Senior Project Manager (event management)

Responsibilities

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the full life-cycle planning and execution of virtual, in-person, and hybrid events, including financial management and vendor coordination. They will also manage and mentor a team of up to 5 direct reports while ensuring adherence to client standards and compliance guidelines.

Requirements

Candidates should have 8-10+ years of event management experience, preferably in a corporate or financial services environment. Proficiency in Cvent and Microsoft Office is required, along with strong project management and client-facing skills.

Skills

• Event management
• Project management
• Budget development
• Vendor management
• Contract negotiation
• Cvent
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Team leadership
• Client relationship management
• Virtual event planning
• Financial reporting
• Strategic planning
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Commercial awareness

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• 401(k)
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Pet coverage
• Wellness stipend
• Mobile phone allowance
• Headspace access
• Teladoc access
• Maven access
• Rocket lawyer access
• Mobilo access
• Aura identity theft protection
• Discretionary bonus

About this role

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: New York or Boston, MA. This is a hybrid role, must live in the NY tri state area or Boston, MA area and be able to go into office 3-4 days a week.
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
Bachelor's Degree Preferred
Hospitality, Marketing, Event Management, Communications, Project Management
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
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
Travel 20-40%
Strong communication skills and empathy for complex issues
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) ...

About First Global Management Services, Inc.

Events Services · 501-1,000 employees · headquartered in New York, New York · founded 1996