Government consulting firm is looking for a Conference Manager to join their team
Hours/Schedule: 30 hours/week or Full-time, flexible , onsite in their Chevy Chase, MD office one day weekly on Wednesdays
Job Type: Contract to Hire
Location Requirements: Hybrid
Rate: 80k-90k, or if 30 hours weekly a comparable hourly rate
Job Description: This role will provide full-service logistics management for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events of various sizes. The Conference Manager is responsible for successfully executing large-scale, complex, high-profile events from conception through completion, ensuring all deliverables are completed on time and meet or exceed client expectations.
Responsibilities:
- Provide guidance and instruction to team members related to event planning tasks and requirements.
- Supervise the work of other meeting and conference support staff.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and industry peers, staying up to date on industry trends and technologies.
- Manage all facets of event planning initiatives for clients.
- Track, monitor, and reconcile event expenses against project budgets and alert Project Manager of potential risks or cost overruns.
- Ensure event deliverable schedules and timelines are adhered to while anticipating and addressing potential issues or risks.
- Host kickoff and recurring planning calls with clients to understand event requirements, strategize, offer guidance, and share project timelines to ensure successful execution of events.
- Manage and negotiate contracts with venues and contracted vendors (due diligence, adherence to contract terms, conformity to budget constraints, satisfactory delivery of service).
- Manage travel logistics and reimbursement process (ensuring adherence to client and/or corporate policies).
- Manage development of meeting websites, registration, virtual environments, and meeting materials, ensuring strict quality control.
- Manage communications with event attendees.
- Review and finalize Run of Show for live-event support.
- Manage all aspects of events and the attendee experience.
- May perform other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (or equivalent related experience).
- 8+ years event planning experience for professional organization (at least 5+ years for Federal clients).
- Thorough knowledge of Federal Travel Regulation and experience coordinating Federal travel.
- Experience with event management platforms and registration software (Cvent, Gather, Zoom, MachForm, Jotform, Eventbrite, or similar).
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously, on time, and with limited oversight.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Adobe.
- Experience with event management software and/or event technology highly desirable.
- Ability to research, adapt, and implement new technologies quickly.
- Occasional out of town travel may be required (maybe once or twice a year)
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- CMP/CGMP certification
- Coordination of events for 1000+ attendees
- Abstract submission/review process
- Exhibit coordination
- Registration management
- Management of mobile event app development process
- Active engagement in professional industry organizations (i.e., SGMP, PCMA, MPI, etc.)
FlexProfessionals respects and seeks to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences of its candidate network. FlexProfessionals does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. The candidates whose resumes are shared with our business clients are selected on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
