Lead Meeting Planner

FINRA • Rockville, MD

2d • $97,700 - $211,400 • Hybrid

About The Position

Are you a strategic event management professional who thrives on orchestrating flawless, high-impact experiences? As Lead Meeting Planner at FINRA, you'll be the architect behind our most critical conferences and large-scale events—managing everything from intimate executive gatherings to complex multi-day conferences. This isn't just logistics; it's strategic event leadership. You'll negotiate six-figure contracts, influence program development, mentor your team, and serve as the trusted advisor to senior stakeholders. If you're energized by the challenge of managing multiple complex events simultaneously while delivering exceptional attendee experiences and measurable ROI, this is your stage.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Hospitality Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Minimum 7 years of experience in meetings management or hospitality, specifically planning large-scale events
• Comprehensive knowledge of the hospitality industry with proven vendor contract negotiation experience
• Strong understanding of expense management and group travel third-party tools
• Solid knowledge of audio-visual equipment, live streaming platforms, and virtual meeting technologies
• Deep understanding of hospitality/hotel contract terms including attrition and cancellation clauses
• Expert negotiation strategies with demonstrated ability to secure favorable supplier/vendor terms
• Excellent budget management skills including forecasting and multi-contract oversight
• Exceptional organizational abilities with meticulous attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including interpersonal and presentation capabilities
• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain professionalism in high-pressure, fast-paced environments
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in team-oriented settings
• Analytical mindset with capability to assess complex processes and identify optimization solutions

Nice To Haves

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification
• Extensive experience with Cvent, including Cvent Event Management Certification

Responsibilities

• Lead High-Stakes Event Management: Oversee the complete lifecycle of complex, large-scale meetings and conferences—from initial concept and budget development through on-site execution and post-event analysis
• Drive Strategic Negotiations: Leverage expert negotiation skills to secure optimal terms, pricing, and contract provisions with hotels, venues, and vendors, managing multiple large-budget contracts simultaneously
• Serve as the Primary Liaison: Act as the central point of contact between FINRA stakeholders and external vendors, providing strategic guidance on program structure, marketing, conference applications, and budget optimization
• Master the Details: Coordinate comprehensive event logistics including site selection, contract negotiation, menu planning, audio/visual provisions, transportation arrangements, registration, and on-site management
• Optimize and Innovate: Analyze event feedback, expense data, and RFP processes to identify opportunities for improved execution, enhanced attendee experience, and cost reduction
• Mentor and Guide: Provide guidance and mentorship to the meeting planning team, sharing best practices and continuously improving processes and efficiencies
• Ensure Compliance: Maintain adherence to FINRA's policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements throughout all event activities
• Stay Ahead of Trends: Research and implement innovative solutions, emerging technologies, and industry best practices to elevate event outcomes and attendee engagement

Benefits

• Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
• Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law.
• As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance.
• Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal.
• FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.
• Time Off and Paid Leave FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program of 15 days of paid time off, 5 personal days and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year).
• Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule).
• Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment).
• Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees