Events Manager

Job Title: Manager, Events

Department: External Affairs

Location: Virtual from the Washington DC Metropolitan Area

Reports to: Senior Director, Events

Classification: Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time Employee

Anticipated Pay Range at Commencement of Employment: $56,000 - $71,000 per year

Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is a growing non-profit (Military Service Organization (MSO)) with a history of delivering innovative solutions. We're the team that senior DoD leaders seek out when they want ground truth on issues facing our military families. Our team members are motivated individuals that help each other do remarkable things for military families to bridge the civilian-military divide every day.   We deliver first-class solutions that transform the military experience for military family members.  We operate in an agile arena where great minds come together to make life better for military members and their families.  We focus on data-driven insights while understanding the value of spirited storytelling.   And we do all this in a highly flexible, virtual environment with great benefits!  Our diverse and inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging among our team resulting in innovative and creative decision-making.

Are you ready to make a difference for the families of those who serve our great nation?  We are the ideal match for the innovator, the out-of-the-box, strategic thinker who understands the value of social impact.

General Description

The Manager, Events assists in managing the day-to-day operations of the Events Team. Reporting to the Senior Director, Events, this position creates seamless event experiences and helps to manage the daily operations of the Events Team. 

The Manager, Events participates in project-based team calls and day-to-day project management, and works closely with the External Affairs department to craft memorable, engaging, and innovative events for our members, stakeholders, and government and military leaders.

This role requires managing multiple projects at once, making quick decisions, and helping to manage daily team operations. The Manager, Events must reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. 

Key job functions

Event Planning 

• Develop event concepts, objectives, and timelines.
• Create detailed event plans and checklists.
• Track project management for the Events team - helping to alleviate sticking points and track completion and approvals.
• Day to day Event team support and management, including but not limited to Hive project management, agenda development, streamlining communication across teams, supporting the weekly project calls.
• Draft RFPs and manage the proposal process for the Events team.
• Schedule prep calls and briefings with Blue Star Families leadership, external partners and stakeholders, maintain call notes and agendas.

Vendor Management

• Support Senior Manager, Events to source, & negotiate vendor contracts and relationships.

Logistics Management

• Post- event evaluation to include analyzing event performance to identify areas of improvements.
• Prepare after action reports.

Additional Tasks

• Complete Hive project management and development for Events team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required experience, skills, background

• 2-4 years of relevant experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft and GSuite products
• Experience and/or comfort working in a virtual environment
• Commitment to the highest standards of professionalism
• Ability to quickly and effectively gather information by means of interviews, research, phone calls, etc.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to produce high-­quality work on deadline; comfortable managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-­paced environment 
• Strong attention to detail
• Experienced content writer and strategic thinker
• Flexibility with work schedule in support of deadlines and events
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to carry out key job functions
• Some travel may be required
• Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs.

Desired experience, skills, background

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Proficiency with Hive, Salesforce, Adobe
• Proficiency with Cvent 
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail, critical thinker, and problem-solver
• Proficiency in  project management for tracking project metrics, deliverables, and contacts
• Familiarity with and passion for military culture, lifestyle, and terminology

More About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families empowers military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors — both people and organizations — to create strong communities of mutual support. We believe we're all stronger when we take care of one another.

Our groundbreaking research is raising the nation's awareness of the unique challenges of military family life. With the help of neighbors across the country, Blue Star Families is overcoming the isolation and alienation of frequent moves, deployments, and reduced support from the government. Our innovative programs are solving specific challenges for military families, including fighting economic insecurity with resources that foster spouse career development, creating family strength with rich family programming, and providing critical peer support for caregivers, whose numbers are only increasing.

Blue Star Families is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

EEO Policy

Blue Star Families is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why Blue Star Families?

• Virtual/remote nonprofit organization that moves with you (position specific)
• Career growth opportunities
• Excellent benefits (403(b) with matching, Flexible Spending, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Communications Allowance, and more)
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave for Active Duty Military Spouses
• On-the-job professional development training
• Front-line opportunity to positively impact the military experience
• Competitive salaries
• Workplace flexibility