Senior Director, Conferences & Schools

Want to work for a great Organization?

The American Bankers Association is the banking industry's champion. Joining ABA makes you part of a team that: • has Extraordinary People - ABA experts are the "go to" sources for bankers, policy makers and the media for credible information and insights for the banking industry. • has Unmatched Scope and Scale - ABA's unparalleled information and services keep members current, knowledgeable and prepared. • is Impact-Driven - ABA has a proven record of bringing about positive change for our members and the industry. We take action and achieve results. Plus competitive pay, an outstanding benefits package, a convenient DC location, a professional collegial work environment and an opportunity to work on issues of national significance equals a winning combination!

Click Here to review ABA's holistic approach to Benefits and Total Rewards.

Employer of Choice: ABA is recognized with a 2025 Great Company Culture Award and 2025 Great Place to Work designation!

Job Description:

The Senior Director, Conferences & Schools is responsible for the development and planning of industry educational content, management and delivery of training events that include residential schools, conferences, workshops, and banking simulations, as well as other products that are related to assigned content areas. This position is responsible for ensuring events meet the Office of Member Engagement's (OME) goals for financial performance, which include overall responsibility for annually assigned revenue targets based upon ABA board budgets and maintaining customer satisfaction.

The Senior Director provides day-to-day oversight of critical activities including, but not limited to, leading ABA advisory boards, presenters/faculty, outside consultants, vendors, internal meeting managers, and/or other professionals that assist with development or delivery of educational programs. This role works collaboratively with the assigned OME Marketing Strategist to refine the marketing approach and provide input into the content of the promotional materials.

This position provides direction and guidance to the ABA volunteer banker advisory boards, and works collaboratively with other areas of OME, e.g. market managers, instructional designers, contract managers, business development and relationship managers, editors, professional certifications, and training staff, to support and develop new revenue opportunities.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Select and manage volunteer banker boards/committees that support assigned programs.

  • Collaborate with event stakeholders to guide the volunteer banker advisory board in the development of event content including facilitating the activities of the volunteer boards/committees, e.g., leading planning meetings, conference calls, contracts, board/committee succession planning, and general relationship management.  

  • Work collaboratively with OME staff to develop new revenue opportunities, and help identify bankers and consultants for content planning, instructional design, and delivery.

• Develop, in collaboration with senior staff, product and target audience analyses and strategic plans that address the delivery of assigned events.

  • Oversee financial management of events, including competitive analysis, market intelligence, personnel (volunteer and internal staff), marketing, and contracts of the assigned programs and products. 

  • Work collaboratively with the Business Development Manager to create sponsorship and exhibit opportunities. 

• Develop “advocates” who promote and build support for ABA among constituents, including bankers, industry experts, and vendors to encourage engagement, participation, and support.

• Lead the on-site delivery staff and serve as the primary liaison with faculty, speakers, and advisory boards, ensuring events are delivered in accordance with ABA and OME standards, e.g., general and concurrent sessions, special events/receptions, customer management, etc.

• Work collaboratively with meetings and registration staff to ensure the overall success of the event.

• Partner with Meeting and Marketing Managers to develop and manage annual budgets ensuring financial targets are met and resolve budget discrepancies.

• Other duties as assigned by business need.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• 10+ years progressive experience developing, implementing, and managing the delivery of professional development programs. 

• Association management experience and Financial Services experience preferred. 

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Strong group facilitation and public speaking skills.

• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to influence and lead teams to achieve objectives.

• Analytical skills to determine appropriate decisions and analyze effectiveness.

• Strong professional presence and the ability to represent ABA and work well with senior representatives of the industry.

• Strong customer service skills and the ability to guide team members to achieve customer service excellence.

• Ability to think strategically as well as tactically.

• Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

• Experience developing content, leading volunteer boards, and managing professional development events strongly preferred.

• Experience managing complex projects that achieve budgeted goals/objectives strongly preferred.

• Understanding of the value of professional development and how it improves the performance of organizations preferred.

• Ability to travel (less than 20%), including over some weekends, required.

Target Salary Range:

$118,000 - $125,000

Salary Band Range:

American Bankers Association (ABA) is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected Veteran status, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.