Employment Application
Director of Strategic Programs and Experiences
Business Professionals of America
Full-Time Fully Remote | Columbus, Ohio
Business Professionals of America (BPA), a national non-profit student organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a dynamic, creative, and mission-aligned Director of Strategic Programs and Experiences to lead the design and delivery of our premier student conferences and organizational programs. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the experiences that inspire, connect, and empower tens of thousands of student leaders nationwide.
From overseeing large-scale events like the National Leadership Conference to advancing signature programs like BPA Cares and Torch Awards, you’ll play a vital role in creating unforgettable, life-changing experiences for the next generation of professionals.
Position Summary
The Director of Strategic Programs and Experiences is a full-time leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction, logistical oversight, and creative vision for BPA’s programs and events. You will lead the planning and execution of national conferences, including the National Leadership Conference, and ensure BPA’s hallmark initiatives are executed with excellence and innovation.
This position reports directly to the Executive Director/CEO and collaborates closely with other directors, staff, and stakeholders to deliver experiences that reflect BPA’s mission and elevate its national presence.
Key Responsibilities
Event Strategy, Planning & Execution
- Overseeing the conception, development, and execution of successful and high-quality conferences, meetings, and events on behalf of BPA
- Administering all national conferences and meetings (including the National Leadership Conference volunteer program) and their amenities
- Organizing and facilitating meetings and other strategic convenings to support institutional change, policies, and programmatic work
- Collaborating with the Director of Development and Development and the Director of Education and Professional Learning on securing and delivering workshops for students and educators
- Overseeing event site selections, vendor and contractor sourcing, selection, and management, contract negotiations and execution, union relations, budgeting, program planning, scheduling and implementation, space planning, room and directional signage, daily conference operations, registration, technical production needs, housing, transportation, catering, security and emergency response planning, risk management, and overall onsite facilitation alongside the Executive Director/CEO
Data-Driven Insights & Continuous Improvement
- Capturing, analyzing, and understanding attendance and behavioral data, and creating, conducting, and assessing post-event evaluations to support future meetings and event planning
- Assessing stakeholder preferences and needs through surveys, feedback from members and advisors, executive officers, partners, and other meaningful sources in collaboration with all staff
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Program Development
- Collaborating with the national staff, Board of Trustees, and executive council to organize and provide relevant, contemporary, and compelling experiences at events
- Collaborating with the Director of Marketing and Development to create promotional resources for BPA programs and the National Leadership Conference
- Collaborating with the Director of Membership and Technology to ensure that conference and BPA program webpages are accurate, effective, and user-friendly
- Collaboratively identifying and developing new services, programs and deliverables to support organizational growth and experience objectives
Program Oversight & Management
- Oversight, planning, and implementation of BPA programs (BPA Cares, Scholarship Programs, Torch Awards, etc.)
- Developing and managing year-round conference and meeting budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director/CEO and Director of Finance/CFO
- Employing and leveraging current and emerging meetings and event-related technologies
Sponsorships, Partnerships & External Relations
- Securing and growing event sponsors and exhibitors annually in collaboration with the Director of Development and Marketing
- Developing and growing BPA’s partnership function through the identification, acquisition, and nurturing of partnerships to help drive BPA’s growth goals, particularly as they relate to the National Leadership Conference
- Developing and overseeing outreach and communications strategies to market and promote the annual National Leadership Conference in its respective host city, including event coordination, sponsorship campaigns, celebrity or corporate collaborations, business development, alongside the
- Director of Development and Marketing
Generating and developing high-value partnerships focused on expanding and enhancing our annual conference and ongoing partnership development, alongside the Director of Development and Marketing
What We’re Looking For
Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- Proven experience in high-level event planning, conference logistics, and program oversight
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
- A passion for student leadership, experiential learning, and organizational growth
- Outstanding communication, negotiation, and project management abilities
- Experience working with sponsors, partners, and vendors in a nonprofit or educational setting
- Ability to design documents and proposals
- A collaborative mindset and commitment to mission-driven work
Working Conditions & Compensation
- Location: Based in Columbus, Ohio with flexible hybrid/remote work options
- Schedule: Full-time (exempt), with travel required for national events and conferences
- Compensation: Competitive salary based with experience, plus benefits
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the following pages of information and submit the following:
- A résumé detailing relevant experience
- A cover letter outlining your interest in BPA, your approach to program(s) and member experiences, and how your background aligns with our mission
Position open until filled.
Business Professionals of America is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and stakeholders.