SENIOR EVENT PLANNER

$68,188 - $88,644/Yr

Virginia Housing - Richmond, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Richmond, VA

Construction of Buildings

About the position

Join Virginia Housing and help make a difference as a Senior Event Planner! Virginia Housing is one of the nation's premier housing finance agencies, dedicated to helping Virginians attain quality, affordable housing through public-private partnerships. We are focused on employee engagement and committed to fostering a healthy and diverse workforce. Our facilities include on-site conveniences such as a fitness center and free parking, and we offer educational opportunities to help you advance your career through both classroom and online programs. As a Senior Event Planner, you will be responsible for producing both internal and external events for Virginia Housing from conception through to completion. This role requires you to provide outstanding customer service and organize memorable events that meet quality expectations for our internal associates and external partners. You will also manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts related to branded products and event services. Your ability to oversee collaborative event planning will be crucial, as you will coordinate various aspects such as venue selection, food and beverage arrangements, travel logistics, insurance, audio/visual needs, registration, invoicing, and billing. To excel in this position, you must possess a Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, or equivalent relevant work experience. A minimum of five years of experience in event planning is preferred, with a proven track record of managing events ranging from small gatherings of 10-50 people to large-scale events of 500+ attendees. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, along with self-direction and attention to detail, are essential. Excellent time management and communication skills are also required, as is proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and comfort with new technologies and digital tools. An active membership in a related professional organization, such as the International Society of Meeting Planners, is also beneficial. A portfolio showcasing your past events, including photos and mood boards, will be an asset in demonstrating your capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Produce internal and external Virginia Housing events from conception through to completion.
• Provide outstanding customer service and organize memorable events that meet quality expectations.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts for branded products and event services.
• Oversee collaborative event planning for venue selection, food and beverage, travel logistics, insurance, A/V, registration, invoicing, and billing.
• Ensure all aspects of event management adhere to best practices and quality standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in event planning.
• Experience managing small scale (10-50 people) to large scale (500+ people) events.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Self-directed and detail-oriented with excellent time management and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and comfortable with new technologies and digital tools.
• Active membership in a related professional organization such as International Society of Meeting Planners.
• Portfolio of photos, mood boards, and/or concepts to demonstrate the caliber of events planned.

Nice-to-haves

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Certification preferred.
• Cvent Certification for Event Management preferred.

Benefits

• On-site fitness center
• Free parking
• Educational opportunities for career advancement through classroom and online programs