Events Manager - New England

About the role

The Events Manager leads an exciting line-up of in-person, virtual and hybrid internal and external events for Sun Life U.S., providing expert knowledge to meet business objectives, quality standards and engagement goals.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of event and project management for conferences, multi-day meetings, receptions, and incentive travel, including advising and detailing event itineraries, show flows, rehearsals, programming/entertainment, event website and attendee platform management, budgets/expenses, content/presentation coordination, service/vendor/supplier contracts, attendee registration/communications, travel, gifting, food and beverage management, staffing and safety planning and post-event reporting.
• Lead the hands-on planning and execution of high-complexity events, including online and/or on-site event delivery, directing teams and talent to ensure the seamless execution of the event agenda, including show calling and floor managing.
• Leverage industry networks to recommend external speakers/speakers bureaus and creative talent who can help drive business results through engaging presentations and experiences.
• Incorporate innovative ways to involve and interact with our audiences, cultivating memorable and enduring experiences.
• Manage, contract all event vendors according to Sun Life guidelines, including destination management companies, venues, keynote speakers, promotional items and spousal/family programs.
• Research and recommend new vendors and services to offer as recommended partners.
• Ensure the proper administration of event expenses and billing including approval and forecasting processes for events; identify opportunities for savings.
• Process payment requests, purchase orders, chargebacks and reconciliation and reporting for all event-related costs is properly completed by team members.
• Adhere to company policies and industry best practices for the event planning processes, pre, during and post-events.
• Leading specific team initiatives to improve resources, practices and processes for the benefit of the broader team.

Requirements

• You have 10+ years of advanced expertise in a meeting and event production environment, creating exceptional experiences for virtual and in-person corporate audiences.
• You’re a well-accomplished event professional, with an inspiring track record of using a wide range of media, platforms and venues, regularly working in close collaboration with production, technical and multimedia teams.
• You have advanced technological abilities, including Excel and expertise in the MS Office Suite, with experience using AI-enabled productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) and the ability to quickly adopt new technologies and platforms.
• You’re determined to be inspiring and motivating, with experience managing partners, vendors and internal planning teams to deliver high quality work.
• You regularly show initiative and drive, and as a self-starter you’re confident in your abilities and decision-making.
• You have a passion for developing and executing creative and innovative experiences, with your finger on the pulse of the latest trends and techniques.
• You can see the big picture, and you’re often one step ahead of your partners and team members seeing solutions as issues emerge.
• You have an excellent track record in fast paced, deadline driven, high-volume and live production environments.
• You have extensive budget management experience, with solid experiences tracking expenses and reconciliation.
• You build strong business relationships with stakeholders, vendors, staff, and team members; you’ve got a strong ability to negotiate and resolve issues smoothly and effectively.

Qualifications

• You have a Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• You have a minimum of 10 years of experience in event planning and management.
• You have experience with Cvent, Wrike, ON24, and other virtual or hybrid event and digital marketing platforms.
• You have experience applying data insights and emerging technologies to improve event strategy, engagement, and efficiency.
• You have deep knowledge of industry-related contracts and terminology (e.g. platforms, venues, speakers, vendors, etc.).
• You have involvement in industry-related associations.

Skills

• Advanced expertise in meeting and event production.
• Experience with virtual and hybrid event management.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and expenses.
• Expertise in MS Office Suite, including Excel.
• Experience with AI-enabled productivity tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage and contract event vendors.
• Experience with industry-related contracts and terminology.
• Experience with data insights and emerging technologies.
• Experience with industry-related associations.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program.

Employee Retirement Savings Plan (401(k)) with employer match.

Flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth.

Pay

$81,000 - $121,500

Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business.

Schedule

Hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work.

Team members and leaders are expected to foster connection and teamwork by being present in either the Wellesley MA, Hartford CT, or Portland ME office at least 2 days per week.