Conference Assistant – Support Statewide School Social Work Conference & Professional Development Ev

Organization Overview

The Illinois Association of School Social Workers (IASSW) is a professional membership organization dedicated to advancing the practice of school social work and promoting the social-emotional well-being and academic success of all students. IASSW provides advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities for school social workers across Illinois and partners with educators, families, and community agencies to support equitable, high-quality services in schools.

Position Summary

The Conference Assistant plays a key role in the planning, coordination, and implementation of the annual conference, annual virtual conference, and virtual professional development programming. Reporting to the IASSW President, Conference Chair, and Executive Director and collaborating with the Conference Chair(s)/Co-Chairs, Treasurer, Executive Assistant, and conference committee, the Conference Assistant helps ensure that all tasks, deadlines, and logistics are organized and completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Key functions of this role include managing a year-to-date schedule of conference tasks and milestones and regularly updating conference leadership on the status of conference programming and maintaining monthly documentation of hours worked and duties completed. The Conference Assistant solicits and coordinates presenters, negotiates presentation details in consultation with conference leadership, assigns sessions to time slots, and supports the development and finalization of the conference brochure and other materials.

The position also supports financial and logistical operations by tracking presenter expenses, coordinating payments with the Treasurer, and providing accurate attendee counts for in-person events. The Conference Assistant maintains a comprehensive database of presenters and conference records and assists with evaluations of keynote and workshop sessions according to established timelines. During the conference, the Conference Assistant is on site to support overall event operations, address presenter needs, and help ensure a positive, well-organized experience for attendees.

Minimum Qualifications

· MSW degree or related field

· Experience in event, conference, or professional development coordination responsibilities.

· Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines, track detailed tasks over many months, and maintain accurate records of work hours, timelines, and expenses.

· Strong organizational and time-management skills, with proven ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and follow through on commitments.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience communicating with committees, presenters, or external partners in a professional manner.

· Proficiency with association management system software (GlueUp), and event management software (Results at Hand) or event technology platforms.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and external partners.

· Creative graphic design skills, including use of Canva to develop engaging conference materials and visuals.

· Strong commitment to equity, inclusion and the mission and values of the association.

· Availability to attend committee meetings and work all conference dates, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, as required.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has experience supporting conferences, association events, or multi-day professional development programs; is comfortable working with school social workers and K–12 practitioner audiences; and brings prior nonprofit or membership-organization experience. They are skilled in coordinating presenter logistics, using registration or learning platforms, and creating clear, accurate conference materials. They thrive in deadline-driven environments, especially in the months leading up to large events, and approach their work with flexibility, professionalism, and a strong attention to detail.

Compensation: $9000/year

Applications are due by May 10, 2026. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to the Executive Director at executivedirector@iassw.org.

Pay: $9,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Tinley Park, IL 60477