Communications Events Manager

AAON, Inc.•Tulsa, OK

About The Position

Plans, organizes, and executes internal company events from start to finish in support of organizational communication and engagement objectives. This role independently manages event strategy, logistics, budgets, and vendor relationships for events ranging from small group gatherings to large, multi‑site town halls. Serves as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders by translating business needs into high‑quality, cost‑effective event experiences. Operates with a high degree of autonomy and accountability as a senior individual contributor. Primary duties may include, but are not limited to: Responsible for planning and executing internal company events from concept through post‑event evaluation. Partner with internal clients and stakeholders to understand event objectives, audience needs, timelines, and desired outcomes. Develop detailed event plans, including timelines, venue selection, transportation coordination, and management of setup and teardown activities. Create, monitor, and manage event budgets; track expenditures and invoices; and ensure financial accuracy and compliance with approved budgets. Source, negotiate, and manage vendor and supplier contracts to deliver cost-effective solutions aligned with event goals and company standards. Collaborate with Communications team members to align events with broader communication strategies, promotional plans, and reporting needs. Lead on‑site event execution, coordinating vendors and support resources, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring seamless operations. Provide functional guidance and coordination to temporary staff, vendors, or cross-functional partners as needed, without direct people management responsibility. Apply continuous improvement practices by gathering feedback, assessing outcomes, and incorporating lessons learned into future events and processes. Develop and report quarterly progress toward annual SMART goals. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, event management, hospitality management, business administration, or a related field
5+ years of experience planning and executing internal or corporate events of varying size and complexity, or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.
Advanced knowledge of end‑to-end event planning, logistics coordination, and on-site execution.
Strong financial acumen, including budget management, expense tracking, and vendor negotiation.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across organizational levels.
Ability to independently solve problems, make sound decisions, and adapt quickly to changing priorities or unexpected challenges.
Ability to process, analyze, problem solve, plan, and manage complex projects and deliverables.
Ability to communicate effectively and build professional relationships.
Ability to sit for extended periods and perform sustained computer work.
Visual, auditory, and manual dexterity sufficient to perform job duties.
Compliance with all applicable safety policies and procedures is required to maintain a safe work environment.

Responsibilities

Responsible for planning and executing internal company events from concept through post‑event evaluation.
Partner with internal clients and stakeholders to understand event objectives, audience needs, timelines, and desired outcomes.
Develop detailed event plans, including timelines, venue selection, transportation coordination, and management of setup and teardown activities.
Create, monitor, and manage event budgets; track expenditures and invoices; and ensure financial accuracy and compliance with approved budgets.
Source, negotiate, and manage vendor and supplier contracts to deliver cost-effective solutions aligned with event goals and company standards.
Collaborate with Communications team members to align events with broader communication strategies, promotional plans, and reporting needs.
Lead on‑site event execution, coordinating vendors and support resources, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring seamless operations.
Provide functional guidance and coordination to temporary staff, vendors, or cross-functional partners as needed, without direct people management responsibility.
Apply continuous improvement practices by gathering feedback, assessing outcomes, and incorporating lessons learned into future events and processes.
Develop and report quarterly progress toward annual SMART goals.
Performs other duties as assigned.