Project Manager (Corporate Event Experiences Planner)

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing a range of services including event management. The Project Manager will support clients with internal and client-facing events by overseeing all aspects of event operations and ensuring exceptional service through effective project management.

Responsibilities:

• Full life-cycle planning and execution of multiple key events in a virtual, in-person and hybrid capacity
• Financial management, including: budget development and management, expense management and invoice processing, timely post-meeting reconciliation and final financial reporting
• Sourcing, negotiating and managing site selections, contract management for venues and suppliers
• Coordinate registration, food and beverage, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, gift selection, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging and speaker selection for all programs; strong focus on vendor management
• Work seamlessly with key internal partners on event deliverables (i.e. Marketing for print and digital design and collateral elements, Production on Audio Visual, Event Technology team on web builds, data team on attendee management, Legal and Compliance as required, etc.)
• Virtual event planning and project management including confirming appropriate virtual platform, creation of timelines, invitation process, thorough and regular communications to attendees, suppliers and stakeholders
• Co-plan with colleagues and the client on larger scale programs; strong team player
• Ensure adherence to the client’s standards of operation and policies and that compliance and risk guidelines are followed
• Travel when applicable for site inspections and on-site management of live events to ensure full coordination of logistics and on-site teams for in-person events
• Post event wrap up including final attendees, budget reconciliation, observations, as well as client debriefs for year over year improvements
• Share knowledge of best practices, new suppliers, services and venues

Requirements:

• 5–7+ years' event management experience, preferably in a corporate or financial environment
• Experience in events, conferences, meeting and production management, including but not limited to C-level executive events, cocktail receptions and dinners, meetings and multi-day events
• Experience in working with and managing senior clients
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications such as PowerPoint and Excel
• Motivated, self-starter, ability to work independently and project plan; ability to think innovatively
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; proven ability to work well under pressure to meet established deadlines
• Leadership/influencing/negotiation and decision-making skills
• Adaptable and resourceful individual able to follow guidance while working independently; proactive in generating ideas and creative solutions
• Customer focus, approachable; ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their programs; adapt to ever changing demands and different client work styles
• Strong client management skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ambitious, proactive and highly organized
• Willing to travel to various locations for site-visits and on-site management of events
• Virtual event experience preferred – Webex and Zoom experience a plus
• Experience working with large and complex databases preferred, Cvent experience preferred
• Knowledge of venues and suppliers in key US cities