Events & Programs Specialist

Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce is seeking an Events & Programs Specialist to manage day-to-day delivery of the Chamber's events and member programs, from concept to close, including logistics, vendors, and sponsor commitments.

Under the Director of Events & MarCom, you will plan and execute a diverse events portfolio, drive member engagement, and support sponsorship activation to strengthen member value and non-dues revenue.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute the Chamber's event portfolio as set by the Director, including signature events, golf tournaments, themed events, and member celebrations
• Manage all event logistics from concept to completion, including venue selection, vendor coordination, catering, registration, and on-site coordination
• Manage event spending within approved budgets; track expenses, invoices, and vendor contracts, and flag variances to the Director
• Coordinate ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and member milestone celebrations, working with the Director on media and promotion
• Recruit, train, and coordinate event volunteers
• Run recurring member programs, including monthly networking, business education series, and professional development workshops
• Develop program formats, assists with speakers, and handle scheduling and venues
• Propose seasonal programming and new member benefit ideas for Director approval, based on member feedback and community needs
• Develop programming ideas for specific member segments, including small businesses, corporate members, and emerging industries
• Fulfill all sponsorship commitments, including signage, recognition, promotional placements, and on-site sponsor activation
• Serve as day-to-day contact for event sponsors, providing responsive service that supports renewal
• Offers support in developing sponsorship packages with data on past performance and sponsor feedback
• Track sponsorship deliverables and performance for reporting
• Serve as primary point of contact for member event inquiries and program participation questions
• Coordinate logistics for new member orientations and onboarding programs
• Maintain the event and program calendar and supply accurate details to the Director for member communications
• Track member participation and engagement to identify trends and opportunities
• Provide event details, timelines, and content to the Director to support invitations, email, social media, and website updates
• Manage event registration systems and keep accurate attendee databases for follow-up Coordinating on-site photos and attendee experience, and supply the Director with material for post-event communications
• Use Chamber-approved templates and brand standards for event materials; submit materials to the Director for review before distribution
• Maintain event and program records on attendance, feedback, and financial performance
• Prepare post-event reports, including attendance, budget-to-actual results, sponsor fulfillment, and satisfaction scores, for the Director to present to leadership and the Board
• Monitor industry trends and best practices, and recommend improvements to event quality and member satisfaction

Job description

The Events & Programs Specialist handles the day-to-day delivery of the Chamber's events and member programs. Working under the direction of the Director of Events & MarCom, the Specialist plans and runs events from concept to close, manages logistics and vendors, fulfills sponsor commitments, and keeps members informed and engaged.

The role contributes directly to member satisfaction, retention, and non-dues revenue. Well-run events help members see the value of the Chamber and help renew sponsors each year. The Director sets the strategy; the Specialist turns the plans into polished events and programs members want to attend.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Planning & Execution

• Plan, coordinate, and execute the Chamber's event portfolio as set by the Director, including signature events, golf tournaments, themed events, and member celebrations
• Manage all event logistics from concept to completion, including venue selection, vendor coordination, catering, registration, and on-site coordination
• Manage event spending within approved budgets; track expenses, invoices, and vendor contracts, and flag variances to the Director
• Coordinate ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and member milestone celebrations, working with the Director on media and promotion
• Recruit, train, and coordinate event volunteers

Program Delivery

• Run recurring member programs, including monthly networking, business education series, and professional development workshops
• Develop program formats, assists with speakers, and handle scheduling and venues
• Propose seasonal programming and new member benefit ideas for Director approval, based on member feedback and community needs
• Develop programming ideas for specific member segments, including small businesses, corporate members, and emerging industries
• Fulfill all sponsorship commitments, including signage, recognition, promotional placements, and on-site sponsor activation
• Serve as day-to-day contact for event sponsors, providing responsive service that supports renewal
• Offers support in developing sponsorship packages with data on past performance and sponsor feedback
• Track sponsorship deliverables and performance for reporting

Member Engagement & Retention

• Serve as primary point of contact for member event inquiries and program participation questions
• Coordinate logistics for new member orientations and onboarding programs
• Maintain the event and program calendar and supply accurate details to the Director for member communications
• Track member participation and engagement to identify trends and opportunities

Event Marketing Support

• Provide event details, timelines, and content to the Director to support invitations, email, social media, and website updates
• Manage event registration systems and keep accurate attendee databases for follow-up Coordinating on-site photos and attendee experience, and supply the Director with material for post-event communications
• Use Chamber-approved templates and brand standards for event materials; submit materials to the Director for review before distribution

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain event and program records on attendance, feedback, and financial performance
• Prepare post-event reports, including attendance, budget-to-actual results, sponsor fulfillment, and satisfaction scores, for the Director to present to leadership and the Board
• Monitor industry trends and best practices, and recommend improvements to event quality and member satisfaction