Conference & Events Manager (Contract)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Conference & Events Manager (Contract) will serve as the primary manager of four events in IMA's portfolio during a maternity leave coverage period, overseeing end-to-end logistics and operations for a diverse lineup of in-person and virtual events. This hands-on role requires a highly organized, self-sufficient event professional who can hit the ground running, quickly absorb institutional knowledge, and take full ownership of multiple concurrent events. You will manage vendor relationships, attendee communications, onsite execution, and cross-functional coordination across a range of high-visibility events — including a virtual leadership summit, a global board of directors meeting, and a student leadership conference. You will serve as a key member of a collaborative team, where every task, regardless of size, is essential to the success of our events.  The anticipated duration of this role is late April through mid-December. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Transition & Onboarding

• Onboard and train alongside the Director of Conferences & Events on all workflows, vendor relationships, and event logistics
• Serve as the primary onsite point of contact for the Accounting & Finance Conference (June 14–17; travel dates June 11–18)
• Manage post-conference wrap-up including data collection, evaluation, and reporting
• Initiate project management timelines for all fall events

Event Operations & Execution

• Assume full ownership of the events portfolio as the primary Conference & Events Manager
• Oversee all operations and project management
• Manage all vendor logistics across events, including hotel, AV, transportation, offsite events, signage, and materials
• Coordinate staff and VIP travel and reservations
• Draft, test, and send all attendee and stake holder communications pre-event, onsite, and post-event
• Produce and distribute weekly registration reports
• Create and distribute run of show documents for onsite staff (for both virtual and in-person events)
• Manage exhibitor and sponsor communications and deliverables
• Track and order all materials, signage, and promotional items
• Execute day-of event management for both virtual and in-person formats
• Conduct post-event evaluation including CPE tracking and post-survey analysis

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES and OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• 5 years of conference and event management experience (operations and logistics focus)
• Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously across in-person and virtual formats
• Experience with Cvent 
• Strong vendor management and contract negotiation skills
• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience coordinating with senior leadership, C-level executives, and VIP guests
• Highly detail-oriented and proactive in anticipating needs and resolving issues
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Self-motivated with strong project management instincts
• A reliable and flexible team player who thrives on contributing beyond defined responsibilities whenever there's a need
• Knowledge of the accounting & finance profession is preferred but not required
• Travel required for onsite events; some weekend travel may be necessary

About IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) 
IMA® is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) and CSCA® (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis) programs, continuing education, networking, and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. Twice named Professional Body of the Year by The Accountant/International Accounting Bulletin, IMA has a global network of about 140,000 members in 150 countries and more than 350 professional and student chapters. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., USA, IMA provides localized services through its four global regions: The Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Middle East/India. For more information about IMA, please visit www.imanet.org.