Ewald Consulting has an exciting employment opportunity for an Event Manager position. As part of a growing company, we encourage applications from individuals who want to be difference-makers and help us fulfill on Ewald Consulting's mission: Serving at the intersection of business, government and society to improve industries and professions.
Ewald Consulting plans over 200 conferences and professional development programs each year. The Event Manager is a member of an internal client team whose overall purpose is to support the client in their contracted association management services. Our Event Managers serve as the central point for all event-related logistics - meetings, conferences and workshops - for their assigned clients. This includes, but is not limited to, budget management, contract negotiations, facility site selection, and facility site management. Event Managers achieve their client's event-related goals through a combination of their own work as well as coordination of tasks with client volunteer committees.
Role and Responsibilities
Our Event Managers lead the entire event planning process for the clients they serve. They are involved in all technical aspects of planning, leading and hosting their client events. Outlined next is the work our Event Managers deliver for our clients:
Client Relations
- Represents Ewald Consulting and the client organization to various client constituents - committees, members, volunteers, potential members
- Ensures that client interests are a top priority in all decision-making and event planning
- Consult with clients using a strategic approach to determine the purpose and objectives for all events
- Assesses client needs and desires for consideration in event planning
- Works directly (and often directs work) with client members and volunteers to develop and finalize event formats, agendas, topics, speakers, exhibit halls and entertainment
- Communicates frequently with volunteers to direct event-related work and manage expectations
- Handles numerous client requests, concerns, and questions daily
Project Management
- Manage all aspects of assigned client in-person or virtual events, meetings, workshops and/or conferences
- Ensure all logistical details (including room set-up, audio visual, transportation, housing, and food and beverage, virtual technology etc.) are entered, monitored daily and completed using our internal project management software
Budget Management
- Draft line item budgets for client events
- Track and manage event finances monthly
- Provide post-event cost benefit analysis and event improvement recommendations
- Reconcile budget to actual at conclusion of events
Vendor Management and Relations
- Builds and maintains relationships with vendor representatives - including, but not limited to, production/AV companies, food and beverage companies, entertainment agencies, etc.
- Builds and maintains relationship with venue/site representatives - including, but not limited to hotels, event centers, CVB's, DMC's, etc.
- Draft and distribute necessary Request for Proposals (RFPs)
- Negotiates pricing and contract terms with vendors and venues to secure best possible value for our clients
- Leads clients in the identification and sourcing of any third party goods and service
Required Qualifications and Education
- Bachelor's degree in Event Management or related industry
- 3-5 years of experience in an event management role or industry
- 3-5 years of experience in a client-service related role or industry
- Excellent customer service presence and mindset
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced working environment
- Capacity to service multiple clients from diverse industries
- Proficient in planning, proposing and managing event budgets
- General knowledge of Microsoft Office suite with a proficiency in MS Word and MS Excel
Preferred Knowledge and Skills
- Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) designation attractive, but not required
- Working knowledge of content management systems (i.e.: Cvent and YourMembership)
- A consultative mindset and approach to client service
- An eye toward continuous improvement
- A team-player mentality
- Flexible, patient and calm working demeanor
- Experience with virtual events a plus, but not required
Working Conditions and Environment
- Travel is required - National and International potential
- Primarily a general office environment, but onsite hosting of events and conferences is required
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends, as client events require
- Ability to lift and carry items for an event. Items generally weigh less than 50 lbs.
Equal Employment Opportunity
At Ewald Consulting, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference and background investigation based on position.