Job Overview

The role of the Senior Program Officer, Scientific Meetings is to manage the development and presentation of the scientific program content for the association’s mid-sized meetings and conferences. The incumbent organizes the everyday workflow of staff supervised by the Director.

Accountabilities (are the critical activities and results the position is held accountable to produce)

1. Budget & Financial Management
2. Communication
3. Program Management
4. Project Management
5. Event Management

Essential Functions (defines the critical end results expected of the jobholder related to the accountabilities above)

1. Develop scientific programs to provide content to advance microbial sciences.
2. Manage the session proposal and abstract process to provide many people an opportunity to share their latest scientific research.
3. Develop and regularly track budget expenditures and meet year-end financial results in the program area to ensure that all budgetary items are kept to desired amount.
4. Collaborate with the Communications/Marketing team on promotional activities related to program to promote the meeting to potential meeting attendees.
5. Staff Liaison to the Program Committees to organize, facilitate, and manage the creation of the scientific content and session types offered at the mid-sized meetings and conferences, including virtual programming.
6. This position description should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other functions as assigned.

 Technical Competencies (are applied or practical knowledge and skills needed for effective technical performance)

1. Excellent communication skills, both, verbal and written.
2. Ability to mentor and develop skills of the Program Coordinator and Program Assistant.
3. Excellent decision-making and organizational skills.
4. Strong collaboration skills with external and internal stakeholders.
5. Proficient in all aspects of program development, including scientific program management software.
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

 Behavioral Competencies (are observable behaviors and skills that matter most for success)

1. Instills Trust (Respect/Honor) – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
2. Self-Development - Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
3. Drives Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
4. Optimizes Work Processes – Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
5. Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
6. Self-Development – Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
7. Values Differences – Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
8. Decision Quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

 Physical Demands
This is largely a sedentary role and may sit or use PC for long periods of time. Bending, reaching, or stooping may be necessary for use of filing cabinets or other office cabinets or office machines. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computer, phones, copiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. While onsite executing events, longer daily hours are required, much of which will be spent walking or standing.  Lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required.

Travel Requirements
10%

Required Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Conference Planning or a related field
2. Six (6) or more years of experience in program management, preferably in a scientific association
3. Experience working directly with volunteer committees and understanding the value and role of volunteer leaders and member expertise in program development
4. Demonstrated experience with solutions-based thinking, with an emphasis on process improvement
5. Demonstrated quality control experience
6. Budget development and tracking experience

Digital Event Strategist designation or related certification preferred