Senior Project Manager (Corporate Event Planner)

firstglobalmanagementservicesinc; Jersey City (NJ); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency seeking a Senior Project Manager to support client events and conferences from brief to reconciliation. You will manage virtual, in-person and hybrid programs, ensuring exceptional service and creative solutions.

The role requires 8-10+ years in event management, experience with Cvent and Excel, and the ability to lead a small team. Travel domestically and internationally as needed is required.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years' Event Management experience, preferably in the financial services industry or a corporate environment.
• Advanced experience of events, conferences, meeting and production management, including C-level dinners and sponsorships.
• Experience managing a team of employees is a plus, but not required as not all Senior Project Manager roles have management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Full life-cycle planning and execution of multiple key events in a virtual, in-person and hybrid capacity.
• Financial management, including: budget development and management, expense management and invoice processing, timely post-meeting reconciliation and final financial reporting.
• Sourcing, negotiating and managing site selections, contract management for venues and suppliers.
• Coordinate registration, food and beverage, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, gift selection, AV needs, webcasts, staging and speaker selection for all programs; strong focus on vendor management.
• Work seamlessly with key internal partners on event deliverables (Marketing, Production, Event Technology, Data, Legal and Compliance).
• Virtual event planning and project management including confirming platforms, timelines, invitation process, and stakeholder communications.
• Assist with training of new joiners; manage and mentor a team (up to 5 direct reports).

Skills

Event management

Budgeting

Vendor management

Team leadership

Cvent

Excel

Communication

Tools

Cvent

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Building a Brand starts with a Story

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services. For 30 years, we have utilized three flexible delivery models: Embedded teams, Corporate Campus operations, and a Full-Service Agency. Managing over 37,000 events & projects annually across 110 countries, FIRST serves 130+ brands, specializing in Fortune 500 companies within the Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Media, and Professional Services sectors. FIRST is part of the broader Encore family of companies. Encore is a global leader in event production and technology. Consistently recognized for excellence, recent honors include 2026 Chief Marketer Agency of the Year, the Ad Net Zero Award for sustainability, and more.

Location: Hybrid 3-4 days in Jersey City, NJ office (subject to change at any time to 5 days.)

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

What You Would Get To Do

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for supporting the client with their internal and/or client-facing events and conferences while consistently delivering exceptional service through excellent project management and creative solutions. This includes the management of all aspects of the event operation, from initial briefing to reconciliation, including but not limited to project plans, collateral, registration, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, food and beverage, gift selection, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging, speaker selection, execution, reconciliation and so on.

There is a requirement for onsite events to travel domestically or abroad as required.

Your Contributions

• Full life-cycle planning and execution of multiple key events in a virtual, in-person and hybrid capacity
• Financial management, including: budget development and management, expense management and invoice processing, timely post-meeting reconciliation and final financial reporting
• Sourcing, negotiating and managing site selections, contract management for venues and suppliers
• Coordinate registration, food and beverage, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, gift selection, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging and speaker selection for all programs; strong focus on vendor management
• Work seamlessly with key internal partners on event deliverables (i.e. Marketing for print and digital design and collateral elements, Production on Audio Visual, Event Technology team on web builds, data team on attendee management, Legal and Compliance as required, etc.)
• Virtual event planning and project management including confirming appropriate virtual platform, creation of timelines, invitation process, thorough and regular communications to attendees, suppliers and stakeholders
• Assist with the training of new joiners
• Manage and mentor a team, which may include up to 5 direct reports. Management responsibilities, if applicable, include:
  • Managing vacation schedules for direct reports ensuring coverage for the client at all times including providing coverage when team members are out of the office on vacation or for an event
  • Oversee workload of the team ensuring day to day understanding of capacity/pressure points
  • Management of staffing assignments considering individual team members capacities and capabilities
  • Management of personal development reviews for direct reports
  • Lead and motivate direct reports, encouraging a productive and positive atmosphere
  • Work with the team to ensure adherence to the client's standards of operation and policies; ensure compliance and risk guidelines are followed
  • Create and closely monitor value adds at every opportunity and demonstrate commercial awareness
  • Share knowledge of best practices, new suppliers, services and venues
  • Deepen relations with existing clients and maximize on all opportunities to generate new business

What We Are Looking For:

• 8-10+ years' Event Management experience, preferably in the financial services industry or a corporate environment
• Advanced experience of events, conferences, meeting and production management, including but not limited to C-level executive dinners, cocktail receptions, meetings, recognition events, and sponsorships
• Extensive experience with managing senior clients in planning and execution of events
• Experience managing a team of employees is a plus, but not required as not all Senior Project Manager roles have management responsibilities

Additional responsibilities:

• Strong proficiency working in Cvent
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office
• Advanced project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Extensive industry knowledge of new suppliers, venues, services and best practices with active participation in the industry
• Strong client management skills with the ability to influence and lead by example, fostering a positive environment

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