ICF NEXT is seeking a Connected Experiences Director, a strategic leader with a passion for delivering exceptional events. This role requires a deep understanding of industry trends, emerging technologies, and client needs to ensure the delivery of high-quality and impactful events. The Connected Experiences Director will lead and inspire ICF NEXT’s events team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration while shaping the future of our event services. Responsibilities include managing the event services budget, which covers team training, investments in new technologies, and other resources that enhance ICF NEXT’s capabilities and maintain our competitive edge.

Additionally, the Connected Experiences Director will play a key role in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, ensuring seamless event execution and contributing to ICF NEXT’s success.

Why ICF NEXT?

ICF Next is one of Europe’s leading integrated communication agencies, specializing in large-scale campaigns for clients across the European Union. With over thirty years of experience, we excel in guiding EU institutions and related organizations through complex communication challenges. To learn more about ICF NEXT and find your ‘Resonance’, click here.

Main Responsibilities: 

Team Leadership & Management

Provide clear direction, delegate effectively, and offer ongoing support to ensure individual and team success.

Develop and implement a comprehensive resource plan to ensure the necessary staff and skills to deliver successful events.

Foster a culture of collaboration, excellence, and inclusion aligned with ICF Next's values.

Oversee HR activities (labour plans, compensation management, performance evaluations, compliance with HR policies and procedures).

Scale Event Operations

Develop and implement a talent management strategy to effectively scale the team, including recruitment, onboarding, and retention of top talent.

Assess current team capabilities and project future needs to ensure adequate staffing and resources to meet the demands of a growing portfolio.

Adapt team structure and processes as needed to accommodate growth and maintain high performance.

Event Service Delivery

Ensure high-quality work that meets high professional standards and client expectations by: 

Enforcing strong processes for the delivery of event services

Closely monitoring key projects that require special attention 

Helping the team quickly resolve critical issues.

Ensure full compliance and respect of FWC rules

Act as Events Lead Expert and a point of contact and escalation in terms of the overall event services delivery to ICF Next’s clients and Account Directors.

Financial Management
Oversee and ensure accurate financial management of all event projects:

Work closely with the Events Team and the ICF Next financial team to establish and monitor budgets for each event.

Implement robust financial tracking systems to monitor expenses, ensure cost efficiency, and maintain profitability.

Analyse financial data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and cost optimisation.

Provide regular financial reporting to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in event budget management.

Suppliers

Manage strategic relationships with event suppliers.

Negotiate favourable contract terms and service level agreements, ensuring value for money.

Function as the primary escalation point for resolving any major issues or disputes with suppliers. 

Continuously evaluate suppliers’ performance to optimise service delivery and cost-effectiveness.

Trends & Innovation

Continuously analyse industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities to enhance ICF Next's event capabilities and maintain a competitive edge. This includes developing recommendations for investments in new technologies, resources, and training, and leading the implementation of approved initiatives.

Marketing & Promotion

Collaborate with the ICF marketing team to promote ICF Next’s event services offering.

Promote the Events Team's projects and services at internal events.

Requirements: 

Demonstrated experience in leading and managing high-performing events teams.

Extensive track record & experience in planning, executing and overseeing a diverse range of events, including budget management, risk assessment, and quality control. 

Solid understanding of financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. Experience managing departmental budgets is a plus.

Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understand their needs, and deliver exceptional service. 

Experience working with EU institutions and the European Commission is desirable, but not essential. 

Experience with both virtual and hybrid events is highly desirable.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences, including senior management, clients, and suppliers.

Proven ability to analyse complex situations, identify solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure. 

A strong interest in emerging event technologies and trends.

#indeed #LI-CC1
 

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. 

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed. 

 

Brussels, Belgium (BE75)