Manager, Event Operations

U.S. Chamber of Commerce•Washington, DC

3d•$69,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

If you are passionate about the ability of American business to improve lives, solve problems, and strengthen society, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the place for you. As the world’s largest business organization, we believe in building a future that gives everyone the opportunity to pursue a better tomorrow. We make it our job today–and every day–to build the strongest relationships possible among the American people, business leaders, and elected officials in Washington, D.C., state capitals, and countries around the globe. For them and the businesses we represent, the U.S. Chamber is a trusted advocate and partner. We are driven by the pursuit of innovation and partnership and hold ourselves to the highest standards. Our commitment to our members is matched only by our commitment to our employees. As part of our team, we will support your long-term career development while delivering relevant learning opportunities. We will empower you to lead, develop deep expertise, and find new approaches to solving the toughest challenges. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Events Division seeks a detailed-oriented, outcomes-driven Event Operations Manager to lead core event operations functions and drive continuous improvement across the division. This role owns the meeting space booking process end-to-end—from initial inquiry through confirmation and follow-through —including troubleshooting conflicts, prioritizing requests, and reassigning meeting space as operational needs evolve. The ideal candidate oversees key administrative responsibilities and systems that support event operations. The candidate will have the opportunity to lead or support the execution of a variety of Chamber programs, from internal communications events to board meetings. This role is ideal for a proactive event professional who enjoys managing complex, fast-moving workstreams, influencing through relationship and trust building, and serving as a go-to operational expert and partner across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3–5+ years of progressively responsible experience in event operations, meeting management, hospitality, or a related field; prior experience owning event operations and/or managing complex event portfolios is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to manage project- and process-driven work with limited oversight, including leading initiatives that advance team or departmental goals.
Proven experience coordinating and influencing across teams (with or without direct authority) to achieve outcomes and balance competing priorities.
Meticulous attention to detail and superior organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage a complex, fast-changing workload and prioritize effectively.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to analyze patterns, anticipate issues, and provide fact-based recommendations.
Strategic and creative thinker with a strong customer-service orientation and able to balance client goals, space constraints, and operational realities.
Effective negotiation skills and the ability to understand, negotiate, and manage contracts in partnership with internal stakeholders and vendors.
Comfort with ambiguity and demonstrated resilience in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a clear track record of initiative and ownership of work and outcomes.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, notably Excel and PowerPoint.
Experience with meeting/event reservation or venue management software in a hotel, catering, conference, or similar environment.

Responsibilities

Own and manage end-to-end operations for meetings and events held in the Chamber’s event spaces.
Manage all meeting room reservations for the Chamber’s event spaces and scheduling for virtual events.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all meeting and space booking inquiries and inbound client requests.
Provide oversight and guidance by clearly communicating event operational standards, processes, and best practices to internal clients and stakeholders.
Serve as a knowledge management leader for event operations by maintaining accurate documentation, tools, and playbooks; ensuring information is organized, accessible, and up to date; and promoting consistent adoption of standard processes across the team.
Identify opportunities to improve existing processes and platforms; recommend, implement, and communicate changes to streamline and enhance event operations.
Own division-wide operational and administrative duties (e.g., contract management, billing, and systems management).
In collaboration with division leadership, lead cross-event reporting and analysis to identify trends, surface risks, and recommend solutions.
Demonstrate familiarity with budget processes and the financial implications of event and space decisions, including the ability to identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities within established guidelines.
Lead and execute a portfolio of in-person and virtual meetings and events—including internal events and small to medium-size gatherings—while supporting the broader Chamber events portfolio and progressively assuming full ownership of select programs as experience and expertise grow.
Be a generous, entrepreneurial, and forward-looking team contributor, modeling collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.