Manager, Event Engagement

SHRM•Alexandria, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Event Engagement, is responsible for leading the planning, development, and execution of event engagement and experiential initiatives across a diverse portfolio of organizational events, ranging from executive gatherings to large-scale conferences and expos up to 26,000 attendees. This role translates event strategy into cohesive live experiences through oversight of creative direction, experiential design, attendee engagement, event environments, branding, and live production. The Manager oversees multiple events and workstreams simultaneously, including the development of creative concepts, production of high-profile stages and programming, management of event budgets, and oversight of external partners and vendors. The role provides leadership and direction to team members, establishes project priorities and timelines, and coordinates with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure event experiences are delivered effectively, consistently, and in alignment with organizational objectives and brand standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Business, Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, Public Relations or related field or relevant equivalent experience in lieu of degree.
Seven (7) or more years of related experience in a similar work environment and role, preferably with a PR/marketing/event agency or in-house for medium to large brand(s).
Proven experience in planning and managing corporate events and/or city-wide conferences and expos.
Experience managing and developing team members.
Demonstrated experience managing complex and/or seven-figure budgets.
Experience managing major external partners such as production companies, general services contractors, experiential agencies, creative agencies, and other event vendors.
Proven ability to build and manage strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and senior leaders.
Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams, timelines, and priorities.
Solid written and verbal communication skills with ability to clearly articulate a story or idea to internal or external audiences.
Exemplary judgment, organization, and attention to detail.
Creativity and intellectual curiosity especially as it relates to traditional and non-traditional events and associated trends.
Demonstrated collaboration skills.
Demonstrated ability to multi-task and meet critical deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to interact with all levels within an organization and display strong customer service skills, diplomacy, and tact.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of applications.
Ability to effectively leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and improve overall work quality.

Responsibilities

Lead Main Stage production for assigned events from early concept development through onsite execution.
Oversee stage, scenic, and production design in partnership with internal stakeholders and external production vendors.
Develop and manage show flows, executive presentations, run-of-show materials, and other production documents.
Partner with the SHRM comms team on scripting for main stage experiences.
Partner with production for all onsite rehearsals, technical checks, speaker preparation, live stage execution, and show calling.
Lead cross-functional collaboration with internal stakeholders to develop compelling, audience-centric engagement throughout the attendee journey.
Build alignment across teams to ensure cohesive messaging, branding, activations, environmental builds, and stage experiences.
Manage major external partners - including general services contractors, production companies, experiential agencies, and creative vendors - across scopes, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
Partner with SHRM’s Expo team to develop engaging environments within expo/marketplace spaces.
Manage, coach, and develop team members responsible for multiple concurrent event projects and workstreams.
Set clear priorities, manage workloads, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and strong judgment.
Develop and manage complex event budgets, including seven-figure budgets and significant vendor investments.
Manage multiple complex projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.