Project Manager, Mega Events

At the American Cancer Society, we're working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Our employees and 1.3 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We are a culture comprised of diverse backgrounds and experience, to better serve our communities. 

The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

This position is responsible for managing the life cycle and event experience for a portfolio of premier distinguished events and community events with a collective fundraising target of $4 million or greater. Manages all elements of event execution from initiation through execution and evaluation, including project management, budget management, vendor sourcing and on-site operations. Creates a collaborative team environment with all business partners to accomplish tasks with a high degree of quality. Provides guidance, resources, and support to the area team and ensures alignment with objectives and goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitates and coordinates the work of multiple projects engaged in the implementation of large-scale, best in class, $500,000+ events that deliver an elevated guest experience

• Provides overall orchestration and support, including project and process management, branding, vendor sourcing, negotiation and contracting, budget management, on-site operations

• Develops key relationships with cross pillar team members and field team leaders to ensure all needs associated with events are met and there is effective communication and coordination among all departments involved

• Provides timely project status updates and regular progress meetings on milestones, budget and schedule, as well as risk assessments, analysis, and key deliverables.

• Facilitates event collateral & communications which can include:

  • Program management & visuals: event signage, program slides, live/silent auction videos, sponsorship execution of benefits

  • Event collateral (program book, save-the-date, solicitation letters & packets, website, invite, VIP invite, etc.)

  • Production schedule, vendor communication, volunteer management

• Facilitates Event Logistics which can include:

  • Run of show, event timeline, program development, scripting

  • Volunteer day of management - training, placement, and management

  • Vendor research, requests for proposal (RFP), negotiation, contract processing, COI, scheduling

  • Venue selection, negotiation, contract, and coordination with vendors and partners

  • Other logistics to include, but not limited to room block, catering, security/coat check, production (lighting, sound, design, décor), photo booth, auctioneer, photography, videography, gifting, registration, computer systems

• Works closely with team members to deliver sponsorship benefits, specifically execution of day-of sponsorship benefits and experience

• Facilitates event retrospective review meeting

• Identifies and works to remove barriers to successful completion of the overall project, with emphasis on preventing and/or resolving issues.

• Other duties, as assigned.

FORMAL KNOWLEDGE     

• Bachelor’s Degree

• 2 - 4 years of relevant business experience required

• Ability to effectively manage projects from beginning to end

• Strong knowledge of American Cancer Society programs, strategies, and organizational infrastructure a strong plus.

SKILLS

• Demonstrated experience managing multiple simultaneous projects involving cross-functional teams within budgetary and schedule constraints.

• Ability to strategically and tactically organize and structure activities, paying particular attention to detail.

• Ability to handle multiple planned and unplanned projects, roles, and responsibilities.

• Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret operational needs, and develop integrated, creative solutions.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

• Tactical and strategic project management experience managing teams involved in multiple activities.

• Knowledge of decision-making and problem-solving techniques to facilitate effective project and organizational leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to grasp a general knowledge of multiple disciplines and technologies.

• Good understa