Conference Planner II

Crowned Grace•San Antonio, TX

4d•Remote

About The Position

Crowned Grace International is seeking a mid-level Conference Planner II to support the USDA Forest Service in planning and delivering workshops, meetings, and conferences that bring together Forest Service leaders, scientists, partners, and the public. The position is contingent upon contract award. The planner works independently under general direction and takes ownership of assignments from initial request through close-out. The role coordinates event logistics, develops plans and budgets, manages venues and lodging, coordinates presenters, oversees registration and attendee communications, and supports hybrid and virtual meeting technology. It also leads on-site logistics, tracks costs, prepares after-action summaries, and provides task guidance to Conference Planner I staff. This is a virtual position with travel to event sites. Task orders may require work outside the Center’s normal hours, including weekends, in the accompaniment of Center personnel. Candidates must be able to pass a government background investigation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, event management, business, communications, or a related field; alternatively, an associate’s degree plus two additional years of relevant experience.
At least three years of event planning experience, including at least one year independently coordinating logistics for multi-day meetings or conferences.
Active Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) designation from the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP).
Moderate familiarity with standard event planning concepts, practices, and procedures.
Ability to develop and manage event budgets and reconcile costs.
Skill in vendor coordination, registration platforms, and hybrid and virtual meeting technology.
Sound problem-solving skills and ability to adapt quickly to changing requirements.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Ability to pass a government background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Experience planning federal conferences and working within agency conference approval and reporting requirements.
Working knowledge of the Federal Travel Regulation.
Progress toward the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential.

Responsibilities

Plan and coordinate logistics for moderately sized and complex workshops, meetings, trainings, and conferences from initial request through close-out.
Develop event plans, timelines, cost estimates, and logistics checklists in coordination with the project lead.
Research venues, compare costs, and coordinate lodging and meeting-space requirements consistent with Government requirements.
Coordinate speakers, presenters, and facilitators, including schedules, presentation materials, and audiovisual requirements.
Manage registration systems, attendee communications, and accessibility and reasonable accommodation requests.
Set up and support hybrid and virtual meeting platforms, including technical rehearsals.
Lead on-site logistics for assigned events and resolve issues as they arise.
Track event costs against approved budgets and prepare cost summaries.
Prepare after-action summaries identifying lessons learned and recommended improvements.
Provide task guidance to Conference Planner I staff.