Senior Event Planner, VP/Director

The Strategic Events Manager will act as a strategic advisor to our internal business partners and senior leaders for all things related to events, sponsorships, and special initiatives - with a focus on aligning with their business goals and strategy. You will independently plan, manage, and execute client events, executive-level internal events and industry sponsorships. In this role, you will help to implement, streamline and document policies, procedures, templates and relevant communications. The Strategic Events Manager collaborates with internal teams, has strong third-party supplier relationships and is continuously working toward being an expert in their area of focus.

• Strategize, manage and lead events, to include: working with internal business partners to define program business case/goals, execute communications and project plans with deliverables, manage event registration, logistics, reconciliation and post-event analysis, gathering feedback and assessing event success
• Create, track, analyze, reconcile budgets and communicate updates to stakeholders
• Define and create objectives and communications for assigned events and projects
• Manage reporting, tracking and reconciliation of data
• Diligently negotiate contracts and pricing, with a focus on cost savings
• Collaborate as part of the event marketing team to implement best practices, identify and improve inefficiencies and support other event operations projects
• Influence decision making on timing, format, budget and other event related areas
• Identify ways to elevate event experiences and showcase SMBC brand
• Deliver and oversee events onsite, focusing on best in class service and attention to detail
• Promote culture of collaboration across support functions
• Research and stay abreast of venues, industry standards and trends
• Adhere to internal processes, policies, and best practices, including but not limited to those set by compliance and procurement
• Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders on budget, events and other relevant areas
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior leaders, internal business partners and external vendors
• Liaise with vendors and venues to ensure all contract terms and expectations are being met and that they are providing services and updates in a timely and efficient manner
• Proactively leverage experience with enthusiasm toward process improvement and apply knowledge to provide best in class client service.

• Minimum of 6 years experience in strategic event management, preferably in financial services
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage conflicting priorities, multiple projects, changing elements and assertive personalities
• Exceptional communication and relationship building skills, business writing and presentations. Ability to interact with all levels of client management.
• Aptitude and ability to navigate using different technology systems/platforms
• Self-starter who demonstrates confidence, responsiveness, enthusiasm
• Solutions driven, ability to think and act in a proactive manner. Capable of seeing the big picture while understanding how each element contributes to the greater whole. Must be competent to project how a change or delay in one area will impact the overall project. Willingness to try new ideas and challenge status quo.
• Demonstrates the highest standards of ethics, integrity, honesty, diversity, and discretion
• Fluency in office productivity software: MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint), SharePoint, MS Teams.
• Ability to travel a minimum of 25% of the time

D&I Commitment

Responsible for fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, holding leaders accountable for creating an inclusive environment through awareness and practice of equity in recruiting, developing, and promoting diverse talent.