Revenue-Driven Conference & Meeting Manager

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech’s Continuing and Professional Education seeks a Conference & Meeting Manager to plan and oversee a portfolio of academic conferences, meetings, and professional development programs. You will lead event logistics, budgeting, vendor contracts, and revenue generation to meet annual targets, collaborating with faculty, staff, and external partners.

The role requires strong project management, exceptional communication, and supervisory experience to guide planning professionals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field, or equivalent training and/or experience in business or hospitality management field
• Extensive experience in conference, meeting or event planning, preferably in a higher education setting
• Supervisory experience
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Experience in program budget development and management
• Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with internal and external clients
• Proven excellent sales skills with strong results
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Strong computer competency skills and high proficiency in office/collaboration tools and applications (Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, MS Teams, and Zoom)
• Ability to handle numerous projects and details simultaneously and accurately while prioritizing according to need and schedule
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage a portfolio of conferences, meetings, and professional development programs
• Negotiate and secure contracts with venues and other necessary services
• Develop comprehensive budget plans for each program
• Identify needs in collaboration with faculty, staff, and external partners
• Supervise one or more program planning professionals specializing in logistics and implementation

Skills

Project management

Customer service

Communication skills

Leadership

Sales skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Budget development

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

MS Teams

Zoom

Job description

Virginia Tech’s Continuing and Professional Education seeks a Conference & Meeting Manager to plan and oversee a portfolio of academic conferences, meetings, and professional development programs. You will lead event logistics, budgeting, vendor contracts, and revenue generation to meet annual targets, collaborating with faculty, staff, and external partners.

The role requires strong project management, exceptional communication, and supervisory experience to guide planning professionals.