Manager, Event Planning & Conference Services

Goodwin; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Retirement & Savings Plan

Emergency back-up child and adult care

Paid vacation, sick time off, and_Hols

Professional development and career оп

Job summary

Goodwin is seeking a Manager, Conference Services & Event Planning in the Boston area to lead firm and client events. The role focuses on cost-effective, high-impact programs and cross‑department collaboration for strategic events and retreats.

You will manage vendor relations, develop firm-wide event processes, and coordinate with multiple teams while traveling up to 10% to other offices and venues. Strong PM and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• BA, BS or equivalent.
• 10+ years of food & beverage and event planning experience.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to interact professionally at all levels.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Manage multiple assignments and meet hard deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Familiarity with EMS, Dynamics and/or CVENT.
• Travel is required to other Goodwin offices or event venues, approximately 10%.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute all aspects of firm, client and other events in Goodwin’s Boston Office Conference Center and off-site in the Boston region.
• Develop understanding of firm culture and department processes.
• Know Boston caterers and venues and build vendor relationships.
• Partner with Event Team leaders for firm-wide flagship events and retreats.
• Execute event production with EMS, Dynamics and CVENT expertise.
• Research networking opportunities to broaden industry contacts in Boston and beyond.
• Assist with creating processes around conference services and event planning.
• Manage other event-related tasks, and events in other regions as required.

Skills

Event planning

Project management

Vendor relations

Communication

MS Office

Education

BA/BS or equivalent

Tools

EMS

Dynamics

CVENT

Job description

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do.

Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer.

This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers.

The Manager, Conference Services & Event Planning (Manager) is a leader of the Conference Services and Event Planning function in the New England region. This role will collaborate with other team members and departments on firm-wide programs and strategic event processes that will further the goals of the firm as a whole. Such initiatives may involve planning meetings and events virtually or outside of the greater Boston area. The Manager is responsible for operational and logistical functions to ensure each program is successful, cost-effective and delivered efficiently.

What You Will Do:

• Manage and execute all aspects of firm, client and other events in Goodwin’s Boston Office Conference Center and off-site in the Boston region and surrounding areas. These functions may include firm retreats, client functions, meetings, employee social events, leadership initiatives, and various other programs for the firm. Responsibilities under this purview include:
• Develop and display a full understanding of firm culture, leadership preferences and department processes
• Develop an in-depth knowledge of Boston caterers, event venues, and other related vendors and establish relationships with contacts at these companies
• Act as a resource on these vendors to colleagues firmwide
• Partner with other Event Team leaders in the planning and execution of firm-wide, flagship events such as global group retreats, leadership events, alumni/retirement functions, marquee client events and the annual Partner Retreat. Manage and execute integral pieces of the event production. All of these require an advanced level of expertise in event execution, knowledge of firm processes and experience with firm software tools like EMS, Dynamics, and CVENT.
• Research and take part in networking opportunities to expand knowledge of the hospitality industry in Boston and beyond and to broaden personal contacts in the industry.
• Assist with creation of processes surrounding the conference services and event planning process
• Manage other event-related tasks, and/or events in other regions as required.

Who You Are:

• BA, BS or equivalent
• 10+ years of food & beverage and event planning experience
• High degree of accuracy and excellent attention to detail
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to interact professionally at all levels, both internally and externally
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet hard deadlines
• Must be able to remain calm under pressure, and at times make decisions quickly, with maturity and good judgement
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Familiarity with Accruent EMS, Dynamics and/or CVENT preferred
• Travel is required to other Goodwin offices or event venues, approximately 10% but may increase.

#LI-TD1

Benefits and More

At Goodwin, you will discover your next career opportunity with a rewarding compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement & Savings Plan
• Emergency back-up child and adult care
• Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Employee recognition and reward programs
• Employee wellness and assistance programs
• Employee discounts and perks

This position is eligible for overtime: No

The Target Salary Range For This Position Varies By Location And Is Commensurate With Relevant Experience: $130,000.00- $155,000.00