Manager, Events Programming

Are you a dreamer, innovator, thinker and a do-er who believes in contributing to something that makes difference?

Make an impact. Join PMI.

How will you make a difference to PMI?

The Manager, Event Programming will lead the strategy and execution of impactful in-person and virtual events, ranging from 400 to 100,000+ attendees. This role combines high-level strategic planning with hands-on program delivery, including content development, speaker management, and program flow for key initiatives. The manager will oversee daily operations, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and event industry best practices, while mentoring a global team to foster a collaborative and high-performance culture. They will partner closely with cross-functional teams to deliver audience-focused experiences and contribute to the long-term programming strategy by identifying trends, talent, and innovative formats. This role requires exceptional communication and project management skills, the ability to work across time zones, and flexibility for travel, including weekends.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Lead the end-to-end development and execution of event programs ranging in size from 400 to 5,000+ attendees (in person), 100k (virtual) balancing strategic leadership with direct program execution
• Balance strategic oversight with direct execution — creating, curating, and managing content for key segments or high-priority events.
• Guide daily operations of program and speaker development, ensuring alignment with PMI’s processes, policies, and event industry best practices.
• Own content strategy, speaker selection, and program flow for select initiatives, while supporting your team in delivering theirs.
• Provide operational and strategic guidance on programming activities, including adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a global team, cultivating a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Marketing, OCEO, Volunteer Programs) to align goals and deliver cohesive, audience-focused programming.
• Contribute to long-term programming strategy, identifying emerging trends, new speaker talent, and innovative learning formats.
• Continuously assess and refine processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate program quality.
• Engage confidently with executive stakeholders, presenting complex ideas, influencing decisions, and building trusted relationships.
• Lead large session rehearsals and oversee complex AV setups to ensure seamless delivery.
• Work flexibly across time zones and occasionally outside standard business hours, including weekends and travel as needed.

Role Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience designing or delivering educational conferences and training events (in-person and virtual).
• Bachelor’s degree, Education, Organizational Behavior, or a related business discipline.
• Industry certifications such as PMP, CAPM, CMP, CPLP, DES is highly desirable.
• Expertise in content design, learning needs analysis, and stakeholder collaboration to meet audience expectations.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and how to translate them into effective programming.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills across diverse, global teams and stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze data, manage complex projects, and propose innovative solutions.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (approx. 25%), including weekends and holidays.
• Proficiency in the business language for PMI (English)
• Travel 10-25%