Senior Project Manager (Events & Experiences)

Firstagency; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global brand experience agency is seeking a Senior Project Manager for Events & Experiences. This role involves managing high-touch clients and delivering exceptional services through meticulous project management across various event formats, including virtual, in-person, and hybrid settings. The position emphasizes team leadership, vendor management, and direct client interaction within a dynamic work environment in New York.

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness stipend

Discretionary bonus structure

Global opportunities

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years’ event coordination experience, preferably in corporate or financial settings.
• Strong proficiency in Cvent and Microsoft Excel.
• Advanced project management abilities with multitasking skills.

Responsibilities

• Full life-cycle planning and execution of key events.
• Financial management including budget and expense oversight.
• On-site event execution requiring 20-40% travel.

Skills

Event coordination

Project management

Client management

Communication

Team collaboration

Vendor management

Tools

Cvent

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Project Manager (Events & Experiences)

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency serving clients in various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being listed among the 2025 Most Innovative Marketing Agencies of the Year by Chief Marketer, named Top Agency of the Year 2024 by Event Marketer, highlighted as a Global Agency of the Year, over 100 Employees by C&IT, and listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2024, 2023, & 2022 by Chief Marketer.

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

Location: New York, NY - Hybrid (3 days in office, subject to change at any time)

Fixed Term Contract (1 Year - Approximately: Mid-July 2025 to Mid-July 2026)

What You Would Get To Do:

In this capacity, the ideal candidate would represent the FIRST brand embedded within a Solutions account for a Professional Services company. FIRST Solutions is the proprietary strategic meetings management model offered by FIRST, which embeds specialist talent into organizations to provide Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights. The Senior Project Manager will consistently deliver exceptional service to our high-touch clients through excellent project management and creative solutions. This position will support virtual, in-person and hybrid events which include but are not limited to; internal programs, client-facing events including conferences, hospitality, thought leadership, sporting, and cultural programs.

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
• Onsite event execution, which includes 20-40% travel
• 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:

Please be aware that we know experience does not always look like we describe it. If you believe you would be an excellent fit for this role, please apply - we would love to see how you could fit at FIRST.

• 8-10+ years’ event coordination experience, in a corporate or financial services environment
• 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
• Strong team player, able to co-plan with colleagues and the client on large scale programs
• Strong ability to create best practice and take on new initiatives independently
• Client centric, approachable, ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their business and programs; adapt to ever changing demands and different client work styles
• Motivated, self-starter, ability to take direction and work independently; ability to think innovatively

At FIRST, we believe that our success is driven by the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams. That's why we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your personal and professional growth:

• Medical, Dental & Vision which includes the option of a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA)
• 401 (k)
• Five Flexible Spending Accounts Options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life, Disability & Pet Coverages
• Wellness Stipend
• Complimentary access to Headspace, Teladoc, Maven, Rocket Lawyer, Mobilo & more
• Aura Identity Theft Protection
• Discretionary Bonus Structure
• Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.

United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $90,000 to $120,000 in the states of NY, NJ and CT. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.