Emerson College hiring Manager, Conferences & Events in Boston, MA | LinkedIn (2024)

Job Description Summary

The Manager, Conferences & Events is integral to the strategic coordination and execution of the college's event operations, including the Summer Conference Program. This role emphasizes robust interaction with a wide range of stakeholders, from the president's office and faculty to VIPs and donors, ensuring that events consistently represent the college’s values. Focused on leadership and customer service, the position is key to enhancing event quality and expanding client relations through effective B2B strategies.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Serve as the point of contact for all event-related matters, engaging consistently with high-level stakeholders such as the president's office, faculty, VIPs, donors, and students to embody and uphold the institution's values and standards.
• Spearhead the Summer Conference Program, managing a significant budget and all financial operations, from invoicing to revenue allocation, with a focus on delivering high-end experiences for all attendees.
• Develop and implement proactive B2B sales strategies to promote and expand the Summer Conference Program, leveraging industry contacts and market insights to attract new clients and enhance the scope and quality of events.
• Guarantees that activities and costs remain within set budgetary constraints. Processes purchase orders, expense reimbursem*nts and ensures vendors are paid promptly.
• Coordinate comprehensive space management and event logistics, utilizing tools like Event Management Software (EMS) and Spacebook for optimal space allocation, conducting detailed venue inspections, and ensuring all logistics adhere to high service standards.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure seamless event execution, creating necessary documentation, managing contracts, and accurately aligning event schedules.
• Secure necessary spaces, confirm event specifics like headcounts and dietary requirements, and supervise daily operations with senior student staff.
• Recruit, train, and manage a dedicated team of students, overseeing all aspects of employment and ensuring high performance and compliance with institutional standards.
• Provide emergency support and conduct facility tours, serving on-call for immediate problem resolution and maintaining regular contact with returning groups.

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to perform the job effectively.

• A bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required; instead of a degree, 10+ years of equivalent experience will also be considered.
• At least 5-7 years of event management experience, preferably in an educational or large-scale public setting.
• Proven B2B sales experience, with a strong track record of securing corporate clients for large-scale events or conferences.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) certifications are preferred.
• Prior sales experience to strategically engage clients and expand the conference portfolio preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.

• Proficiency in using event management software such as EMS and Spacebook.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team, including recruiting, training, and supervising staff.
• Strong capability in managing budgets, logistics, and operations for large-scale events.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to act as the institution's liaison.
• Adaptable, with the ability to manage changing events and resolve problems efficiently.
• Exceptional troubleshooting, communication, and project management skills are crucial for successful event planning and execution.
• Ability to foster and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance event experiences.
• Ability to establish department goals, and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and/or supervise the work of others.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This position is active in nature, continuous movement is required.
• Ability to have continuous oral and written communication with clients, co-workers, and supervisors is essential.
• Repetitive movements, frequent lifting of up to 35 pounds, reaching, pushing, stooping, climbing, and the ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding, and read fine print will be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• This position works in a conference, meeting, and office environment
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for event schedules and emergencies.

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

COMPENSATION

Compensation for this position will be between $ 77,600- $ 97,000 annually, commensurate with experience.