Fast Facts

The Senior Meeting Planner at CCSSO will lead complex event planning, ensuring a high-quality experience for members and stakeholders through effective management of in-person and virtual gatherings.

Responsibilities: Oversee end-to-end event planning and execution for 30-35 domestic events annually, manage logistical timelines, hotel contracts, registration processes, and post-event reconciliation while collaborating with internal stakeholders.

Skills: Strong logistical project management, excellent consultative and customer service skills, proactive problem-solving abilities, advanced organizational skills, and attention to detail.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in hospitality management or related field; CMP and/or DES certifications preferred; 5-10 years of professional event management experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory role, preferably in a nonprofit setting.

Location: Remote work position with periodic in-person meeting requirements in Washington, DC.

Compensation: $84127 - $102921 / Annually

Job Details

Job Location:   WASHINGTON, DC

Salary Range:   Undisclosed

Description

CCSSO Mission and Work Values  

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, the Bureau of Indian Education and the five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. As an organization, we are committed to ensuring that all students participating in our public education system -- regardless of background -- graduate prepared for college, careers, and life. Our work values include Excellence, Service, and Trust. CCSSO’s work values express our shared beliefs of how we work together in this organization to live our mission, achieve the best outcomes for ourselves and serve our state members. 

Position Summary 

The Senior Meeting Planner leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of complex in-person, hybrid, and virtual events while ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for CCSSO staff and members. This role consults with stakeholders, manages multiple event projects simultaneously, and supervises the Travel Coordinator. The Senior Meeting Planner demonstrates initiative, applies industry knowledge to solve logistical challenges, and collaborates closely with the Meetings Director to ensure seamless alignment across all events. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities      

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of approximately 30–35 domestic in-person and virtual convenings annually, ranging from 10–900 attendees. 
• Consult with stakeholders to define event goals, develop event specifications, and build and manage budgets, while maintaining a customer-focused and solutions-oriented approach. 
• Oversee logistical timelines, hotel and supplier contracts, venue selection, and room block management in collaboration with the Contracts Associate specific to hotel contracts. 
• Manage registration processes and related data, in partnership with the Registration Specialist. 
• Supervise and support the Travel Coordinator, providing clear direction, coaching, and professional growth opportunities. 
• Collaborate with the Meetings Director to ensure consistency in event execution and alignment with organizational priorities. 
• Serve as the on-site lead for assigned events, overseeing logistics, and supplier performance. 
• Direct post-event reconciliation processes, including financial tracking, reporting, and lessons learned. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or related field
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), preferred; Digital Event Strategist (DES), preferred.
• A minimum of 5-10 years professional event management experience required; Non profit organization or association experience preferred.
• Minimum 2 years supervisory experience, with the ability to motivate and inspire top level performance in others.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities       

• Strong logistical project management skills with the ability to manage complex events from conception through completion. 
• Excellent consultative and customer service skills, including the ability to collaborate, influence, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. 
• Strong initiative and ability to proactively address challenges with well-informed, practical solutions. 
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to balance stakeholder needs and organizational policies. 
• Advanced organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accurate documentation in real time. 

Physical Demands  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment  

This is a remote work position, but employees may be required to attend in-person meetings periodically.   

As a remote-first organization, we offer the flexibility to work from anywhere in the continental US. Employees are equipped with the latest technology and receive a home office setup allowance.    

Our team connects via regular virtual meetings and maintains a strong sense of community through online collaboration tools. We prioritize work-life balance and encourage a positive attitude towards achieving personal and professional goals. 

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $84,127-$102,921 with competitive retirement and health care benefits which include but not limited to:

• medical, dental and vision coverage at affordable rates
• short term disability, long term disability and life insurance covered 100% by CCSSO
• 12 paid holidays
• generous PTO and sick accrual
• generous 401K employer contribution of 10%