Opening: Event Manager

Monterey, CA - Full Time - Posted February 22, 2023

Summary

Seeking an experienced, motivated and team-oriented event management professional with at least three years of event coordination/event management experience.
The Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) has been the nation’s premier provider of Homeland Security education since 2002. Housed within CHDS, the Executive Education Program offers customized homeland security seminars, symposia, workshops, and short courses for senior elected officials, government agencies, and related organizations on the campus of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA and around the country.

The Event Manager coordinates and oversees 20+ events annually in Monterey, CA, and elsewhere nationwide. Solid candidates must be able to follow established processes, work well within a team, anticipate project needs, discern work priorities, meet deadlines with little supervision, be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends to meet project deadlines, and be able to travel up to two weeks each month.

Application Submission: Please submit cover letter and resume (<2 pages) to Kristen Thornton at kristen.thornton.ctr@nps.edu with subject line: “Event Manager Application.”

Responsibilities

• Serve as program liaison to CHDS Program Leads and/or elected officials’ offices before, during and after event delivery; maintain high levels of professionalism and confidence when interfacing with CHDS leadership, guest speakers, senior officials and event participants • Conduct thorough market research for event venues, materials or services; create detailed RFPs (requests for proposal); review and evaluate vendor proposals to determine fair market value; negotiate and execute contracts; manage event banquet event orders (BEOs) • Coordinate travel schedules, airfare, ground transportation and lodging; communicate with the CHDS team, speakers, and students to provide and reinforce travel guidance • Create and manage event budgets; review and reconcile event invoices; generate final expense reports; comply with CHDS and contractor purchase procedures • Review and edit seminar presentations and agendas; print and assemble seminar handouts, table tent cards, name badges, etc.; coordinate shipment of materials to event location when necessary • Provide full on-site event coordination; manage meeting space setup and vendor services; participate in event rehearsals and hot washes; update event registration in the CHDS system; coordinate event survey distribution; provide event data to Program leadership for reporting • Input and maintain online database documentation • Report to Program leadership throughout planning and execution phases with minimal supervision

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Hospitality, or related field • Three+ years of event coordination/event management experience

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Hospitality, or related field

Experience

• Three+ years of event coordination/event management experience

Clearance

Applicant must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to pass a background check and obtain a Security Clearance.

Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications • Proficiency in virtual engagement tools (e.g., Zoom, Mentimeter, etc.) • Professional and confident communications skills (both verbal and written) • Strong hospitality and customer service skills • High-level organization and sharp attention to detail • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and efficiently
• A trained eye for high-quality event execution • Ability to instinctively solve problems and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment • Demonstrated success in working with colleagues and superiors while maintaining a team-focused approach • Experience in supporting executives, government officials and/or other senior leaders • Familiarity with government travel regulations (preferred) • Experience in report-writing and graphics software (preferred)

Salary Range

$60,000 - $70,000

Anticipated Start Date

March 15, 2023

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