Meeting Manager #2023-2771
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the world’s largest and most respected international organization devoted to advancing research in vision and ophthalmology. The ARVO Annual Meeting is the premier gathering for eye and vision scientists at all career stages, students, and those in affiliated fields to share the latest research findings and collaborate on innovative solutions. In this role, your primary focus will be on the Annual Meeting (a city-wide meeting with 10k attendees from around the world, 16+ concurrent sessions, and special events over 5+ days). You will manage several core components of planning the meeting and provide operational support on-site. You will oversee all Ancillary Events, manage ARVO-sponsored social events, and oversee speaker management. You will also support the Imaging in the Eye Conference and provide additional administrative assistance to the program team. Efficiently managing multiple tasks and complex timelines with accuracy will be critical to success. This role will provide you with an opportunity to take your organizational, communication, and project management skills to the next level.
ARVO is a fast-paced and collaborative environment where you will be proud of the work you do and like the people you work with. This role works across the organization and requires a great deal of accuracy and coordination, good judgment, and the ability to see multiple projects through to completion with minimal or no errors. Reporting to the Chief Officer of Meetings and Community Engagement and working closely with the Director of Programming you will ensure ARVO’s events meet our high standards of excellence while continually evaluating procedures to improve future conferences. We regularly review our offerings to ensure they are reflective of our community’s needs. As the Meeting Manager, you will collaborate with the team to support new offerings as they arise. Your ability to keep processes running smoothly will have a vital impact on not only the success of the Annual Meeting but the broader dissemination of key research and knowledge in vision and ophthalmology and enable us to pursue our common goals of improving people’s vision and lives.
A Snapshot of the Work You’ll Do
- Within the first two years, you will play a key role in the logistics of the Meeting and support the administration of the program. This includes preparing timelines and maintaining the internal Teamwork project plan; managing invited session proposals and speaker management; ensuring internal staff and external partners are updated on timelines/deadlines, and coordinating supplies and shipments. You will manage all staff needs and travel arrangements, manage shipment and supply orders, and support marketing and communications efforts with accurate event-related information.
- Working closely with the Chief Officer of Meetings and Engagement while you come up to speed, you will own the complex Ancillary Event process. This includes creating the portal for and organizing initial requests and implementing and enforcing policies. You will work closely with up to 400 meeting organizers and hotel partners and are responsible for, scheduling and all other communications for the Ancillary Events.
- You will lead all aspects of planning and execution for ARVO-sponsored social events held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting.
- You will coordinate with event organizers for ARVO’s Imaging in the Eye Conference. This includes setting up timelines/deadlines and keeping the organizers on track, assisting with abstract management, and other support as needed.
- During off-cycle times of the year, you will manage the invited component of the meeting, including setting up proposal submissions, tracking confirmed speakers, facilitating imports to our presentation database and monitoring submissions.
Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits
- You’ll enjoy a flexible hybrid work environment, including two days collaborating with colleagues in our Rockville, MD, office and three days working remotely. Some domestic travel is required, including 7-10 days at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
- The budgeted salary range for this position is $65-75K. We offer an outstanding benefits package including comprehensive medical insurance, employer-paid vision, dental, life, and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts for medical and childcare expenses, matching retirement savings, employer-paid parking or monthly contribution for public transportation, generous PTO (12 paid holidays, 12 days of vacation increasing to 18 during 2nd year, and 10 days of sick leave), and tuition reimbursement for professional development.
- We recognize the value of our employees and strive to create an environment that is both flexible and conducive to a high-performing organization. Your colleagues are collegial, collaborative, and eager to help each other succeed.
Responsibilities
Annual Conference Support
- Manage the Ancillary Events (200-400 per year). Review each request and apply policies to determine handling and create comprehensive trackers to keep the team organized and informed. Additionally, you will be responsible for informing organizers of ARVO policies for the events and ensuring compliance.
- Take ownership of the social event planning including recommending venues, arranging entertainment and managing the catering. Working with destination marketing organizations (DMOs) or convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) to source venues within budget and organize engaging events for 2-3K attendees.
- Collaborate with ARVO communications staff to provide specific event-related information for inclusion in print, digital, e-mail, and social media campaigns.
Annual Conference Logistics
- Work with the team to coordinate conference logistics including meeting room assignments for educational programs, committee meetings, and any ancillary events.
- Oversee the supplies and shipments for the conference. You will own the process of ensuring shipments and supplies are organized and delivered to the appropriate spaces.
