Meeting / Event Manager

Meeting / Event Manager Location Remote in Detroit, MI : Job Title: Meeting / Event Manager Supervisor: Senior Meeting & Event Manager or COO FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Remote. Must be in Michigan, preferably in the Metro Detroit area. The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Join our team and help change the world for the better, one experience at a time! We manage business and community events that inspire positive change. We give participants a chance to learn, connect, celebrate, and leave the room feeling like their time was well spent. After 30+ years of working in all 50 United States and beyond, we know the impact of virtual and live meetings and events. At all times we are establishing, cultivating, and stewarding relationships for the purpose of advancing our mission - Gather with Purpose. The ideal candidate realizes that their work will have a significant impact on our mission, and works passionately, with creativity and business acumen, to provide a superb event experience. Culture matters here. So, we expect everyone to demonstrate our company's core values. They are not aspirational. They are not just words on paper. Our core values were selected based on feedback we have received from clients, and we live them every day. We are collaborative, accountable, empathetic, and we “Roll with It”. POSITION SUMMARY: With limited supervision manage multiple complex meetings and events for a variety of clients. Will serve as client liaison and direct work teams of internal and external stakeholders. Will consult on meeting design, assess program goals, estimate event costs and negotiate vendor contracts. Will develop project plans, recommend and manage creative elements, talent and event technology. Is typically on-site during the meetings/events from start to finish. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES ◼PLAN ▪ Consult with clients and event team offering fresh ideas, strategic analysis and best practices based on experience. ▪ Establish, communicate, and achieve meeting/event goals and objectives. ▪ Develop and manage detailed program budgets, timelines and tracking information for every program. Follow client branding, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and continuity of all programs. ▪ Manage complex virtual and live meeting and event elements including but not limited to, site selection, invitations, registration, food and beverage, audio visual, ground transportation, speakers, trade shows, talent, auctions, volunteers, etc ▪ Exercise cost control, perform billing reconciliation, program evaluations and follow-up with minimal direction. ▪ Participate in and facilitate planning meetings. ▪ Be creative; brainstorm and recommend creative event elements and technology. ▪ Provide onsite management and supervise team members and suppliers. ▪ Control risk associated with attrition and cancellation and aggregate spend by advising management and clients as needed. ◼ ACCOUNTABLE ▪ Meet your commitments. ◼ EMPATHETIC ▪ Practice participant-led meeting/event design. Cultivate authentic, supportive internal and external relationships. Ask “how can I help?”. ◼ ROLL WITH IT ▪ Identify challenges, opportunities and solutions under pressure while remaining flexible and friendly. ▪ Identify and communicate solutions. ◼ COLLABORATIVE ▪ Contribute to the company culture by participating in company events, volunteering to help co-workers during your slow times, and sharing your expertise. ▪ Mentor and direct staff, contractors and/or interns as needed. ▪ Contribute to organizational sales and marketing activities. ▪ Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED ◼ Bachelor's Degree (major or concentration in event, hospitality or commercial recreation management or public relations/marketing preferred, but not required). ◼ 5-7 years of experience in event planning/management (i.e., corporate events, conferences, tradeshows) and vendor management/relations (i.e., selection process, negotiations, understanding of contracts, conflict resolution). ◼ Excellent organizational, administrative, project management, and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks under tight timeframes/deadlines; ability to carry out multiple responsibilities with no supervision. ◼ Punctual, accurate, dependable, attentive to details, and dedicated to achieving operational excellence through events that meet and/or exceed client and participant expectations. ◼ Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate clear, concise information to a variety of internal/external stakeholders, vendors, etc. ◼ Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to create lasting partnerships with stakeholders, colleagues, vendors, etc. ◼ Experience leading virtual project meetings reviewing tasks, assigning deadlines, discussing status and highlighting action items and next steps. ◼ Excellent organizational, administrative, project management, and time management skills. ◼ Demonstrated ability to: ▪ remain focused and professional during unanticipated event challenges. ▪ work productively in a remote environment. ▪ balance organization and client needs. (Agency experience a plus.) ▪ exceed client and meeting/event participant expectations. ▪ consult and negotiate effectively. ▪ analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports. ◼ Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, Smartsheet, Zoom, Cvent, Basecamp or Asana. CERTIFICATION PREFERRED CMP, CMM, or CSEP certification. WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT ◼ Occasional overtime is required. ◼ Light physical activity. Daily work may involve occasional assistance of others in the manipulation of heavy objects and some standing or walking, usually for not more than 2 hours a day. On site during an event, physical activity can be more strenuous (unpacking and moving boxes) and standing for longer periods of time. LOCATION AND TRAVEL ◼ This position is remote as Special D Events is a virtual organization. We maintain a hub location in Detroit and Royal Oak where team and client meetings are often held. ◼ Many of our clients' events are held in Detroit and Metro Detroit. However, we manage events in all 50 states, so domestic travel is often required for site visits and events. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS ◼ Compensation will be commensurate with experience. ◼ Benefits Include: ▪ Remote/Virtual Work Environment ▪ Flexible Work Schedule ▪ 401(k) Match ▪ Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance ▪ Life Insurance ▪ Short- and Long-Term Disability ▪ Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Healthcare Expenses ▪ Paid Time Off (includes birthday) ▪ Paid Holidays ▪ Paid Time Off to Vote ▪ Ongoing Education and Training ▪ Company-Sponsored Events ▪ Cell Phone Stipend Relocation not available Must have unrestricted employment authorization to work in the U.S. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. Job Type: Full-time Benefits: ~401(k) matching ~ Dental insurance ~ Employee assistance program ~ Flexible schedule ~ Flexible spending account ~ Health insurance ~ Life insurance ~ Paid time off ~ Professional development assistance ~ Vision insurance Schedule: Monday to Friday Weekends as needed Work Location: Remote