Strategic Event Solutions Event Manager, Supervising Associate - Chicago, IL

EY • Chicago, IL

2d • $68,900 - $128,800

About The Position

The Event Manager supports EY’s Strategic Event Solutions (SES) model by consulting on, planning, and executing approved meetings and events. The role partners with meeting sponsors, requesters, Account Managers, and internal support teams to understand business objectives, clarify ownership, recommend compliant and cost-effective solutions, and manage event delivery. It focuses on stakeholder experience, risk mitigation, spend visibility, and data integrity while supporting process improvement through standard tools, accurate Cvent records, automation, and AI-enabled efficiencies.

The position develops practical, compliant, and sustainable meeting plans, recommending the appropriate service model, planning approach, sourcing path, registration or attendee-management support, contracting process, payment method, budget tracking, and reporting structure. It maintains accurate event records for reporting and audit readiness and promotes consistent execution across colleagues and supplier partners. Onsite support may be required depending on event complexity, risk, stakeholder needs, and the approved support model. Travel is anticipated at 25%-40%, depending on portfolio and business demand. Overtime may be required based on event volume, schedules, stakeholder needs, or onsite delivery.

The role may also lead or support SES special projects, process documentation, training, and cross-functional initiatives. The position exercises sound judgment with periodic supervision, independently resolving routine decisions within established guardrails and escalating issues appropriately.

Requirements

• Degree in a related discipline or a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in Event Management, meetings operations, and stakeholder consultation.
• Strong knowledge of the meetings and events marketplace, service delivery models, supplier management, and industry trends.
• Strong analytical skills, commitment to quality, adaptability, change-management capability, self-motivation, and teamwork.
• Executive presence, ability to establish credibility quickly, and effective communication with internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Customer-service mindset and ability to balance stakeholder needs, compliance, cost, quality, and operational realities.
• Knowledge of meeting-industry software and collaboration tools, including Cvent, Microsoft Office, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, and related workflow or documentation platforms.
• Comfort learning and using technology, automation, or AI-enabled tools to improve documentation, reporting, process consistency, and team efficiency.
• Ability to communicate, challenge, and persuade internal stakeholders while balancing service, compliance, cost, timing, and resource considerations.
• Ability to work collaboratively, clarify ownership, and understand how decisions affect suppliers and requesters.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Initiative, curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to test tools, document learnings, and contribute to process simplification.
• Sound judgment, ability to resolve routine decisions independently within established guardrails, and willingness to escalate issues appropriately.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certificate.
• Comfort operating in a changing environment, taking ownership of complex work, sharing knowledge, adopting new tools, and helping simplify processes.
• Consultative mindset, focus on personal development, cross-functional collaboration, and ability to balance exceptional service with well-being and sustainable ways of working.

Responsibilities

• Consult with meeting sponsors and requesters to understand event objectives, logistical requirements, budget parameters, and risk considerations.
• Develop compliant and sustainable meeting plans and recommend service models, planning approaches, sourcing paths, registration or attendee-management support, contracting processes, payment methods, budget tracking, and reporting structures.
• Provide onsite event support when required based on event complexity, risk, stakeholder needs, and the approved support model.
• Partner with Account Managers, sourcing partners, attendee management, production, creative services, security, finance, suppliers, and other support teams to clarify ownership and coordinate delivery.
• Use approved event technology, tools, and templates to improve stakeholder experience, consistency, and delivery efficiency.
• Enter and maintain accurate Cvent information, including event scope, status, budgets, actuals, savings, repository documentation, and reporting requirements; resolve data-quality issues.
• Support contracting, approvals, signatures, deposits, and meetings card processes in accordance with service-level ownership and payment guidance.
• Track budgets, support reconciliation, and maintain visibility into supplemental budget, deposits, payments, savings, and event spend.
• Maintain documents and repository records to support reporting, audit readiness, and consistent user experience.
• Identify recurring process gaps, escalate resource or compliance concerns, and contribute to solutions that reduce rework and strengthen adoption of updated processes.
• Use technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools where appropriate to improve efficiency, knowledge sharing, documentation, and operational visibility.
• Support or lead SES special projects, process documentation, training, and cross-functional initiatives as needed.
• Balance multiple priorities according to urgency, impact, stakeholder expectations, and available resources.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Pension plans
• 401(k) plans
• Paid time off options
• Flexible vacation policy
• EY Paid Holidays
• Winter and Summer breaks
• Personal/Family Care time off
• Other leaves of absence
• Continuous learning and professional growth
• Tools and flexibility to make an impact
• Coaching and leadership development
• Inclusive culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior