Project Manager (Events & Experiences)

Building A Brand Starts With Our Story

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 named one of the Top 150 Event Organizers & Agencies in the USA by Eventex, being listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2023, 2022 & 2021 by Chief Marketer, being recognized as one of the "50 Top Event Companies" by Special Events, being included in the Top 100 "Best Places to Work in NYC" by Crain's New York Business, and being listed as one of the "1000 Companies to Inspire Britain" by The London Stock Exchange Group. 

FIRST also understands that businesses worldwide, including us, need to adopt more sustainable and socially responsible practices. Our vision of sustainability at FIRST is about fostering a People centric, Purpose driven & Planet conscious culture.

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

Our story started over 25 years ago growing through collaboration, innovation, strong culture, and a focus on people, specifically our people. Our people inspired, developed, and grew FIRST to the incredible brand experience creator it is today. 

And our hope is that you become the next page of our story in developing how our agency connects more people beyond what they thought was possible.

A welcoming, creative and ambitious workplace that offers personal and professional growth for all individuals. At FIRST, you'll find:

• A welcoming workplace that fosters diversity and belonging with a focus on team members feeling valued, respected, and supported. 
• Creative teams that enjoy challenging work with an ability to make an impact on those around them.
• An experiential organization that cares about the development and career experience of each employee, focusing on excellence and flexibility with the right balance of structure to thrive.

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid) Must reside in the tri state area to be able to go into office 2-3 days a week

What You Would Get To Do

In this capacity, the ideal Project Manager would represent the FIRST brand as an implant in our Solutions account within a leading Investment Bank. S/he will be responsible for the planning, management, and delivery of several in-person and virtual events and conferences for client and employee events annually while maintaining relationships with the event stakeholders. The Project Manager role will consistently deliver exceptional service to our clients through excellent project management and creative solutions. 

Your Contributions 

• Maintain and deliver excellent independent event project management; planning and execution of multiple assigned digital/virtual and in-person events (or hybrid) ranging in complexity
• Manage all aspects of the event operation, from initial briefing to reconciliation, including but not limited to project plans, collateral, registration, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, F&B, gift selection, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging and speaker selection for all programs
• Work seamlessly with key internal partners on event deliverables (i.e. Events Creative on all print and digital design and collateral elements, Production on Audio Visual, web build team on registration sites, Data team on attendee management, Legal and Compliance as required, etc.)
•  Work with Stakeholders to understand and drive event objectives forward; consistently maintain excellent client relations even in challenging situations
• Financial management, including budget creation, expense management and invoice processing, timely post-meeting reconciliation and cost analysis
• Demonstrate commercial awareness; create and closely monitor value adds at every opportunity
• Implement creative and innovative aspects of each event including theme, decor, and design
• Sourcing, negotiating, and contract management for vendors and suppliers (i.e. venues, transportation, audio visual, entertainment, gifts, print materials, décor etc.)
• Co-plan with colleagues on various programs; strong team player and mentorship of junior colleagues
• Work with the team to ensure adherence to the client’s standards of operation and policies; ensure compliance and risk guidelines are followed
• Deepen relations with existing clients and maximize opportunities to generate new business
• Champion subject matter(s) to hone skills and share as resource across the team; generate best practice across team where necessary or beneficial
• Be proactive and vocal with ideas and creative solutions with a positive force; create and drive best practices where helpful
• Travel (approximately 20-25% annually) for site inspections and on-site management to ensure full coordination of logistics and on-site teams for in-person events
• Post event wrap up including final attendees, Event surveys, SWOT analysis and client de-briefs for year over year improvements
• Adhoc project and initiatives as requested

 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. Please contact recruiting@firstagency.com if you need accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. 

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent practical experience
• 4-7 years’ Event Management experience, preferably in the financial services industry
• Advanced experience of events, conferences, meeting and production management, including but not limited to C-level executive dinners, cocktail receptions, meetings, conferences,
• Extensive experience with managing senior clients in planning and execution of events;
• Advanced project management skills
• Strong client management skills with the ability to influence and lead by example, fostering a positive and collaborative environment
• Strong ability to create best practice and take on new initiatives independently
• Excellent written and oral communication skills at all levels
• Proven ability to think innovatively to bring events / projects to fruition
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Extensive industry knowledge of suppliers, venues, services, and best practices
• Ambitious, proactive, and highly organized, strong attention to detail and ability to problem solve
• Client centric, approachable, ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their business needs 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
• Leadership/influencing/negotiation and decision-making skills
• Calm and flexible approach to handling pressure and stress
• Proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Experience with Cvent 

Administration and General

• Build excellent relations with clients and colleagues through positive communications
• Work intelligently and ensure your manager is aware of problems or issues which negatively affect productivity
• Adhere to, meet, and exceed SLA’s and KPIs consistently across all work
• Strict and accurate adherence to company’s time tracking policies and systems
• Assume responsibility for own environment, ensuring adherence to health and safety policies while having clean smart surroundings
• Act as an ambassador for the FIRST brand, leading by example and displaying the company’s core values (Ambition, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity, Teamwork)

United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $70,000 - $100,000. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

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