Strategic External Events & Partnerships Lead

Vizient, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaufman Hall is seeking a strategic, relationship-oriented Manager, External Events to design and deliver external engagement programs that strengthen the firm’s brand and grow client relationships across healthcare and consulting markets.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, you will translate priorities into targeted events and lead strategy, planning, execution, and measurement with practice leaders, marketing, and vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in event management, marketing, communications, business, hospitality, or a related field.
• 5 or more years of experience managing corporate, client, industry, or professional services events.
• Experience managing multiple events simultaneously from concept through completion.
• Strong project management, organizational, budgeting, and vendor-management skills.
• Experience supporting executive-level, client-facing, or high-visibility events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional partners.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and event registration, project management, or collaboration tools.
• Ability to work in the Chicago office 3 days per week and travel or work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Applicants for employment must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States and with Kaufman Hall (i.e., H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN visa or any other non-immigrant status).

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage an annual external events strategy and calendar aligned to firmwide objectives.
• Identify strongest speaker-audience-fit for events and thought leadership.
• Define event objectives, target audiences, success measures, and follow-up.
• Recommend event formats, sponsorships, and engagement approaches.
• Lead end-to-end event planning and execution (timelines, budgets, venues, registrations).
• Coordinate participation in external conferences including sponsorships and speaking opportunities.
• Manage relationships with conference organizers and external partners.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop event messaging, materials, invitations, and post-event follow-up.
• Support executive and client engagement events for relationship-building.
• Prepare briefing materials, run-of-show, speaker guidance, attendee lists, and staffing plans.
• Establish consistent event planning processes, templates, tools and standards.
• Manage event budgets, track expenses, invoices, and provide cost reporting.
• Evaluate event performance and provide data-driven recommendations for future investments.
• Maintain records of event contacts, attendance, commitments, and follow-up activities.
• Coordinate cross-functional planning meetings and align owners on deliverables.
• Anticipate risks and resolve issues before and during events.
• Ensure events reflect Kaufman Hall’s brand and inclusive, professional experience.

Skills

Strategic event planning

Relationship management

Project management

Budgeting

Vendor-management

Executive/client engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in event management, marketing, communications, business, hospitality, or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Marketing automation

Event registration platforms

Virtual event platforms

Job description

Kaufman Hall is seeking a strategic, relationship-oriented Manager, External Events to design and deliver external engagement programs that strengthen the firm’s brand and grow client relationships across healthcare and consulting markets.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, you will translate priorities into targeted events and lead strategy, planning, execution, and measurement with practice leaders, marketing, and vendors.