Events - Team Lead

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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 listed among the 2025 Most Innovative Marketing Agencies of the Year by Chief Marketer, named Top Agency of the Year 2024 by Event Marketer, highlighted as a Global Agency of the Year, over 100 Employees by C&IT, and listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2024, 2023, & 2022 by Chief Marketer.

Location: New York, NY (In office requirement)

What You Would Get To Do:

In this capacity, the ideal candidate would represent the FIRST brand embedded within a Solutions account for a Financial Services company. FIRST Solutions is the proprietary strategic meetings management model offered by FIRST, which embeds specialist talent into organizations to provide Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights. The Team Lead will consistently deliver exceptional service to our clients through excellent project, data, and event management for in-person, virtual, and internal programs. They will be responsible for managing several internal and external initiatives at a time, supporting C-level and senior stakeholders. This role will also support the overall event strategy for the company, as well as integrating best event practices on a consistent basis.

Your Contributions 

• Deliver events that are world-class and exceed clients’ expectations
• Work strategically with the Global Conferences and Events Team on achieving yearly event goals, strategically focusing on innovation and activation 
• Responsible for the planning and execution of multiple key internal and external high-profile events, to include hospitality, conference, and incentive 
• Travel for site visits and on-site execution as necessary (estimated 15%)
• Maintain task lists and timelines for each of these events
• Manage all aspects of the event operation from initial briefing to reconciliation
• Keep speakers and internal participants well informed of all relevant logistical information
• Manage event data and create quarterly reports for all global events
• Create timely and effective communications as often as needed 
• Act as client liaison and ensure SLA’s (Service Level Agreements) are monitored and achieved throughout the event planning process
• Work with the team to ensure adherence to client standards of operations
• Responsible for accurate and timely budgeting and reconciliation of events
• Create and closely monitor value adds at every opportunity, and look to find innovative ways to deliver content and enhance each event 
• Share knowledge of best practices regarding new suppliers, services, and venues
• Always look to integrate best practices and raise the bar at each event
• Be proactive with ideas and creative solutions, continually researching for the next big thing 
• Mentor and support other team members as required

Leadership Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with Account Director and Operations Manager, understanding the strategic approach to the client account, while providing on-the-ground insight into the client business and potential opportunities
• Assume management role ensuring high performance, welfare, professional development, and FIRST engagement and retention of up to 5 direct reports 
• Oversee workload of team ensuring day-to-day understanding of capacity/pressure points through regular 1:1 meetings; assist/offer guidance on team’s events where required
• Manage, mentor, and develop direct reports on an on-going basis; conduct performance development conversations and oversee the process
• Strong leadership experience: both leading and motivating colleagues in a manner that enhances working relationships and encapsulates the company brand and values
• FIRST ambassador; participate and engage with FIRST initiatives and extracurricular where possible
• Lead and motivate the team to work efficiently, and promote positive communication
• Promote a positive, open, and inclusive working environment; ensure good team morale
• Field questions and offer advice to team members to assist with creative problem solving and knowledge sharing
• Manage vacation schedules, coordinate team presence to ensure ample coverage 
• Ensure the team is operating with commercial focus and seeking value adds wherever possible
• Encourage direct reports to be knowledgeable of best practices, new suppliers, services, and venues and to be proactive with ideas and creative solutions
• Liaise with stakeholders to refine workstreams for efficiency and to meet business requirements as they evolve
• Assist on ad hoc projects where helpful and necessary, and proactively work to troubleshoot problems and the most efficient workflows possible, especially through change
• Refine existing and drive best practice; ensure team adheres to firm’s SOP and compliance requirements relevant to the LOB
• Liaise between clients, key partners, and colleagues to improve process and efficient workflows 
• Manage up; raise and escalate potential concerns and successes to FIRST management on a regular reporting basis 
• Liaise globally with clients and colleagues to ensure alignment and knowledge sharing
• Provide input/feedback on big picture opportunities, issues, and challenges within the organization 

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. 

• 10+ years’ Event Management experience, preferably in the financial services industry
• Advanced experience of events and production management, including but not limited to investor conferences, C-level executive meetings, cocktail receptions, incentives, hospitality 
• Extensive experience with managing clients in planning and execution of events
• Advanced project management and event strategy experience 
• 2+ year People Management experience
• Strong client management skills with the ability to influence and lead by example, fostering a positive environment
• Extensive experience in working with and managing senior clients and stakeholders
• 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
• Ambitious, proactive, and highly organized
• A calm and flexible approach to handling pressure and stress
• 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
• Leadership/influencing/negotiation and decision-making skills
• Proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications 

• Advanced working knowledge of key US and global destinations (e.g. New York, DC, Miami, London, etc.)
• Experience in the Financial Services industry
• Advanced knowledge of venues and suppliers in key US cities

ADMINISTRATION & GENERAL

• Work intelligently and ensure that the Account Director and Operations Manager are aware of problems or issues which negatively affect productivity
• Strict and accurate adherence to company’s time tracking policies and systems
• Ensure knowledge is shared within the team through positive communications
• Flexible and willing to work long hours (evenings, weekends) and travel 
• Work on ad hoc requests from clients as required
• FIRST ambassador; participate and engage with FIRST initiatives and extracurriculars where possible 
• Assume responsibility for own environment, ensuring adherence to health and safety policies while having clean smart surroundings

United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $95,000 to $135,000. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Please note the national salary range listed in the job posting reflects the new hire salary range across various U.S. locations that would be applicable to the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

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)
• 401 (k) 
• Five Flexible Spending Accounts Options
• Generous Paid Time Off Allowance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life, Disability & Pet Coverages
• Wellness Stipend
• Mobile Phone Allowance
• Complimentary access to Headspace, Teladoc, Maven, Rocket Lawyer, Mobilo & more
• Aura Identity Theft Protection
• Discretionary Bonus Structure
• Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.

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