Events & Program Manager

Classification & Compensation

Status: Full-time, Exempt
• Work Location: On-site (non-hybrid, non-remote)
• Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000

The East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC) brings industry, academia, and government together to share information, foster collaboration, and advocate for federal missions that drive regional economic growth. Through weekly programs and signature events, ETEC convenes leaders and partners to strengthen East Tennessee's economic competitiveness and innovation ecosystem.

ETEC is a private, independent, regional, 501(c)(6) nonprofit membership organization founded in 1973. Today, ETEC represents more than 400 member organizations and manages a robust annual calendar of meetings, conferences, and special events across East Tennessee and beyond.

The Events & Programs Manager is responsible for owning the planning, coordination, and execution of ETEC and Tennessee Nuclear Network (TN) events. This role manages the full lifecycle of events-from kickoff through execution and post-event wrap-up-while working within a collaborative, team-based decision-making environment.

This position is ideal for an experienced event professional who enjoys taking initiative, building timelines, coordinating details, and bringing complex events together with a high level of professionalism. The Events & Programs Manager serves as the operational owner of events, while partnering closely with ETEC leadership and staff at key decision points.

Event Ownership & Project Management

• Own the execution of ETEC and TN events from initiation through completion.
• Launch event planning based on the annual calendar and emerging opportunities.
• Develop and manage detailed event timelines, task lists, and project plans.
• Track progress across multiple events simultaneously and adjust plans as needed.
• Anticipate needs, identify risks early, and propose solutions proactively.

Event Programming & Agenda Development

• Draft event agendas, run-of-show outlines, and programming frameworks.
• Coordinate speaker logistics, materials, and requirements.
• Prepare draft agendas and programming materials for leadership review.
• Incorporate feedback and finalize materials following defined team checkpoints.

Coordination with Internal Teams & External Partners

• Coordinate closely with ETEC staff to align logistics, timing, and support needs.
• Work with leadership on key agenda, programming, and execution decisions.
• Collaborate with the finance team to plan events within established budget parameters.
• Coordinate with partner organizations on joint or co-hosted events (such as chambers, universities, or regional partners).
• Manage relationships with venues, vendors, speakers, sponsors, and partners.

On-Site Event & Meeting Management & Wrap-Up

• Provide on-site leadership and coordination during events.
• Oversee logistics, setup, run-of-show execution, and troubleshooting.
• Lead post-event wrap-up, documentation, debriefs, and recommendations for improvement.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in event planning, project management, or related roles
• Experience managing multi-event timelines and complex logistics
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Comfort working with diverse stakeholders and external partners
• Experience with Asana or similar project management tools is a plus

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-time, salaried position
• Weekly early Friday mornings required (for standing weekly programs)
• Occasional evening events
• Some out-of-town travel required for conferences and meetings
• Flexible scheduling available around peak event periods

Compensation

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Benefits include a flexible work environment, employer retirement contribution, paid time off, and paid holidays

Why This Role Matters

ETEC's events are central to how the organization convenes leaders, advances collaboration, and supports regional economic growth. This role plays a key part in ensuring those convenings are well-planned, well-executed, and reflective of ETEC's long-standing reputation for excellence.