Program & Events Manager

Plug and Play Platform Spain S.L; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A tech innovation platform in Washington seeks an experienced event professional to manage small to medium-scale events. The role involves planning, budgeting, and executing events while maintaining quality standards and ensuring collaboration among teams. Ideal candidates should be detail-oriented with strong communication and organizational skills and have a passion for startups and emerging technologies. This position requires in-person collaboration four days a week.

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented and highly organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong process and analytical skills to identify inefficiencies.
• Self-motivated with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage small to medium-scale events from start to finish.
• Develop event proposals and production schedules.
• Coordinate with vendors and manage budgets effectively.
• Serve as the main contact for event attendees and stakeholders.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree

Job description

WHO WE ARE:

Plug and Play Tech Center is the ultimate innovation platform, bringing together the best startups and the world’s largest corporations to create the most meaningful connections that bring innovation to anyone, anywhere. We are on a mission to bring the benefits of Silicon Valley to all corners of the world. Each year, hundreds of entrepreneurs join our vertical-specific accelerator programs to team up with our corporate members or receive a direct investment from Plug and Play. Plug and Play has over 45 locations across the world and our corporate members include: Daimler, Prologis, PG&E, Nissan, Volvo, BP, Walmart, Nokia, Coca Cola, Doosan Bobcat, and over 500 more. Plug and Play’s corporate members utilize Plug and Play to identify the best startups to meet their challenges. Plug and Play’s proven investment track record includes Honey, Dropbox, Lending Club, Kustomer, Einride, and many more.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

We’re seeking a highly organized and creative event professional to manage small to medium-scale events from concept to completion. This role will oversee budgets, vendor partnerships, logistics, and production schedules to ensure flawless execution and memorable experiences. You’ll collaborate with speakers, startups, and cross-functional teams to align on goals, manage materials, and deliver engaging, brand-aligned events. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, balancing strategy with hands‑on execution and meticulous attention to detail.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

• Plan, execute, and independently manage small to medium‑scale events from concept to completion.
• Develop detailed event proposals, timelines, and production schedules to ensure seamless execution.
• Estimate event costs, track expenses, create PO’s, and ensure strict adherence to approved budgets.
• Source and manage vendor relations, negotiate competitive pricing, and maintain high‑quality standards.
• Responsible for building a community and network of vendors who can positively impact the event attendee experience.
• Coordinate with external vendors and contractors, managing contracts, deliverables, and performance expectations: audio and visual, food and beverage, etc.
• Ensure all event elements comply with brand standards, marketing guidelines, and company policies.
• Oversee event setup and logistics, including layout, signage, audiovisual, and decor, to create a cohesive and visually engaging attendee experience.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams from other departments; delegate responsibilities and provide clear direction to ensure collaboration and accountability.
• Serve as the main point of contact for attendees, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring exceptional communication and satisfaction before, during, and after each event.
• Conduct post‑event evaluations to analyze success metrics, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
• Oversee event inventory, including swag, badges, lanyards, and office supplies.
• Manage speaker logistics, including scheduling, collection of presentation materials, and technical requirements; serve as the primary point of contact for all speaker communications.
• Coordinate with startups and exhibitors participating in events to ensure they have all necessary resources, materials, and branding assets prepared and displayed effectively.
• Grow and manage local community of startups, investors and innovation leaders
• Organize programming timeline for Plug and Play events and client startup meetings

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (Master’s degree is a plus)
• Detail oriented, highly organized, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong process and analytical skills to identify inefficiencies and create improvements
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in public speaking
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision
• A passion for early‑stage venture capital, startups, and entrepreneurship with a good understanding of emerging technologies

* Attendance policy: 4 days at the office. We're relentless about execution. In‑person collaboration fuels our teams. Four days a week side‑by‑side breeds camaraderie and creativity.