Director of Meetings and Events

The CCIM Institute is hiring a Director of Meetings and Events to ensure the seamless planning, coordination, and execution of all CCIM Institute events — from large-scale Forums and tradeshows to governance and committee meetings. This role is essential in maintaining the operational excellence that supports CCIM's mission and delivers an outstanding member experience at every touchpoint.

About The CCIM Institute

Headquartered in Chicago, The CCIM Institute is a global professional association of more than 12,000 members dedicated to advancing excellence in commercial real estate. Through education, technology, and networking, CCIM equips professionals to make smarter investment decisions and close more deals.

And, while work experience and educational preparation are certainly important, we don't hire resumes. We hire talented individuals based on our culture and values – the core of which centers around our commitment to uphold a supportive work environment that fosters trust and mutual respect.

Role Impact

Every CCIM event represents a key moment of engagement for our members, instructors, and partners. The Director of Meetings and Events ensures these moments run smoothly and efficiently, reinforcing CCIM's reputation for professionalism and quality. By delivering highly organized, cost-effective, and member-focused events, this role strengthens the Institute's community, supports educational delivery, and advances strategic goals across the organization.

Your Core Contributions to the Team

Event Operations and Logistics

• Oversee the full planning and execution process for all CCIM Institute meetings and events, including:
• Fall and Spring Forums
• Tradeshows and industry events
• Committee, governance, and training meetings
• Develop and manage comprehensive event timelines, logistics checklists, and production schedules.
• Prepare and distribute RFPs; conduct site inspections; negotiate and finalize hotel and vendor contracts.
• Manage housing, registration, food and beverage, audiovisual, and meeting room logistics.
• Create and maintain detailed event specifications, diagrams, and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).
• Serve as the primary onsite lead to oversee setup, troubleshoot issues, and ensure the delivery of a professional member experience.

Vendor and Budget Management

• Source and manage vendors including hotels, AV providers, decorators, transportation, and security.
• Track and reconcile event budgets, review invoices, and ensure alignment with financial guidelines.
• Evaluate vendor performance and implement continuous improvement measures for efficiency and cost control.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with marketing, education, and membership teams to ensure event logistics align with content, programming, and branding objectives.
• Work closely with volunteer leaders and committees to understand meeting requirements and deliver effective logistical solutions.

Data, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain detailed event data, including attendance metrics, hotel pick-up reports, and post-event evaluations.
• Identify trends and opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the attendee experience.
• Ensure all events reflect CCIM's commitment to quality, inclusion, and operational excellence.

About You

• 7+ years of experience in event or meeting management, preferably within a professional association or nonprofit.
• Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple large-scale events simultaneously.
• Strong negotiation, budgeting, and vendor-management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and problem-solving abilities.

Success in This Role

You'll know you're succeeding when:

• Every CCIM event runs smoothly, on time, and within budget.
• Members, partners, and volunteers consistently experience high-quality, well-organized events.
• Internal teams and leadership rely on your logistical expertise to support their strategic initiatives.

What We Provide You

The CCIM Institute provides competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive culture that values teamwork, accountability, and innovation. Our comprehensive benefit program features:

• Health coverage for you and your family through medical, dental, and vision plans
• Financial protection through disability, life, accidental death and dismemberment, and business travel insurance
• A 401(k) plan with company match
• Tax advantages through flexible spending accounts that allow you to pay for specific healthcare and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
• To help you manage your work and life needs we offer a life assistance program, free gym access, and professional development opportunities
• A generous paid time off program, including vacation, sick, personal, and volunteer days

All The Other Stuff

This is an exempt position and reports to the Vice President of Marketing. The CCIM Institute is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. The job functions listed above represent the primary duties and responsibilities of this job and in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by you. Other duties and responsibilities within the scope of this job may be assigned. You will be required to follow all instructions and to perform all duties requested by your manager; subject to reasonable accommodations and within the scope of the position.