Program Speaker Director

POSITION PURPOSE

The Program Speaker Director will collaborate with key stakeholders to find and sequence speakers; customize angles and themes for speaker topics and formulate questions for panelists. The Speaker Director role is a pivotal position within YPO, focusing on the management and delivery of speakers, and their content, for large global leadership conferences.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Speaker Recommendations

• Recommend speakers based on criteria such as cost, geography, expertise, and availability.

• Provide detailed profiles and rationale for speaker selection to event planning teams.

Speaker Sourcing

• Identify and source high-profile speakers for events serving global CEOs.

• Leverage an extensive network of individual speakers, member connections and top-tier speaker bureaus.

• Research and recommend emerging thought leaders and industry experts.

• Sequence speakers to strategically maximize impact and engagement.

• Establish speaker metrics and key milestones/deliverables of speakers.

Contracting Process Management

• Oversee the contracting process, including fee negotiations, travel arrangements, and special requirements.

• Manage speaker invitations, confirmation, and contract process to determine/finalize fee and availability.

• Ensure all terms of the contracts are met by both YPO and the speakers.

Relationship Building

• Build and maintain relationships with key industry leaders and potential participants.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with speakers to ensure their willingness to participate in future events.

• Act as the main point of contact for speakers, providing ongoing support and communication.

Speaker Experience Management

• Manage the end-to-end speaker experience, including preparing speaker briefing materials, onboarding speakers to YPO expectations and supporting speaker preparation leading up to the event. 

• Manage the onsite experience of event speakers, including welcome protocols, event logistics, and green room arrangements.

• Ensure all contract rider requirements are met and speakers have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Event Support

• Collaborate with event planning teams to ensure speaker-related logistics are integrated smoothly into the overall event plan.

• Assist with the development of event agendas and ensure speaker schedules align with event timelines.

• Work closely with the event team, including event managers and production staff, to provide support for speaker needs (AV, logistics etc...).

Quality Control

• Ensure all speakers meet the high standards of content quality and relevance expected by a CEO audience. 

• Gather and analyze feedback from events to continually improve the speaker sourcing and management process.

SKILLS

• Proven ability to work independently with initiative, to be resourceful and self-motivated and proactively manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

• Exceptionally strong administrative, and organizational skills; commitment to detail, methodology and accuracy; effective time management and prioritization skills.

• Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on proactivity, clarity, thoroughness, and diligence.

• Proven characteristics of intellectual curiosity, responsibility, determination, creativity, flexibility, drive, and self-confidence.

• Ability to maintain discretion and integrity of confidential and sensitive information.

• Ability to connect the dots, integrate ideas, influence, partner, build consensus and foster strategic trusted advisor relationships with members and all levels of the organization.

• Ability to identify problems, research alternatives, provide solutions and/or resolve issues in a timely manner. Anticipates customer needs and delivers with clarity.

• Analytical with extremely high judgement, structured thinking and creative problem solving.

• Possesses a distinct global mindset, sensitive to local and international customs and protocols.

• Proficiency in Salesforce and Microsoft Office. Hands-on experience in dashboard creation as needed. Keen desire to learn and apply new technologies and tools.

• Great sense of humor and works with integrity and humility.

EXPERIENCE/BACKGROUND

• 7-10 years of experience managing speakers for high-profile, high-production value events.

• Deep understanding of the needs and preferences of CEO-level audiences. 

• Strong understanding of the C-suite executive landscape, including the ability to engage and influence senior leaders.

• Extensive connections within the speaker community, including individual speakers and top-tier speaker bureaus.

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Strong organizational skills with a keen eye for detail in contract management and event logistics.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a high level of adaptability.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Event Management or equivalent experience.

• Master’s degree preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work flexible and/or extended hours as needed to accommodate members and team members in multiple time zones.

• Ability to work for extended hours at a computer screen.

• Willingness and ability to travel, domestically and internationally, without restrictions, approximately 25-30% per year.

EOE

YPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. YPO takes pride in supporting a diverse workforce and demonstrates this through its policies and practices. YPO does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.