Manager, Event Planning & Conference Services

Goodwin Procter Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Employee wellness

Employee discounts

Job summary

Goodwin Procter seeks a Manager, Conference Services & Event Planning to lead the Conference Services and Event Planning function in the New England region, coordinating firm, client and internal events at the Boston office and off-site locations.

The role requires 10+ years in food & beverage and event planning, strong project management, vendor negotiation, and proficiency with EMS, Dynamics, and CVENT. Travel about 10% to other Goodwin offices.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent with 10+ years of food & beverage and event planning experience.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple events.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Willingness to travel ~10% to other Goodwin offices or venues.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for internal and external clients regarding event needs and expectations.
• Provide professional guidance on event details to meet business goals.
• Research and manage vendors (caterers, hotel, AV, DMC, rentals).
• Negotiate vendor contracts and guide internal approvals.
• Act as project manager to ensure successful program execution.
• Oversee on-site logistics, setup, execution and wrap-up.
• Coordinate staffing with vendors and firm departments.
• Prepare post-event recaps for budgeting and future planning.

Skills

Project management

Vendor coordination

Client interaction

Communication

Attention to detail

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:

• Serve as primary contact for internal and external clients regarding their needs and expectations for a successful program
• Provide professional guidance on all aspects of each event to ensure it meets the business needs of the firm
• Research and manage vendors to ensure the success of all programs and events (caterers, rental companies, hotels, destination management companies, audio/visual companies, etc.)
• Obtain proposals and guide internal clients in the adherence to budgets
• Negotiate all vendor contracts and navigate them through firm approval systems
• Serve as project manager to ensure the successful implementation of all aspects of the program by relevant firm departments.
• Execute logistical aspects of the event planning
• Oversee events on‑site as needed to manage set‑up, execution, and wrap‑up of event.
• Direct vendors and/or staff on last‑minute challenges that may arise.
• Ensure sufficient staffing for the event by coordinating with vendors and/or firm departments
• Maintain event history and prepare post‑event function recaps for budgetary purposes and the success of future programs
• Manage the invoice review and payment processing for all events
• Ensure consistency of Goodwin style and best practices
• 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

• 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: $115,000.00- $135,000.00

Professional career paths at Goodwin offer you more – and less – than you might expect. You’ll find less hierarchy and more meritocracy. You’ll have more chances to work across departments and offices, and fewer roadblocks to getting the job done. We believe people are happiest when they’re not limited by a ‘that’s how we’ve always done it’ approach, so we encourage a more imaginative and collaborative working environment. Our Global Operations Team – what we call our GO Team – brings a level of professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment to work each and every day. Goodwin embraces responsible and ethical use of AI in the Hiring Process.

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