Remote Events & Programs Manager

Direct Travel; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total Rewards Package

Mental Health support

DE&I programs

Job summary

Direct Travel is seeking a Program Manager to lead the client relationship, guide the internal team, and own program planning, execution, and financials for meetings and events.

This role can be remote or hybrid with 2 days in office if local to Schaumburg, IL or Appleton, WI, and involves coordinating suppliers, managing budgets, overseeing design and marketing concepts, and mentoring Project Managers for successful on-site execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Hospitality, Event Planning or combination of education and work and experience is required.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in the Hospitality and/or group/individual performance industry, with at least 3 years of meeting planning experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, Zoom and other collaboration tools.
• Certification in Meeting Planner (CMP) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Functions as the main client contact and develops a strong relationship; and manages clients.
• Offers client dynamic experiences using the i|xperience™ methodology, working with Marketing; leads client by providing workable and creative solutions.
• Consults with client to determine goals, needs, objectives, and expectations of the program.
• Remains current and knowledgeable about the industry to provide the client with creative and compelling concepts.
• Understands client/group idiosyncrasies and adapts Creative Group services, accordingly; consults when client requests do not fit offerings.
• Schedules and facilitates client planning and debrief meetings to evaluate program results.
• Is accountable for successful program outcome.
• Collaborates with appropriate team members in internal kick-off, following program turnover from pre-sales to operations.
• Executes overall strategy and choreography of meetings and events.
• Leads clients and other team members on operational site inspections.
• Negotiates and manages supplier contracts, including deposits, attrition, concessions, guarantees, room blocks, and master accounts.
• Manages hotel and supplier staff to exceed customer expectations; provides best pricing and program objectives; maintains logistical accountability.
• Creates and communicates all program specifications and program details and approves event orders.
• Oversees design, marketing concepts and promotional campaigns, copywriting, and budget specific to the program with the Project Manager.
• Sends appropriate post-program correspondence to all stakeholders.
• Manages client budget with a focus for client cost savings while maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Understands and monitors estimated labor hours for team to maximize profit.
• Manages cost-savings, reconciliation, and invoicing.
• Be a sought-after partner by building trust with clients, internal team, and external partners.
• Provides confident leadership for the client, planning team, and company through all actions and to be able to successfully execute programs.
• Establishes, communicates, and monitors all timelines and budget parameters.
• Mentors Project Managers on an ongoing basis.
• Works with all internal departments for successful execution of the program.
• On-site program execution and direction of travel staff; implements contingency plans as needed.

Skills

Meeting planning

Hospitality industry

Microsoft Office

Collaboration tools

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Hospitality, Event Planning

Tools

Microsoft Teams

SharePoint

OneDrive

Zoom

Job description

Direct Travel is seeking a Program Manager to lead the client relationship, guide the internal team, and own program planning, execution, and financials for meetings and events.

This role can be remote or hybrid with 2 days in office if local to Schaumburg, IL or Appleton, WI, and involves coordinating suppliers, managing budgets, overseeing design and marketing concepts, and mentoring Project Managers for successful on-site execution.