Senior Project Manager, Corporate Events, Fixed-Term Contract

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 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 - Hybrid (4 days in office, subject to change at any time)

Please note this is a fixed-term contract which will run through until the end of 2025.

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 Senior Project Manager will consistently deliver exceptional service to our high-touch clients through excellent project management and creative solutions. This position will support virtual, in-person and hybrid events which include but are not limited to; internal programs, client-facing events including conferences, hospitality, thought leadership, sporting, and cultural programs. 

Your Contributions 

• Full life-cycle planning and execution of multiple key in-person events, some may be in a  hybrid  or virtual 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
• Onsite event execution, which includes approximately  20-35% travel, primarily in the NY market
• Manage and mentor a team, which may include up to 8 direct reports. Management responsibilities, 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
• Creation of SOP and best practices to guide the team in working effectively and efficiently 
• 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 

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. 

• 8-10+ years’ event coordination experience, in a corporate or financial services environment
• Advanced experience of events, conferences, meeting and production management, including but not limited to C-level executive events, cocktail receptions and dinners, meetings and multi-day events
• Extensive experience in working with and managing senior clients 
• Advanced project management skills, including: budget creation, management and reconciliation
• People management experience preferred
• 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

United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $90,000 to $125,000. 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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