrangements
Hotel staff liaison
Menus
Exhibits/Vendor support
Partner/Vendor negotiations
Corporate presentations
Other meeting logistics, including site selection and sponsorships
Attend the ̽»¨Â¥ Annual Meeting and The Assembly Conference to solicit exemplary sessions, authors and/or advisory group members and to coordinate content with the planning bodies/directors of these meetings.
Job Traveling : 10% - 30%
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will embody and reflect the ̽»¨Â¥ Values of collaboration, innovation, inclusivity, inquiry, and integrity, as well as the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Exemplary and proven leadership and communication skills.
Ability to articulate a clear vision for SEM and the role of ̽»¨Â¥ in its development, worldwide.
Prior experience leading a national or international conference, preferably on SEM or higher ed, is strongly preferred.
Expert knowledge of higher education systems in the United States and abroad required; additional foreign system expertise desired.
Expert knowledge of Strategic Enrollment Management and the higher education sector.
Ability to autonomously exercise good judgment in the identification of critical tasks, setting of priorities, and serving the needs of the Association.
Team player with the ability to interact appropriately with all internal and external colleagues.
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Google Drive, and other current technologies to optimize efficiency and productivity.
Experience with abstract management systems.