Strategic Conference & Meeting Programs Manager

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Conference & Meeting Manager to provide planning services for its Continuing and Professional Education portfolio of academic conferences, meetings, and professional development programs in Blacksburg, VA. The role requires strong project management, budget development, and collaboration with faculty, staff, and external partners.

The successful candidate will supervise program planning professionals, develop budget plans, negotiate contracts with venues and services,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field or equivalent experience.
• Extensive conference, meeting or event planning experience, 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 rapport with internal and external clients.
• Proven excellent sales skills with strong results.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Strong computer competency with Excel, MS Teams, and Zoom.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and details simultaneously while prioritizing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide planning services for conferences, meetings, and professional development programs.
• Develop comprehensive budget plans and manage program budgets.
• Negotiate and secure contracts with venues and services.
• Lead and supervise program planning professionals handling logistics.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners to identify program needs.
• Travel as needed to provide local and out-of-town program support; adapt to irregular hours.

Skills

Project management

Event planning

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Budget management

Client relations

Sales skills

Leadership

Microsoft Excel

MS Teams

Zoom

Multitasking

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

MS Teams

Zoom

Job description

Virginia Tech is seeking a Conference & Meeting Manager to provide planning services for its Continuing and Professional Education portfolio of academic conferences, meetings, and professional development programs in Blacksburg, VA. The role requires strong project management, budget development, and collaboration with faculty, staff, and external partners.

The successful candidate will supervise program planning professionals, develop budget plans, negotiate contracts with venues and services,