Associate Project Manager (Professional Development Program) (Events experience)

First Global Management Services•Jersey City, NJ

14h•$65,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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 As an Associate Project Manager , you will join FIRST through a professional development program designed for early-career talent with a minimum of two years of experience. The program begins with a four-week immersive training covering the full life cycle of event management. After training, you will be assigned to a client account, with rotations occurring at the end of each assignment based on organizational needs. In this role, you will contribute to a range of client accounts on a rotational basis, supporting the planning and delivery of virtual, in-person, and hybrid experiences from internal programs to client facing activations such as conferences, hospitality events, thought leadership forums, sporting engagements, and cultural initiatives. You will uphold FIRST’s standard of excellence by providing strong project coordination and practical, creative solutions. This position requires agility, professionalism, and collaboration as you work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to bring events and experiences to life.

Requirements

2 – 4 years event management experience
Bachelor’s Degree preferred
Experience working with large and complex databases preferred, Cvent experience preferred
Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
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
Virtual event experience preferred – Zoom experience is a plus
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
Ambitious, proactive and highly organized
Willing to travel to various locations for site-visits and on-site management of events

Responsibilities

Independent full life cycle planning and execution of multiple key in-person or digital/virtual events
Virtual event planning and project management, including confirming the 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
Travel (when applicable, approximately 20-60% 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, as well as client debriefs for year over year improvements
Co-plan with colleagues and the client on larger scale programs; strong team player
Share knowledge of best practices, new suppliers, services and venues
Deepen relations with existing clients and maximize on all opportunities to generate new business
Work intelligently and ensure that the Team Lead is aware of problems or issues which negatively affect productivity
Flexible and willing to work outside of core working hours (evenings, weekends) and travel to faciliate events

Benefits

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