Event Manager

GovExec; Columbia (MD); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company 1:

Paid parental leave

Job summary

GovExec is seeking an Event Manager to lead planning and execution of a portfolio of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. The role serves as the primary owner of event delivery, driving client outcomes and high-quality attendee experiences.

The position requires balancing project management, client leadership, and financial discipline, with a hybrid work arrangement in Columbia, MD, including in-office collaboration and some remote Fridays.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 4+ years in event management or related field.
• Strong multi-project coordination in fast-paced environments.
• Experience with budgets, vendors and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
• Develop timelines, run-of-show, and logistics.
• Manage vendors, venues, AV, catering, and staffing.
• Coordinate speaker programs and live session execution.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, editorial, and operations.
• Ensure on-site registration and attendee experience.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Budget management

Vendor negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CRM systems

Project management software

Virtual event platforms

Job description

The Federal Business Council (FBC) is seeking an Event Manager to lead the planning and execution of a portfolio of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events across our organization. This role serves as the primary owner of event delivery, ensuring seamless execution, strong client outcomes, and high-quality attendee experiences.

Event types include executive roundtables, workshops, government-focused expos, summits, and large-scale conferences. The Event Manager will oversee events from kickoff through execution and post‑event wrap, while partnering cross‑functionally with sales, marketing, editorial, and operations teams. This role requires a balance of project management, client leadership, financial discipline, and operational execution.

After the initial training period, the hybrid role requires in‑office collaboration during the week at our Columbia, MD office, with the flexibility to work from home on Fridays.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end planning and execution of assigned events (in‑person, virtual, hybrid)
• Develop and manage detailed project timelines, workplans, and run‑of‑show documents
• Coordinate all event logistics including venue selection, food & beverage, AV, production, and staffing
• Manage virtual platforms, including agenda builds, speaker coordination, and live session execution
• Oversee on‑site execution, including registration, vendor coordination, and issue resolution
• Ensure a high‑quality attendee and speaker experience across all events

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and key stakeholders throughout the event lifecycle
• Lead internal and external kickoff meetings and ongoing status communications
• Align event execution with client objectives, contractual requirements, and success metrics
• Coordinate across internal teams (sales, marketing, editorial, operations) to deliver integrated programs
• Maintain clear documentation of event plans, communications, and deliverables

Financial & Operational Management

• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring alignment with revenue targets and margin goals
• Negotiate vendor contracts and identify opportunities for cost efficiencies
• Track expenses and ensure accurate financial reporting and reconciliation
• Support revenue delivery by aligning execution with contracted deliverables and identifying opportunities for program optimization

Business Impact & Growth Support

• Identify opportunities to enhance event value, improve client outcomes, and increase repeat business
• Partner with sales and account teams to support client retention and growth
• Contribute to the development of new event concepts, formats, and offerings
• Support cross‑sell opportunities across events, marketing services, and related products

Compliance & Process Excellence

• Ensure all events are executed in accordance with contractual obligations and, where applicable, government or regulatory requirements
• Maintain accurate records of event activity, communications, and deliverables
• Adhere to internal processes and systems (CRM, project management tools, financial tracking)
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve workflows, standardize processes, and increase efficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 4+ years of experience in event management, program management, or related field
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience managing event budgets and vendor negotiations
• Familiarity with virtual event platforms and event technology tools
• Experience working with CRM and/or project management systems
• Ability to travel and support on‑site event execution as needed

What Success Looks Like

• Events are delivered on time, on budget, and with high client satisfaction
• Strong coordination across internal teams with clear communication and accountability
• Positive attendee experience and engagement across formats
• Consistent execution against financial and operational goals
• Contribution to repeat business and long‑term client relationships

About GovExec

GovExec’s data and insights set the standard for depth, accuracy, and impact for government leaders and contractors. As the market‑leading information and intent‑based marketing platform, for over fifty years GovExec has empowered the government ecosystem to engage and support government leaders as they work to achieve their missions across federal, defense, and state and local agencies. Our strategic sales enablement and intent‑based marketing solutions accelerate revenue growth to fuel market success. The platform is powered by the largest and most sophisticated database in the public sector, GovExec’s platform reaches 3.3 million government influencers each month and provides its marketing clients with a significant competitive advantage in driving higher conversion and growth.

Benefits

At GovExec, we believe that a new era of work -- particularly when, where, and how it gets done -- has arrived. We are building a hybrid workplace that allows for greater freedom and flexibility while also fostering a collaborative culture, no matter where you are working. GovExec offers a range of great benefits including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Open time off policy
• Twelve weeks paid parental leave
• Supportive, collaborative teams
• Unique opportunity to help government officials from a private sector company
• Expansive learning and development opportunities

Commitment to Shared Values

GovExec recruits talent for four salient attributes or qualities:

• Soul of Entrepreneurship
• Culture of Inclusion
• Force of Ideas
• Spirit of Generosity

Compensation

The compensation range for this role is $60,000 to $140,000 per year, including bonus potential.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Government Executive Media Group, Inc. and its affiliates ("GovExec") are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.