The Program Manager, Meetings & Committee Engagement is a strategic and hands-on role responsible for the planning, development, and execution of several of the association’s business development events, member engagement initiatives, and recognition programs. This position also serves as a liaison to key volunteer committees and plays a critical role in advancing the association’s mission through high-quality programs and events that deliver value, foster community, and support professional growth within the industry.

The ideal candidate brings strong program management and event planning expertise, an ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, and a proactive approach to innovation and continuous improvement. This is a highly collaborative position requiring cross-functional coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. We are seeking a proactive candidate who can immediately contribute by supporting committees, assisting department colleagues with tasks such as name badges, shipping, and printing, and stepping in to handle responsibilities at all levels as needed.

In addition to the qualifications for this position, candidates will identify with the following core values:

• Mission Driven: motivated by the greater purpose of serving our members and achieving the ELFA’s objectives.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: belief that goals can be achieved, and obstacles overcome through ownership of responsibilities in our individual portfolios.
• Intellectually Curious: seeks new experiences, searches for knowledge, and solicits candid feedback with an openness to learning and growing.
• Professionally Rigorous: pursues opportunities that strengthen current skill set and close skill set gaps that are necessary to advance career path.
• Willing Pioneer: Understands ELFA’s vision in order to bring clarity to ambiguity, solutions to challenges and willing to iterate until best practices are adopted.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program & Event Strategy (25%)

• Lead the planning and execution of a portfolio of business development events (in-person, virtual, and hybrid) that support the association’s strategic goals.
• Oversee the end-to-end development of programs, including timelines, budgets, goals, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with volunteer leaders, internal teams, and subject matter experts to design impactful content and experiences for attendees.

Meetings & Logistics Management (25%)

• Serve as the primary meeting planner for select conferences, managing hotel coordination, audiovisual, speaker logistics, vendor relationships, and on-site support.
• Implement event technology solutions including registration platforms, speaker management systems, and mobile apps.
• Manage tabletop exhibitions and awards programs tied to business development events.

Committee & Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

• Act as staff liaison for multiple volunteer committees, ensuring productive collaboration and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with member companies, industry experts, and external partners to support programmatic success.
• Stay informed on key industry trends and regulatory issues affecting the membership base.

Budgeting & Financial Oversight (10%)

• Develop and manage budgets for assigned programs and events, ensuring financial accountability and resource optimization.
• Monitor program performance and deliver regular reports and post-event evaluations to leadership.

Marketing, Outreach & Communication (10%)

• Coordinate with marketing and communications teams to develop promotional campaigns, website content, and outreach materials that drive engagement.
• Represent the association at events and through digital channels to promote programs and build community.

Program Development & Revenue Growth (10%)

• Identify opportunities to grow and diversify program revenue through sponsorships, grants, or new initiatives.
• Contribute to fundraising strategies by supporting value-driven programming that aligns with sponsor/member goals.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• 4 - 7 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, event planning, or association management.
• Experience working with volunteer leaders and C-level stakeholders in a nonprofit or trade association setting is strongly preferred.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Proven ability to plan, execute, and evaluate programs that align with strategic goals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting to and engaging with diverse audiences.
• Excellent budgeting and financial tracking capabilities.
• High level of organization and attention to detail with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a mission-driven, member-focused culture.
• Working knowledge of conference management tools, CRMs (such as ClearVantage®), Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual event platforms.
• Analytical thinker with a problem-solving mindset and a desire for continuous improvement.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and resourceful individual who takes initiative and thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment - must be a go-getter with a strong drive to deliver results and exceed expectations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & BENEFITS 

• Hybrid work environment: in-office 2 days per week (Tuesdays and one additional day of choice).
• Travel is required to support on-site event delivery and committee meetings (including some weekends). Estimated 40% travel.
• Comprehensive benefits: 85% employer-covered healthcare premium for employees, parental leave, professional development stipend, 401(k) matching, cell phone stipend, paid time off, and more.
• All ELFA staff must be legally eligible to work in the US.

About Equipment Leasing & Finance Association

ELFA is the trade association representing financial services companies and manufacturers in the nearly $1 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. Our members provide the financing that businesses need to operate and grow. ELFA exists to provide member companies a platform to promote and advocate for the industry, including attracting and developing new and diverse talent; a forum for professional development and training; and a resource that develops information about, and for, the industry.

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