Annual Conference Program Development & Speaker Management
- Support the Director of Programming on the invited speaker content by setting up the proposal submission site; tracking the confirmed presenters and their submissions, and sending reminders.
- Manage speaker needs/requirements (e.g., registration, housing, and travel expenses as appropriate).
Qualifications
- 3-5 years of experience in event/conference management and logistics coordination for large-scale events (2-10K+ attendees) at an association.
- Demonstrated experience in event project management, including creating schedules and timelines, complex data collection and tracking, managing deadlines for multiple stakeholders, ensuring compliance with organization regulations, facilitating material submissions, approvals, and follow-up, and identifying and resolving logistical issues that may arise before and during the event.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required. Familiarity with other relevant software such as Open Water, ScholarOne, ATIV (or another mobile conference app), TeamWork (or another project management system), and Optimizely (or similar CMS) is preferred but not required.
- Professional certification such as a certified meeting professional (CMP) is a plus but not required.
About Us
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest and most respected eye and vision research organization in the world. Our members include nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. Our mission is to advance research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating, and curing its disorders.
To Apply
We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.
Use the “Apply” button on this page or simply email your resume to Lilly Khan at resumes@staffingadvisors.com with “ARVO – Meeting Manager#2023-2771 SA” as the subject of the email.
Job responsibilities are similar to the following positions: Meeting Planner, Meeting Coordinator, Meeting Operations Manager, Events and Programming Associate.
- Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
Related jobs:
Job Description
An event production team is seeking a polished and professional Box Seat Concierge to assist at a classical concert in Brooklyn. This guest-facing role involves providing premium service to attendees, including champagne service and coat check assistance, ensuring a high-end experience for guests.
Job Responsibilities
- Provide concierge-level service to guests in box seating areas
- Assist with champagne service and coat check operations
- Maintain a professional, welcoming, and attentive demeanor
- Ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for event attendees
- Follow event guidelines and coordinate with the event team
Requirements
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Professional appearance; must wear black-on-black attire
- Polished, friendly, and attentive personality
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment
- Reliable and punctual for scheduled event shifts
Compensation
- $30 per hour
- Minimum 3-hour shift
- 1099 contractor position with direct deposit
Job Description
A USC student production is seeking dedicated crew members for an upcoming short film shooting on a professional sound stage. This collaborative project offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work alongside fellow filmmakers, and contribute to a creative production environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist in various on-set production roles depending on position
- Collaborate with the director and production team to ensure smooth operations
- Support lighting, camera, art direction, and set preparation
- Maintain organization of equipment, props, and set elements
- Contribute to a positive, efficient, and professional set environment
Requirements
- Interest or experience in film production or related fields
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Willingness to take direction and adapt on set
- Passion for filmmaking and storytelling
Roles Available
- Grips
- Gaffers
- Assistant Camera (ACs)
- Art Director
- Set Dresser
- Prop Master
- Production Assistants (PAs)
Compensation
- Unpaid
- Meals provided
- Copy and credit included
- Opportunity to network with USC School of Cinematic Arts filmmakers
Casting Wrangler for Film Production
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is seeking a casting wrangler to assist with talent coordination. This role is ideal for individuals with strong communication skills and experience managing talent on set.
Job Responsibilities
- Coordinate and manage talent on set
- Assist with casting logistics
- Communicate with production and talent
- Ensure smooth talent flow during filming
Requirements
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Experience working with talent preferred
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Based in Los Angeles
Compensation
- $200–$300 per day (approx. 4 hours)
- Valuable on-set coordination experience
Runner for Film Production Crew
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is seeking runners to assist with various on-set needs. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in the entertainment industry.
Job Responsibilities
- Run errands across set
- Assist different departments
- Support setup and breakdown
- Maintain efficiency on set
Requirements
- Reliable and punctual
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to multitask
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $100–$200 per day (3 hours)
- Great entry-level opportunity
Production Assistant for Film Crew
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is hiring production assistants to support daily operations on set. This is a great entry-level opportunity for those looking to start a career in film.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with general production tasks
- Support crew across departments
- Maintain organization on set
- Run errands as needed
Requirements
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Ability to follow instructions
- Interest in film production
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $100–$200 per day (3 hours)
- Entry-level production opportunity
Props Specialist for Film Production
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is hiring a props specialist to support the art department. This role involves sourcing and managing props for various scenes.
