Conference & Meeting Manager

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

1d•$68,000•Onsite

About The Position

The conference & meeting manager will be responsible for providing planning services for Continuing and Professional Education's (CPE) large portfolio of academic conferences, meetings, and professional development programs. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with excellent project management skills, a strong business acumen, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners. The Conference & Meeting Manager is responsible for generating program revenue to meet annual revenue targets for the unit. The conference & meeting manager will supervise one or more program planning professionals who specialize in logistics and implementation. CPE strives to create value-driven experiences that provide positive impact for the University, our clients, and our participants. The successful candidate should have a strong customer service ethos, and contribute to a work environment that supports positivity, creativity, teamwork, diversity, and mutual respect. The conference & meeting manager works with faculty, staff, and external partners to identify needs for each program, develop a comprehensive budget plan, negotiate and secure contracts with venues and other necessary services, and establish a detailed scope of services. Occasional travel may be required to provide local and out-of-town program support. Occasional overnight, weekend, early morning, and late evening work may also be necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business or a related field, or equivalent training and/or experience in business or hospitality management field
Extensive experience in conference, meeting or event planning, preferably in a higher education setting
Supervisory experience
Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
Experience in program budget development and management
Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with internal and external clients
Proven excellent sales skills with strong results
Demonstrated leadership skills
Strong computer competency skills and high proficiency in office/collaboration tools and applications (Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, MS Teams, and Zoom)
Ability to handle numerous projects and details simultaneously and accurately while prioritizing according to need and schedule
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related field
Advanced experience in project planning and budgeting in a continuing education setting
Experience with Commonwealth of Virginia and/or university policies and procedures
Designation of Certified Program Planner (CPP) or Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

Responsibilities

Providing planning services for Continuing and Professional Education's (CPE) large portfolio of academic conferences, meetings, and professional development programs.
Generating program revenue to meet annual revenue targets for the unit.
Supervising one or more program planning professionals who specialize in logistics and implementation.
Working with faculty, staff, and external partners to identify needs for each program.
Developing a comprehensive budget plan.
Negotiating and securing contracts with venues and other necessary services.
Establishing a detailed scope of services.