Project Manager (Corporate Event Planner)

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.

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

Location: Menlo Park, CA (Hybrid) Must reside in CA to be able to go into office 3 days a week, up to 5 if there is a business need. 

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 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 internationally 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 events in a virtual, in-person and hybrid capacity
• 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
• 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, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, gift selection, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging and speaker selection for all programs; strong focus on vendor management
• Work with the team to ensure adherence to the client’s standards of operation and policies; ensure compliance and risk guidelines are followed
• Global Travel (when applicable, approximately 20-30% annually) for site inspections and on-site management of live events to ensure full coordination of logistics and on-site teams for in-person events
• Post event wrap up including final attendees, budget reconciliation, observations, suggestions for following year, as well as client debriefs for year over year improvements
• Co-plan with colleagues and the client on larger scale programs; strong team player
• 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. 

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent practical experience
• 5-7 years Event Management experience required, in a corporate or financial services environment preferred 

• 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
• Motivated, self-starter, ability to work independently and project plan; ability to think innovatively
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; proven ability to work well under pressure to meet established deadlines
• Proven ability to mentor team members, development operations, organizational systems and processes 
• Proven ability to think innovatively to bring events/programs to fruition
• Resourceful individual with the ability to take direction and work independently; be proactive with ideas and creative solutions
• Customer focus, approachable; ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their programs; adapt to ever changing demands and different client work styles
• Strong client management skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ambitious, proactive and highly organized
• Willing to travel to various locations globally for site-visits and on-site management of events
• Experience working with large and complex databases, Cvent experience preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of venues and suppliers in key US cities and across the globe 

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.

United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $70,000 to $115,000. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

#LI-KM3

#LI-Onsite