The Events & Operations Coordinator is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of the association’s annual conference (held both in-person and virtual on a rotating basis) and supporting year-round operational functions. This includes venue selection, vendor management, registration logistics and communications, budgeting, sponsor outreach and communication, and on-site event management. Outside of the annual conference cycle, the Events & Operations Coordinator provides operational support to other departments, helping to ensure smooth day-to-day operations across the association.

This position requires a detail-oriented, service-minded professional who is comfortable managing event logistics, working with academic professionals, and supporting a small team across multiple functions.

Primary Responsibilities:

Annual Conference Planning (60–70%)

• Lead the planning and execution of the association’s annual conference, from conception to post-event evaluation, including venue selection, contract negotiation, catering, lodging, A/V, and other logistics.
• Oversee conference registration processes, including online platforms, attendee communications, and on-site logistics.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and conference committee on the educational agenda, including speaker outreach, session scheduling, and presentation logistics.
• Oversee sponsor and exhibitor coordination and on-site fulfillment.
• Develop and manage the conference budget, timelines, and vendor deliverables.
• Travel to the conference and oversee all on-site logistics, registration, and support.
• Conduct post-conference evaluation, gather attendee feedback, and implement improvements.

Operational Support (30–40%)

• Provide administrative and project coordination support to the Executive Director and other team members.
• Assist in the planning and logistics for webinars, workshops, virtual events, and the association’s annual awards program, and other association programs throughout the year.
• Maintain and update member and event data in the association’s database/AMS in coordination with the Membership Manager.
• Serve as a reliable team player willing to support ad hoc operational needs in a small-staff environment.

As a small-staff association, we offer a highly flexible work environment and opportunities to take ownership of projects, collaborate across roles, and engage meaningfully with our author-member community.

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The Textbook & Academic Authors Association (TAA) is the premier community for authors of textbooks, scholarly journal articles and books. Our mission is to provide our members with the support they need to succeed in their writing pursuits. 

Our Values

At the heart of our organization lies a deep commitment to the following values, which guide our work, shape our community, and define our aspirations:

Inclusivity
?We champion diverse voices and perspectives, recognizing that a rich tapestry of experiences strengthens scholarship and enriches the educational landscape.

Integrity
We uphold the highest ethical standards in authorship, collaboration, and publishing, fostering trust, transparency, and respect across all our endeavors.

Empowerment
We are dedicated to equipping authors with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to succeed, from first-time writers to seasoned professionals.

Excellence
We promote the pursuit of quality and innovation in academic and textbook publishing, encouraging authors to create impactful, meaningful, and lasting contributions.

Community
We cultivate a supportive, collaborative network where authors can connect, share, and grow together—personally and professionally.

Advocacy
We stand for the rights and interests of authors, advocating for equitable practices and fair recognition in the evolving world of publishing.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in event planning, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience planning in-person and/or virtual events, ideally within an association, academic, or nonprofit setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of comfort working with academic professionals.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with registration tools and AMS/CRM systems (MemberClicks experience a plus, but training can be provided).
• Ability to travel to the annual conference and occasional off-site meetings.
• Comfortable working independently in a small, collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience planning academic or scholarly events.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or similar credential.
• Familiarity with in-person and virtual event planning.
• Familiarity with online learning platforms and virtual event tools (e.g., Zoom Webinar, GoToWebinar).
• Understanding of the higher education publishing landscape or academic authorship

About Textbook & Academic Authors Association

The Textbook & Academic Authors Association is the premier resource for authors of textbooks, scholarly journal articles and books. Our mission is to provide our members with the support, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed in their writing pursuits.

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