Programs Manager

Programs Manager

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our rapidly growing team at MxD, as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

About MxD 

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more. 

MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected.  Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time-off programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides its employees.  MxD embodies a strong, fast-paced, and dynamic working environment while also fostering curiosity and innovation. 

Position Overview

MxD is seeking a Programs Manager to join the Business Development Department. This person will report to the Senior Director of Business Development and will lead and execute MxD’s programming initiatives throughout the preliminary planning process for the carrying out of the event. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working cross-functionally to plan and execute successful programming events and meetings.

Position Responsibilities

• Leads a holistic content and programming strategy that aligns programs with key MxD priorities, project focus-areas, and reflects industry/member network trends
• Leads the overall planning of programming, both virtually and in-person, from concept topics to identification of speakers to execution, including developing the event agenda
• Leads the project management of event logistics and planning, including managing partners, executive speakers, panelists and contracted resources/vendors, as well as aligning with the communication and the corporate events teams on all event-related communications and logistics
• Oversees communication and promotion strategy that enhance engagement prior to, during, and after events
• Strong ability to work cross-functionally with appropriate teams to research and identify potential event speakers, exhibitors, and attendees for programs and collaborate with our technical teams on content.
• Leads development of sponsorship offering and conversion
• Drives revenue-generating opportunities for programming, including but not limited to admission fees, sponsorship offerings, etc.
• Ability to plan and execute in-person and virtual events; including workshops and webinars
• Explores and assesses new event opportunities to drive engagement goals and increase event ROI
• Supports membership engagement value proposition by ensuring programming delivers on both member engagement/satisfaction goals as well as positioning programs as lead gen for member prospecting
• Ability to work with external partners, members and other key MxD stakeholders to co-produce programs.
• Develops communication plans in support of programs, and coordinates plan execution with the Strategic Comms team
• Conducts event and engagement analysis and derives insights related to programming and related business goals
• Ability to prepare c-suite presentation materials and prep executives for their speaking roles at programs.
• Ad hoc duties as assigned

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, event management or related field
• 6 years of experience in B2B event planning, experiential marketing, communications, corporate, startup, or non-profit, preferably in the technology sector
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; exceptional ability to communicate and present to senior-level staff
• Proven experience executing in-person and onsite events; including webinars and workshops
• Customer-centric focus with drive to execute flawless, high-impact experiences
• Exceptional program/project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple events in various stages of the planning process simultaneously; extremely detail-oriented
• Ability to function independently with little guidance and to complete projects in accordance with set timelines
• Must be available to work onsite to support events, planning, and overall collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Comfortable working in a government-funded public-facing environment

Work with Us

• MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.
• Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.
• MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options. MxD partners with ABM transportation to provide a free shuttle from various public transit stops in and around the Downtown Chicago area to MxD. Also, MxD provides free parking for employees.

Flexible Work Policy

• MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. The specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.

Accommodations Statement

• We recognize that individuals may require different types of accommodations to perform their jobs effectively. We encourage candidates who need accessibility assistance or have specific needs to apply and reach out to us.

Accommodations Include:

• Application Process: If you need assistance with the application process due to a disability or other accessibility needs, please contact our People & Culture department at PC@mxdusa.org. To the extent possible, we are happy to provide alternative formats for our application materials or support you through the process.
• Interview Process: If you require any accommodations for the interview process, such as assistive technology, modified interview formats, or additional time, please let us know in advance. We are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible interview experience.
• Workplace Accommodations: Once employed, employees can request reasonable accommodations to perform their job duties. This may include adjustments to workstations, flexible scheduling, or other modifications. Please contact the People & Culture department to discuss your needs. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.