Senior Meeting Planner

Ripple Effect•Rockville, MD

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ripple Effect is seeking an experienced Senior Event Planner to support mission‑driven programs through the planning and execution of high‑impact meetings and events. Working closely with the Communications and Outreach team, this role collaborates with multiple partners to manage pre‑production, logistics, and on‑site execution, including audio/visual and technical support, while contributing to cross‑functional planning efforts that advance Ripple Effect’s work.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
4+ years of related professional experience (at least 2+ years in the event space)
Experience planning meetings and events for federal agencies (ex. NIH).
Able to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle priorities without letting anything fall through the cracks.
Detail oriented with strong organizational skills, including experience planning and tracking the end-to-end progress of events logistics and drafting regular status reports for staff and leadership.
Experience coordinating in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, including the use of virtual meeting software (e.g. Zoom and Teams).
Foundational knowledge of federal requirements (e.g. FTR) to ensure client is compliant with such regulations.
Excellent verbal and error-free written communications skills for face-to-face interactions with clients (including event speakers and attendees), co-workers, and leadership.
Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office productivity software and collaboration tools such as Excel, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
Basic knowledge of project and events management and design software such as Microsoft Planner, Microsoft Project, and Adobe CS.
Ability to carry/maneuver various pieces of heavy equipment (50+lbs) for onsite events and exhibits (e.g., carrying banners/boxes of materials to rolling crates.)

Nice To Haves

Experience developing conference planning documents including SOPs, timelines, and detailed process documents.
Certificate in event management such as CGMP or CMP.
Knowledge of event management platforms such as Cvent or Bizzabo.
Experience working with FACA committees and familiarity with requirements.
Intermediate knowledge of AI tools, including their limitations and risks, and how they can be applied to support event coordination tasks.

Responsibilities

Lead the end‑to‑end planning and execution of meetings and events, including pre‑production, on‑site delivery, and post‑event wrap‑up activities
Collaborate closely with the Communications and Outreach team to ensure events align with organizational goals, messaging, and client objectives
Coordinate event logistics, including venue selection, registration, travel, catering, materials, and on‑site staffing
Manage audio/visual, technical, and hybrid/virtual event requirements by working with internal teams, vendors, and external partners
Develop and maintain detailed event plans, timelines, run‑of‑show documents, and contingency plans
Serve as the primary point of contact for event stakeholders, partners, vendors, and service providers throughout the planning process
Support cross‑functional coordination by assisting with related tasks such as content development, speaker management, and participant communications