Director, Events Program Management

Microsoft AI is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Events Program Manager to lead internal events, including our organization-wide meetup that occurs every 7 weeks. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of event planning and execution, ensuring the delivery of exceptional experiences for stakeholders and attendees.   
 
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. 

Responsibilities

• End-to-end event management: Oversee all stages of event planning, from conception to post-event analysis, ensuring the seamless execution of our events.
• Program management: Align with stakeholders on overall program as it relates to content creation, workshop management and team-wide communication. 
• Venue sourcing: Research and negotiate contracts with appropriate venues, ensuring that they meet the specific needs of each event and align with budgetary constraints. 
• Hotel management: Coordinate accommodation requirements for attendees, including room block management, VIP requests, F&B, and special needs accommodations. 
• Entertainment: Research and secure appropriate entertainment options for events, ensuring alignment with the event's theme and objectives. Management of both onsite and offsite entertainment. 
• Stakeholder management: Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including senior executives, sponsors, vendors, and internal teams, ensuring their expectations are met and exceeded. 
• Budget management: Develop event budgets, track expenses, and negotiate costs with vendors to ensure events are delivered within established financial parameters. 
• Communication: Develop and implement effective communication strategies for each event, ensuring timely and accurate information is provided to all relevant parties. 
• Vendor management: Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with external vendors, including AV providers, caterers, and event production companies. 
• Risk management: Develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies to address potential issues that may arise during events. 
• Post-event analysis: Evaluate the success of each event, gathering feedback from attendees and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices for future events. 
• Embody our culture and values. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance or related field AND 8+ years work experience in program management, process management, process improvement

  • OR equivalent experience.

• 5+ years of experience in event planning and execution within a corporate environment. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and last-minute changes and requests.
• Interpersonal and communication skills suitable for building relationships with stakeholders at various levels.
• Problem-solving skills with a focus on creativity and innovation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and event management software.
• Experience in budg