Event Planning Manager

Cooley • Washington, MN

77d • $115,000 - $145,000

About The Position

Cooley is seeking a Event Planning Manager to join the Marketing and Business Development team. The Event Planning Manager will manage all aspects of external events, from planning and development to execution and post-event follow-up, in collaboration with the events team, lawyers and other support departments. In addition, the Event Planning Manager will manage and oversee daily administrative operations of the direct reports.

Requirements

• After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
• Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
• Ability to travel, as required
• 5+ years of event management experience
• Experience running virtual events; highly proficient in Zoom

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree with preference of business, communication, marketing or related field
• Experience in planning multiple high-level, logistically complicated events simultaneously
• Experience with vendor contract negotiations, particularly hotels and catering
• Familiarity with legal services provided by a full-service corporate law firm and needs/expectations of their clients
• Supervisory experience

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and implement marketing events hosted and/or sponsored by Cooley, ensuring exceptional attendee experiences and maximum ROI
• Serve as the primary point of contact leading each assigned event
• Represent Cooley on-site at events, as necessary
• Manage virtual events using Zoom
• Collaborate with Marketing and Business Development team members on event strategy/goals and materials
• Determine creative, cost-effective approaches for all events and provide detailed implementation proposals to event team members or attorneys
• Research all aspects of events (venues, timing, housing, catering, transportation, registration, entertainment, decoration, billing, communications/invitations, RSVPs, room blocks, name badges, food and beverage, room set-up, speakers, AV, production and handouts, off-site activities, giveaways, shipping, branding, etc.) according to internal client needs, including price comparison and site inspections
• Research, solicit proposals from, and conduct site visits and inspections of potential event properties, including hotels and resorts, restaurants, bar/lounges, and special event spaces
• Negotiate contracts for venues, caterers, and other vendors and suppliers, working closely with the firm's internal contract review team to ensure compliance
• Conduct post-event evaluations, including client and participant satisfaction and ROI
• Create and manage budgets of varying sizes, tracking and demonstrating ROI
• Work in collaboration with various Cooley departments (i.e., Technology, Facilities, Catering) to execute events
• Establish event design and staging (i.e., media needs, lighting, audio-visual) and event agenda (i.e., speaker order, breaks, meals) as well as shipping of event materials if off-site
• Use Salesforce to run reports, manage lists, and track RSVPs, attendance, follow-up, etc.
• Provide planning and RSVP updates, Salesforce 'who-knows-whom' reports and identify appropriate event follow-up activities to maximize business development potential
• Develop and manage event timelines, communicating deadlines and assignments to marketing business professionals and consultants, as necessary
• Work with in-house design business professionals to develop creative and compelling event themes
• Work with in-house communications team to develop social media and PR/press plans to leverage and promote relevant events
• Utilize data from past events to enact changes to improve future results
• Build and maintain an international network of other event planners and third-party resources
• Manage relationships with trade organizations, conference organizers and other third-party partners
• Ensure relevant events are posted to the firm's website, internal calendar, etc.
• Implement best practices, policies and workflow procedures to ensure the efficient and effective execution of all events
• Work with in-house digital marketing team to build and send invitations and other collateral with the firm's email marketing system (Pardot). Run reports, track distribution, etc.
• Manage and assign tasks to on-site business professionals, which may include other members of the marketing department, other Cooley business professionals, or vendors/consultants
• Work with organizations that approve CLE, CDP, and other professional education credits for course accreditation
• Serve as direct supervisor and mentor to direct reports
• Provide day-to-day supervision of direct reports, ensure compliance with assigned work hours and monitor for compliance with all firm and department policies
• Support business professional development and continued educational opportunities
• In collaboration with immediate supervisor and CN HR, participate in hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, termination and other employee lifecycle events
• All other duties as assigned or required

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan)
• Dental and vision insurance
• Health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage
• Backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits
• Firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits
• 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) and 10 paid holidays each year
• Generous parental leave and fertility benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees