Strategic Event Planning Manager

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod in St. Louis, MO is seeking a Manager of Event Planning Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for meetings, events, travel coordination, procurement, and vendor management.

This role reports to the COO and drives budgets, governance, and supplier performance. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years in event planning, procurement, or hospitality operations, with strong negotiation and leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality, Event Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in event planning, procurement, hospitality management, or operations leadership, required.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing budgets.
• Member of a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead organizational strategies for meetings, conferences, special events, travel services, and procurement activities.
• Manage all aspects of event planning and execution for meetings, conferences, retreats, and special events.
• Negotiate contracts with hotels, convention centers, transportation companies, caterers, and other service providers.
• Manage vendor relationships and monitor supplier performance.
• Develop and manage events and procurement budgets and financial reporting.
• Oversee travel programs and coordination services.
• Provide consultation and planning support to leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and risk management requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Contract negotiation

Event management

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod in St. Louis, MO is seeking a Manager of Event Planning Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for meetings, events, travel coordination, procurement, and vendor management.

This role reports to the COO and drives budgets, governance, and supplier performance. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years in event planning, procurement, or hospitality operations, with strong negotiation and leadership