Job Responsibilities
- Source and organize props
- Maintain prop inventory
- Collaborate with art department
- Ensure props match creative vision
Requirements
- Experience with props or set work
- Strong organization skills
- Ability to multitask
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $500–$800 per day
- On-set production experience
Set Designer for Film Production
Job Description
A production team in Los Angeles is seeking a creative set designer to build and style environments for an upcoming shoot. This role is ideal for those with strong visual design skills.
Job Responsibilities
- Design and execute set concepts
- Collaborate with art and creative teams
- Prepare and adjust sets as needed
- Ensure visual consistency
Requirements
- Experience in set design or art direction
- Creative and detail-oriented
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $500–$1,500 per day
- Opportunity to showcase creative work
Gaffer for Film Production
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is looking for a gaffer to support lighting needs on set. This role is ideal for professionals experienced in film lighting setups.
Job Responsibilities
- Set up and manage lighting equipment
- Work with the director of photography
- Maintain lighting consistency
- Follow safety protocols
Requirements
- Experience as a gaffer
- Strong knowledge of lighting systems
- Reliable and team-oriented
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $500–$1,000 per day
- Professional production experience
Assistant Wardrobe Stylist and Props Assistant
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is hiring an assistant wardrobe stylist and props assistant to support the creative team. This role is perfect for individuals with a passion for styling and set preparation.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with wardrobe styling and prop organization
- Support wardrobe and art departments on set
- Maintain organization of costumes and props
- Follow direction from department leads
Requirements
- Experience in wardrobe or props preferred
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work efficiently on set
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $300 per day (3 hours)
- Hands-on production experience
Music Artist with Equipment for Film Production
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is seeking a skilled music artist with their own equipment to support an upcoming shoot. This role is ideal for creative professionals who can bring energy and technical expertise to a fast-paced production environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Provide music or DJ services during filming
- Set up and manage your own equipment
- Collaborate with the production team to match the project’s tone
- Maintain professionalism on set
Requirements
- Experienced music artist with own kit
- Strong understanding of live or on-set audio
- Reliable and professional
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $600–$1,200 per day
- Opportunity to work on a professional production
Gaffer with Grip Truck for Film Production
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is seeking an experienced gaffer with a grip truck to support lighting operations. This role is essential to achieving the visual quality of the project and requires technical expertise.
Job Responsibilities
- Manage lighting setup and execution on set
- Provide and operate a grip truck
- Collaborate with the cinematography team
- Ensure safe and efficient lighting practices
Requirements
- Experienced gaffer with grip truck
- Strong knowledge of lighting equipment
- Ability to work on a professional set
- Based in Los Angeles
Compensation
- $1,500–$2,500 per day
- Key role in production lighting
Job Description
A production team is seeking experienced and motivated crew members for an upcoming shoot in Los Angeles. This is a paid opportunity open to non-union professionals. The team is looking to fill multiple key roles across production, including hair and makeup, wardrobe, lighting, set design, and on-set support staff. Ideal candidates are reliable, collaborative, and ready to contribute to a fast-paced production environment.
Job Responsibilities
MU&H Artist (with kit)
- Provide professional makeup and hairstyling for talent
- Maintain continuity and touch-ups throughout filming
- Bring and manage personal kit and supplies
Assistant Wardrobe Stylist / Props
- Assist with wardrobe preparation and styling on set
- Help manage props and ensure continuity
- Support quick changes and organization
Gaffer (with grip truck)
- Oversee lighting setup and execution
- Provide and manage grip truck equipment
- Collaborate with director and cinematographer
Gaffer
- Assist in lighting setup and breakdown
- Ensure proper lighting execution for scenes
Set Designer
- Design and execute set aesthetics
- Coordinate with production team for visual consistency
Props
- Source, organize, and manage props on set
- Ensure proper placement and continuity
Casting Wrangler
- Coordinate and manage talent on set
- Assist with scheduling and organization
Production Assistant (PA)
- Provide general on-set support
- Assist departments as needed
Runner
- Handle errands and logistical tasks
- Support production team operations
Requirements
- Prior experience in the applied role
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work efficiently in a production environment
- Must be available for the full production schedule
- Portfolio, resume, or relevant work samples preferred
Compensation
- MU&H Artist (with kit): $600–$1,200/day
- Assistant Wardrobe Stylist / Props: $300/day
- Gaffer (with grip truck): $1,500–$2,500/day
- Gaffer: $500–$1,000/day
- Set Designer: $500–$1,500/day
- Props: $500–$800/day
- Casting Wrangler: $200–$300/day
- Production Assistant (PA): $100–$200/day
- Runner: $100–$200/day


