Event Services Manager

Job Description

Job DescriptionOur Company

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; annually assesses seasonal and long‐term reliability; monitors the bulk power system through system awareness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. NERC’s area of responsibility spans the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico. NERC is the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) for North America, subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and provincial authorities in Canada. NERC’s jurisdiction includes users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system, which serves nearly 400 million people.

Our Mission

The vision for the ERO Enterprise, which is comprised of NERC and the six Regional Entities, is a highly reliable and secure North American bulk power system. Our mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid.

Your Impact

The Event Services Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of NERC’s meetings and events logistics, from inception to completion, in coordination with contracted event services companies (Maritz and Etherio) and in collaboration with NERC’s Corporate Support Team. This includes internal meetings to large-scale industry events. This role also will have management responsibilities for the Meetings and Events Coordinator and any and contract resources assigned to Meetings and Events.

This position reports to the Director, Business Operations. It is classified as Local – DC.

Your Role

• Working with event management firms, source location and provide oversight and planning of meeting and event logistics (space, hotel rooms, transportation, catering, etc.) for all board, board committee, standing committee meetings, NERC sponsored workshops and offsite meetings at hotels, DC Collaboration Hub and Roam co-working or other offsite locations as required.
• Development and management of centralized meeting and event planning operating model for NERC. Creation and maintenance of department standard operating procedures. Educate NERC staff on procedures.
• Research, propose, develop and implement operating model enhancements that translate into efficiencies and cost savings for NERC meetings. Document these recommendations and the benefits. Where appropriate, use corporate rewards programs to reduce costs for meetings.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, sponsors, and vendors to ensure ongoing support and collaboration for events, ensuring an engaging experience.
• Maintain and manage vendor relationships: Maritz, Etherio, Roam, Encore, national hotel chains and other vendors as required or assigned.
• Prepare, submit, and evaluate requests for proposals for meetings held in offsite facilities to ensure adequate space, proper setup and catering requirements. Negotiate said contracts. Follow Procurement procedures for review, approval of contracts and related budget spend.

• Execute on approved roadmap to centralize all event services operations. Using organizational change management principles, promote adoption of centralized event services model across NERC. Train all new hires on event planning processes and procedures.
• Provide budget and financial oversight to all meetings and events. Work with departments on the most cost-effective meeting solutions that meet requirements.
• Identify and measure event metrics, looking for operational improvement opportunities.

• As needed, perform site visits to inspect facilities to ensure conformance to NERC’s requirements as needed for event planning.
• Create diagrams and seating charts for events, as required, based on needs for each event.

• On-site NERC liaison for off-site meetings and workshops, as required.
• Support, as needed, registration process for various meetings and workshops across the U.S. and Canada; including, but not limited to composing announcements, creating registration forms, managing the registration process and retaining registration records.

• Review and approve meeting and workshop invoices and submit to finance department for payment in conjunction with business unit, following procurement procedures.
• Be familiar with and adhere to Information Technology Security Policies and procedures.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have at a minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality or related field. Related experience in lieu of specific degree is acceptable.
• Management of event planning staff.
• Five to ten years meeting planning experience.

• High motivation, organization, and capability of functioning with minimal direction in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive customer service mindset; ensure client satisfaction in all aspects of event planning and execution.
• Ability to manage event-related stress and remain calm and composed under pressure

• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.

Preferred candidates will also have:

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Event Planning Specialist (CEPS).

Other

• A background check will be conducted prior to employment.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• This position has been classified as exempt.
• The position is based in the DC office and is classified as Local. Reimbursement of travel expenses will be in accordance with the company’s travel and expense reimbursement policies.
• Travel is necessary – 25-30% at minimum, depending on event schedule and location. A US Passport will be required.

Our Culture Declarations

• Everyone at NERC is a leader.
• We are accountable personally and organizationally to deliver on commitments.
• We develop ourselves and people in the organization to ensure that NERC realizes its strategic objectives.
• We are resilient and adaptable to the challenges and needs of the business/people.
• We exude a growth mindset and empower teams to take risks.
• We build collaborative relationships within NERC, the ERO, and the stakeholders of NERC.
• We exemplify NERC cultural behaviors:
  • We reward high-quality, creative, and innovative work.
  • We attract, engage, and retain top talent.
  • We value and respect diverse perspectives.
  • We provide a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
  • We form strong relationships within the company and with the ERO Enterprise.
  • We demonstrate curiosity in a wide variety of areas and are open to exploring new situations, knowledge, and opportunities for growth and development.
  • We demonstrate an anticipatory mindset by preventing problems and building contingencies where appropriate.
  • We champion diversity and inclusion by seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives.