Program & Events Manager

Plug and Play; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Plug and Play Tech Center seeks a highly organized events professional to manage small to medium-scale events from concept through completion in Washington, DC. You will oversee budgets, vendor partnerships, logistics, and production schedules to ensure flawless execution.

You will collaborate with speakers, startups, and cross-functional teams to align on goals, manage materials, and deliver engaging, brand-aligned events. A background with the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experience working for or with the U.S. government, especially in D.C.
• Interest in aerospace and defense.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and thrives in fast-paced environments.
• Strong processes and analytical skills to identify inefficiencies and improvements.
• Excellent communication skills and public speaking.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Interest in early-stage venture capital, startups, and entrepreneurship with an understanding of emerging technologies.
• Experience working with foreign governments or Embassies/Consulates.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Coordinate with startups and exhibitors participating in events to ensure they have all resources, materials, and branding assets prepared and displayed effectively.
• Set up sessions for startups to meet with Mentors, CV’s and corporate partners for the program.
• Coordinate and help manage communication with government officials, defense corporations, and foreign embassies.
• Grow and manage local community of startups, investors, and innovation leaders.
• Organize programming timeline for Plug and Play events and client startup meetings.

Skills

Event planning

Budget management

Vendor coordination

Logistics planning

Public speaking

Stakeholder management

Government liaison

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

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 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 has experience working for or with the U.S. government, specifically in the defense and/or technology world, and 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.
• Coordinate with startups and exhibitors participating in events to ensure they have all necessary resources, materials, and branding assets prepared and displayed effectively.
• Set up sessions for startups to meet with Mentors, CV’s and corporate partners for the program.
• Coordinate and help manage communication with government officials, defense corporations, and foreign embassies.
• 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
• Experience working for or with the U.S. government and a strong understanding of the ins and outs of D.C.
• A passion for aerospace and defense.
• 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
• Experience working with foreign governments or Embassies/Consulates.