Conference Planner II

Crowned Grace, Inc•San Antonio, TX

6d•Remote

About The Position

Crowned Grace International is seeking a Conference Planner II to plan and deliver workshops, meetings, and conferences that bring together Forest Service leaders, scientists, partners, and the public. The position supports the USDA Forest Service and is contingent upon contract award. This mid-level role works independently under general direction and takes ownership of assignments from start to finish. The Conference Planner II plans and coordinates events of moderate size and complexity, managing logistics from initial request through close-out. The role also provides task guidance to Conference Planner I staff. This is a virtual position with travel to event sites. Task orders may require assignments outside the Center’s normal hours of operation, including weekends, in the accompaniment of Center personnel. The employee must be able to pass a government background investigation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, business, communications, or a related field; or an associate's degree plus two additional years of relevant experience.
Minimum of 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 the ability to adapt quickly to changing requirements.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Must be able 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 workshops, meetings, trainings, and conferences of moderate size and complexity 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 the approved budget and prepare cost summaries.
Prepare after-action summaries identifying lessons learned and recommended improvements.
Provide task guidance to Conference Planner I staff.