Director of Events Applied Research Institute Indianapolis, IN Job Details Full-time $115,000 - $140,000 a year 18 hours ago Benefits Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave 401(k) 5% Match Vision insurance 401(k) matching Flexible schedule Life insurance Qualifications Vendor contracts Project portfolio management Supplier relationship improvement Bachelor's degree Continuous improvement Special events experience Managing event budgets Forecasting Vendor relationship management Event budgeting Event vendor selection Contracts Project execution Event contract management Event cost tracking Cross-functional collaboration Project leadership Cross-functional team management Project stakeholder communication Operations planning Cross-functional communication Stakeholder management Full Job Description Job description

Position:

Director of Events Position Number:

H26-008

Status:

Full-Time (Exempt) Reports to:

Executive Vice President, Enterprise Communications Location:

Indianapolis preferred/Remote option About the Role ARI is a mission-driven nonprofit that brings together industry, academia, and government to execute complex initiatives advancing technology, economic development, and national competitiveness. Events are a significant and highly visible part of this work, helping ARI build communities, strengthen partnerships, advance program objectives, and connect people and technologies to mission. ARI is seeking an experienced Director of Events to lead a large and growing portfolio of events across ARI and ARI-supported programs. ARI's event portfolio spans a wide range of formats, including conferences, summits, workshops, trainings, webinars, networking events, stakeholder convenings, media events, press engagements, ribbon cuttings, tradeshows, and other special events. Some are planned and produced by ARI from concept through execution, while others involve supporting a customer- or partner-led event or managing ARI's participation as an exhibitor, sponsor, speaker, or attendee. The Director will establish the strategy, standards, systems, and operating model needed to manage this range of engagements effectively. The Director will combine strategic leadership with strong operational judgment. They will advise senior leaders, oversee multiple concurrent events, lead staff and partners, manage budgets and vendors, and provide hands-on direction for major and high-profile engagements. What You'll Do Lead ARI's enterprise events strategy and portfolio , developing an integrated roadmap that aligns events with organizational priorities, customer requirements, audience needs, available resources, and measures of success. Build and lead a scalable events function , including developing staff, coordinating cross-functional teams and contractors, assessing capacity, and establishing clear roles, workflows, and decision-making processes. Oversee ARI's full range of event engagements , matching the planning approach and level of support to ARI's role. This may include leading an ARI-produced event from concept through execution, supporting a customer- or partner-led convening, coordinating a media event or press engagement, or managing ARI's participation in an external conference or tradeshow through registration, sponsorship, booth logistics, shipping, staffing, travel, executive coordination, and on-site support. Manage executive and stakeholder experiences , serving as a senior point of contact for ARI leaders, federal customers, government officials, speakers, partners, sponsors, media representatives, and other high-profile participants. Provide oversight of event budgets, vendors, and resources , including forecasting, contracting, negotiations, performance management, and ensuring investments are aligned with program goals. Establish enterprise systems and standards , including an events playbook, planning tools, templates, quality standards, intake and approval processes, performance metrics, and post-event reviews that support consistency and continuous improvement. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience. At least eight years of progressive experience in event leadership, conference production, experiential programs, event operations, or a related field. Demonstrated experience across a range of event types and formats, with the ability to adjust the planning approach based on the audience, objectives, scale, visibility, and organization's role in the event. Experience overseeing a portfolio of complex and concurrent events involving multiple stakeholders, workstreams, vendors, and competing deadlines. Experience leading staff, contractors, vendors, and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. Strong experience managing event budgets, contracts, vendor relationships, and operational resources. Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the judgment and executive presence to work effectively with senior leaders and external stakeholders. Ability to remain calm, resourceful, and decisive when plans or circumstances change. Ability and willingness to travel regularly. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting events within defense, national security, federal government, emerging technology, research, innovation, or applied science environments. Experience managing events involving senior government officials, military leaders, executives, technical experts, media representatives, or other high-profile stakeholders. Experience supporting media events, press engagements, ribbon cuttings, executive appearances, tradeshows, exhibits, sponsorship activations, and other high-visibility external engagements. Experience building or scaling an organizational events function, including its processes, staffing model, vendor network, and operating standards. Familiarity with event management, registration, webinar, project management, and budget-tracking platforms.

Who we are:

The Applied Research Institute (ARI) is a neutral, third-party nonprofit dedicated to uniting innovators and powering innovation across the technology ecosystem. By collaborating with the Defense Innovation Unit, NSWC Crane, DARPA, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, and the Department of War, ARI advances national security and economic growth through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies that fortify America's economic and defense infrastructure. Learn more at www.theari.us.

Benefits:

ARI rewards successful contributors and delivers a high level of job satisfaction.

Additional benefits include:

A highly competitive salary 401k (ARI provides 5% non-elective Employee Eligible Compensation, as well as providing an elective Safe Harbor match of up to 4% of Employee Contribution) Health, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage. IN3 pays 90% of plan costs for individuals and 80% for families Employer-provided short-term, long-term disability, and life insurance 4 weeks PTO to start, 5 weeks after 2 years consecutive employment; 10 sick days in addition to PTO 14 company holidays Flexible schedule, including the possibility of a full-remote position for highly qualified candidates

Salary:

$115,000-$140,000, depending on level of experience

This Job Is:

A job for which military experienced candidates are encouraged to apply A good fit for applicants with a passion for technology and innovation A good job for someone who thrives in a fast pace, and ever-changing environment A job for which people with disabilities are encouraged to apply To apply: email your resume to and reference job H26-008.

Pay:

$115,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Indianapolis, IN 46202