Events Manager

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage (Medical, Dental,

Vision

Job summary

AIAA is seeking an experienced Events Manager to lead the planning and onsite execution of events, coordinating venues, contracts, AV, and exhibit hall partners. Reporting to the Vice President, Event Operations, you will oversee onsite operations and partner with staff, volunteers, venues, and vendors to deliver outstanding attendee experiences.

What You’ll Do includes end-to-end planning of conferences and exhibitions, contract negotiation, budget management, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent education/experience.
• 5-7 years of event planning and logistics experience for conferences/exhibitions.
• Experience negotiating venue and vendor contracts and managing budgets.
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• CMP certification preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
• Willingness to travel approximately five times per year.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute conferences, exhibitions, and events from concept to onsite delivery.
• Source venues, visit sites, and negotiate venue and vendor contracts.
• Manage event budgets, room blocks, and vendor relationships.
• Develop event specifications and coordinate meeting space, AV, catering, signage, and onsite logistics.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to create engaging attendee experiences.
• Monitor operations, troubleshoot issues, and ensure successful event execution.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

CMP certification (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

AIAA is seeking an experienced Events Manager to lead the planning and onsite execution of AIAA events, coordinating venues, managing contract negotiation, interfacing with service providers (including audio visual and exhibit hall partners), overseeing event logistics, collaborating with stakeholders including AIAA internal staff, and enhancing the attendee event experience.

Reporting to the Vice President, Event Operations, you'll oversee onsite operations while partnering with staff, volunteers, venues, and vendors to deliver outstanding attendee experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and execute AIAA conferences, exhibitions, and special events from concept through onsite delivery
• Source venues, conduct site visits, and negotiate venue and vendor contracts
• Manage event logistics budgets, room blocks, and vendor relationships
• Develop event specifications and coordinate meeting space, audiovisual, catering, signage, and other onsite logistics
• Partner with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to create engaging attendee experiences
• Monitor event operations, troubleshoot issues, and ensure successful event execution

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in event planning and logistics for small to large conferences, exhibitions, and special events
• Experience negotiating venue/vendor contracts and managing event budgets
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Association experience and CMP certification preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365
• Willingness to travel approximately five times per year

Why Join AIAA

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical (PPO and HSA plans), dental, and vision)
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and bereavement
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% company match
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Education benefits and professional development opportunities
• Hybrid work environment (two in-office days per week, three remote)

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join AIAA and help shape the future of aerospace by leading our events that bring together the aerospace community.

About AIAA:

AIAA is the world's largest aerospace technical society, uniting nearly 30,000 members and 100 corporate members across 91 countries. AIAA drives innovation and collaboration in aviation, space, and defense by fostering connections between industry, academia, and government. To learn more, visit www.aiaa.org.

AIAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and ensure equal consideration regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Pre-employment screening, including background checks and credential verification, may be required.