Senior Conference Planner (Conference Planner III)

Crowned Grace•San Antonio, TX

4d•Remote

About The Position

Crowned Grace International (CGINTL) is seeking a Senior Conference Planner (Conference Planner III) to plan and deliver workshops, meetings, and conferences that bring together Forest Service leaders, scientists, partners, and the public. The role supports the USDA Forest Service and is contingent upon contract award. This senior position works with considerable latitude, advises the Government project lead, and mentors junior staff. The planner leads complex or high-visibility events, develops event plans and budgets, advises on event formats and venues, coordinates with vendors within Government-approved parameters, and oversees attendee services and on-site operations. The role also monitors budgets, evaluates events, develops procedures to improve future events, and directs and mentors Conference Planner I and II staff. This is a virtual position with travel to event sites. Task orders may require work outside the Center’s normal hours, including weekends, in the accompaniment of Center personnel. Candidates must be able to pass a government background investigation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, business, communications, or a related field, or four additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
At least five years of event planning experience, including at least three years leading the planning and execution of large, multi-day conferences.
Active Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) designation from the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP).
High degree of familiarity with event planning concepts, practices, and procedures.
Demonstrated ability to lead event teams and manage multiple concurrent events.
Skill in budget development, cost control, and risk and contingency planning.
Ability to advise management and communicate effectively with senior officials, partners, and vendors.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to pass a government background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential.
Experience planning multi-agency federal conferences.
Experience with wildland fire, natural resource management, or emergency management events.

Responsibilities

Lead planning and execution of large-scale, complex, or high-visibility events, including national and interagency workshops and conferences.
Develop comprehensive event plans, master schedules, logistics plans, contingency plans, and budgets.
Advise the project lead on event format, venue selection, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with federal conference policies and approval and reporting requirements.
Prepare venue and vendor requirements and cost comparisons for Government review; coordinate with vendors within Government-approved parameters.
Oversee registration, attendee communications, accessibility, and participant services.
Direct on-site operations, lead event support staff, and resolve escalated issues in real time.
Coordinate with facilitators, communications staff, and presenters on program content and materials.
Monitor event budgets and prepare cost reports and reconciliations.
Lead post-event evaluations and develop templates, checklists, and standard operating procedures to improve future events.
Direct and mentor Conference Planner I and II staff.