TITLE : Senior Event Manager
ORGANIZATION : National Governors Association
LOCATION : Washington, DC
DURATION : Full Time
POSITION STATUS : Exempt
COMPENSATION : A competitive compensation package will be made to the qualified candidate
REPORTS TO : Director, NGA Events

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is the bipartisan organization of Governors from the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA’s mission is to share best practices, address issues of national and state interest, and drive innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism.

NGA’s Center for Best Practices is the policy and research arm that helps Governors develop and implement solutions to public policy challenges. NGA’s Government Relations group assists in ensuring the voice of Governors are heard in Congress, and the Executive Branch and NGA’s Communications team collaborates with Governors’ offices to amplify bipartisan messaging and strategy.

Throughout the year, NGA convenes Governors and senior advisors for meaningful discourse, problem-solving and thought leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SENIOR EVENT MANAGER
NGA is looking to add a bring, resourceful and organized Senior Event Manager to our Events team. The Event Manager oversees logistics for NGA major meetings and other high-profile events. The Senior Event Manager assists the Director, NGA Events with creating and implementing a division strategic plan and collaborates with both internal and external stakeholders to deliver top-quality events.

Other important responsibilities of the Senior Event Manager:

• Source venues; research and recommend meeting sites for major events and all other events as assigned;
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and service providers;
• Develop meeting registration websites to include travel logistics, reimbursement policies and registration requirements in the meeting platform (Cvent);
• Liaison with vendors and NGA staff for meeting requirements;
• Create meeting specifications to include room design, technology and production/entertainment requirements and food and beverage menu design/catering arrangements;
• Provide overall on-site meeting coordination;
• Provide technical assistance and other support for meetings (including virtual meetings);
• Develop and monitor registration activity and housing pick-up and maintain consistent communication;
• Monitor guest room blocks;
• Create and maintain Event reports;
• Help develop, monitor and adhere to meeting budgets using NGA and funders guidelines; track expenses for all major events;
• Reconcile and approve final vendor billing and submit for payment;
• Prepare post-meeting reports as needed and perform guest room audits at the conclusion of all NGA events;
• Provide training to NGA staff on virtual meeting registration and execution;
• Assist in training NGA Events staff on proper tasks and procedures to help support NGA events;
• Collaborate with the Director, NGA Events to develop, update, and monitor adherence to event policies and procedures;
• Travel, as necessary, to support NGA events;
• Other duties as assigned by the Director, NGA Events.

QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree preferably in Hospitality, event planning or related field, with a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) credential preferred. Six (6) plus years of progressive event management and planning experience. Candidates with current working knowledge of and experience with Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) is helpful and preferred. Experience working with high-level Government Officials, working in federal or state agencies or non-profit organizations is preferred.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:

• Thoroughly understand the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) managing events funded with federal contracts and grants or held in federal facilities;
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, speaking to both internal and external customers;
• Have excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, with proven ability to meet deadlines and work collaboratively with senior leadership;
• Strong project management skills, setting project goals and timelines and managing multiple tasks,
• Be an effective problem-solver and have the ability to prioritize tasks;
• Be able to respond to problems and to assist clients with a calm, courteous, and helpful manner and attitude;
• Work diplomatically in a team environment, both within and outside NGA; Collaborate with other NGA division staff for effective communications;
• Work effectively with meeting-based technology such as Cvent, (online registration and housing software), meeting apps and other office systems (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and electronic communications. Also, have a good working knowledge of group travel software platforms (i.e., Egencia);
• Have good negotiation skills with the ability to secure quality services and products while maintaining budget integrity;
• Be an innovative and creative thinker; and
• Have the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to support NGA events.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply online through NGA’s career site. NGA uses Clear Company, and all information is kept strictly confidential. An application is considered when all required fields are completed. Please include:

• Your resume highlighting your education, experience, and direct transferable skills
• A portfolio of your best work (attach to your candidate profile via Clear Company)

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. NGA is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment.

WORKING AT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
NGA staff proudly serve our nation’s Governors daily and it’s our mission to ensure we offer a
comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support the needs of NGA employees.

NGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/D/F/V). NGA is committed to fostering an energetic, collaborative, diverse and inclusive workforce. We promote diversity and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, or any other legally protected factor. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.