Events Manager

About the Role

The primary responsibility of this position is to plan and organize program events and meetings for the National FFA Convention, as well as non-convention-related events for the National FFA Organization and Foundation. This includes all operational, implementation, and pre/post-event activities.

Responsibilities

• Strategy Implementation: Assist the department director with strategic goals and decision-making.
• Operational Excellence:
  • Oversee multiple projects related to conventions and events simultaneously.
  • Manage organizational program events and meetings, including collaboration with staff and clients to plan and organize events and new conference programs.
  • Manage event orders for equipment, decorating, catering, audio-visual, transportation, room setups, and other logistical needs.
  • Manage travel logistics, food and beverage arrangements, hotel accommodations, and other event-related logistics.
  • Occasionally travel to various conferences to assist with event logistics and management.
• Budget and Resource Management:
  • Oversee event budgets up to $500,000 annually.
  • Assist the department director in developing and managing the budget, responsible allocation of resources, and adherence to financial targets.
  • Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements while maintaining high standards of quality and service delivery.
  • Help drive logistical coordination to bolster revenue growth through meticulous planning and execution.
  • Lead pre- and post-event activities, including pre-cons, debriefs, and invoicing.
  • Attend other shows and conferences to discover new partnership ideas and tools.
• Event Management:
  • Lead local and national programs and events.
  • Work closely with the organization’s foundation to provide accurate information for securing sponsorships.
  • Assist with post-event activities, including debriefs and invoicing.
  • Collaborate with the director of events and event managers to develop event budgets and ensure all expenses and payments are processed and remain within budget.
  • Create and abide by SOPs, timelines, and guidelines that align with the CEM strategic plan.
• Job Knowledge:
  • Provide on-site support and understand event protocols.
  • Define event goals, objectives, and implementation plans aligned with organizational mission and brand.
  • Maintain data integrity in registration systems and be proficient with computer software and phone communication.
• Work Product:
  • Manage schedules and relationships with temporary staffing services for onsite registration.
  • Develop learning guides to support departmental customer service.
  • Generate and distribute reports across departments.
  • Prioritize tasks, organize effectively, and demonstrate strong time-management and multitasking abilities.
• Customer Focus:
  • Initiate pre-event and onsite communication with clients and stakeholders.
  • Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
  • Collaborate to understand stakeholder needs and develop responsive processes.
• Dependability:
  • Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality.
  • Demonstrate confidence in decision-making and problem-solving.
  • Ensure responsible resource allocation and adherence to financial targets.
• Teamwork:
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, contractors, venue staff, and vendors.
  • Work closely with internal and external clients to align event execution with organizational goals.
  • Display flexibility and independence in a dynamic environment.
• Communication:
  • Exhibit strong leadership, interpersonal, listening, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Maintain clear and professional communication with all event stakeholders.
  • Share information effectively through reports, guides, and direct interactions.
• Belonging:
  • Foster a welcoming, supportive, and growth-oriented environment for all FFA colleagues, students, teachers, and stakeholders.
  • Prioritize staff and member well-being.
  • Actively challenge prejudice and promote inclusivity, dignity, and respect.
  • Demonstrate kindness, accountability, and care for others.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in events, hospitality management, or related field, or relevant experience (1 year toward degree for 2 years of work experience).
• Five years’ experience in events, hospitality, or meeting management, or equivalent.
• Excellent track record planning and executing successful events of varying sizes and complexities.
• Proficiency in event management software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work.
• May lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Repetitive motion involving substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Close visual acuity required for activities such as viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.

Work Environment

• Indoor, cubicle environment.
• Hybrid working location.
• Must be on-site at the Convention for the week in October and some other events as needed, most likely in June/July.

Travel

• 20% travel (Convention / as needed).
• Must be eligible for rental car privileges.
• 20% overnight travel as applicable.

Values

• Integrity: "Upfront and Honest Always" – Do what is right, all the time. Choose courage over comfort. Be open and truthful.
• Respect: "We Before Me" – Be considerate and courteous. Respect differences in all interactions. Encourage and recognize others.
• Accountability: "Do It, Own It" – Take initiative, do what you say you will do. Own mistakes.