What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Event Manager position at Project MFG?
About Project MFG
America is running out of skilled tradespeople. Open jobs are going unfilled by the hundreds of thousands, and the gap is widening fast, putting our way of life and our national security at risk. The things that keep our country running and safe don't get built without the people who know how to build them.
Project MFG is a mission-driven organization on a bold quest to inspire the next generation to discover the trades and reframe them as what they really are: aspirational, high-impact careers that futures are built on. We do it through hands-on competitions, discovery events, networking, scholarships, and more that connect community, education, and industry around one shared goal: growing America's skilled trades pipeline.
As the need for skilled tradespeople grows more urgent, we're expanding our team to increase our reach and help close the gap.
About the Role
The Senior Event Manager brings the events behind our strategy to life. You set the execution strategy for each one, own every detail, and ensure seamless delivery across 25-plus events a year, from budgets and sponsor commitments to on-site leadership.
This position is based at Project MFG Headquarters in Kansas City, KS.
What You'll Do
- Own events and experiences end to end, from strategy through on-site execution, across 25 to 30 events a year.
- Set the vision, goals, and experience standards for each event, then break the plan down so every detail is covered.
- Own event budgets and expense tracking across the full slate.
- Ensure sponsor, partner, and contract deliverables are fulfilled on-site.
- Manage, develop, and hold accountable the Events & Community Coordinator who drives tactical execution.
- Conduct advance site visits and venue walkthroughs to assess logistics, layout, and readiness.
- Provide on-site leadership for the duration of each event, often arriving early and staying through teardown.
- Partner with Program Managers on event needs and with the Marketing team on look, feel, and attendee-facing content.
- Engage and manage external vendors and subcontractors as needed.
- Serve as the escalation point for on-site issues and keep Project MFG's best face forward at every experience.
What You Bring
- 7 years of progressive experience in event or experience management, including team leadership.
- A track record owning event strategy, budgets, and sponsor or contract deliverables at scale.
- Experience managing and developing direct reports and coordinating vendors and partners.
- Strong judgment, negotiation, and time-management skills across many overlapping deadlines.
- Fluency with event and budgeting tools: registration and management platforms (e.g., CVent, Whova), CRM, project management software, and Microsoft Office.
- A calm, professional presence under pressure and a bias for anticipating problems before they happen.
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently and extensively, including weekends, multi-day trips, and consecutive weeks on the road during peak season.
Education
- Four-year degree preferred in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field.
We invite you to apply today and join us in promoting, elevating, and accelerating the trades.