Event Manager

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce; Florida; On-site; USD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce in Winter Garden, FL seeks an experienced Event Manager to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of premier Chamber events. You will manage budgets, vendors, sponsors, and volunteer teams to deliver engaging experiences for members and partners.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in event planning, a related Bachelor's degree, strong communication and CRM skills, and a willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and some mornings.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of experience in events or similar functions.
• Bachelor's degree in Event Management or related field preferred.
• Proven success supporting organizational objectives and programs.
• Excellent oral and written communications, creativity, teamwork, and stakeholder orientation.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and CRM platforms.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and execute Chamber events.
• Coordinate budgets and manage vendors and sponsors.
• Promote events through marketing strategies and drive attendance.
• Engage with Chamber members and foster partner relationships.
• Oversee registration, volunteer management, and on-site logistics.
• Identify venues, negotiate contracts, and coordinate with caterers and AV.
• Collaborate with marketing to develop post-event surveys and content.
• Attend Chamber activities and support event-related duties as needed.

Skills

Event Planning

Budgeting

Communication

Relationship Management

Time Management

Organizational Skills

CRM Tools

Nonprofit Experience

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management or related field

Tools

Event Management Software

CRM Tools

Job description

Company Description

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce is a leading business advocate in Central Florida, serving as a resource for over 1,100 businesses. Recognized multiple times as Florida's Chamber of the Year, the Chamber facilitates opportunities for building partnerships, fostering business growth, and supporting community commitment. As a certified Chamber through the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals and a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization, it provides members with opportunities for networking, education, and business development. The Chamber team is dedicated to helping members achieve their goals and amplify their success stories.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Winter Garden, FL, for an Event Manager. The Event Manager will plan, organize, and execute events that align with the Chamber's mission. Responsibilities include coordinating logistics, managing budgets, liaising with vendors and sponsors, promoting events through marketing strategies, and ensuring successful event execution. The role also involves engaging with Chamber members, maintaining relationships with business partners, and fostering community involvement through event management.

Qualifications

• Event Planning, Coordination, and Budgeting skills
• Strong Communication, Collaboration, and Relationship Management abilities
• Problem-Solving, Time Management, and Organizational skills
• Familiarity with event management software and CRM tools is a plus
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations or Chambers of Commerce is advantageous
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and early mornings, as needed
• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, or a related field is preferred

Responsibilities and Area of Accountability:

Execute all events including premier events, luncheons, Business After Hours, events developed by committees to include but not limited to Economic & Governmental Advocacy, with direct responsibility and authority over Big Orange Awards, Best Fest, Celebrating Extraordinary Women, Hob Nob, Topical Luncheons, Golf Classic, Membership Celebration Brunch, and Business After Hours and Lead and Feed. Other events may be added or removed depending on the year's business plan.

Develop budgets with plans for ticket sales, sponsorships and other means of generating revenue and reducing costs.

Responsible for various event related tasks including but not limited to timeline creation, guest list management, event collateral (such as signage, programs, power points, name tags etc.) seating chart creation, scheduling and communication with guest speakers, sponsor benefit coordination, event set up and registration including payment processing, volunteer management, photos at event, event announcements from the podium, AV needs, event break down and other event related tasks before, during and after each event. Resolve issues at the events with diplomacy and no disruption to the event.

Responsible for setting and running effective event related meetings and task forces to engage members and seek input to maximize event potential.

Work with marketing on creation of surveys to assess speakers and topics and post event surveys.

Identify and negotiate with venues, caterers, vendors etc. and implement all aspects of event management.

Collaborate with marketing to develop methods to grow attendance at events and increase event revenue.

Responsible for sending event content, graphics and other marketing materials and ideas to marketing as needed.

Responsible for securing event sponsorships and managing the fulfillment of all sponsor deliverables.

Maintain inventory of equipment required for events.

Must attend Chamber activities.

Responsible for soliciting door prizes and auction items for certain events.

Assist marketing with event related email needs such as photo collages, wrap up emails etc.

Responsible for invoicing and account receivables for event related income and sponsorship invoices. As well as ensuring prompt payment to vendors.

Other duties/activities as assigned or necessary.

Qualifications:

Three to five years' experience performing identical or similar functions and duties.

Bachelor's Degree preferred in related field.

Proven success in supporting an organization’s objectives and programs.

Demonstrated knowledge and skill in the areas listed above.

Excellent oral and written communications skills, creativity, team work, and stakeholder orientation.

Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and similar programs, as well as CRM's platforms.

Valid Florida drivers license, and the ability to work in the United States.

Typical Physical and Mental Demands

Requires ability to travel locally and attend events before and after working hours.