We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Meetings and Events to lead the strategy, planning, and execution of all internal and external events for Guardian.  This individual will oversee the development of high-impact, innovative experiences that enhance relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry stakeholders. The Senior Head of Meetings & Experiences will be responsible for building a best-in-class events program that aligns with Guardian’s broader business goals and drives brand engagement, growth, and loyalty.  This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, exceptional organizational abilities, and a keen eye for detail. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in event management, a proven track record of successful events, and the ability to manage a team of event professionals. In this role you will be responsible for over 75 events hosting up to 2,000 attendees.

Reporting Relationship:

This role reports directly into the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

Role Responsibilities:

Strategy Development and Execution

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of all corporate meetings, events, and experiences, both in-person and virtual, ensuring alignment with company objectives and brand values.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive event strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and objectives.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the Guardian Leadership Team, to understand their event requirements and ensure their needs are met.

• Manage event budgets, negotiate contracts with vendors, and ensure cost-effective event solutions.

• Coordinate logistics, including venue selection, catering, audiovisual equipment, transportation, and accommodation. This includes scouting top locations to identify and select the perfect domestic and international venues to elevate our events to new heights.

Team Leadership and Management

• Lead and manage a team of event professionals, including event planners, coordinators, and support staff, fostering a collaborative high-performing team culture and results-driven environment.

• Oversee day-to-day management of the Meetings & Experiences team, ensuring effective execution of projects and maintaining a high standard of quality and efficiency.

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to team members.

• Conduct regular team meetings to review progress, address challenges, and celebrate successes.

• Evaluate team performance and provide constructive feedback to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Budget Management & Resource Allocation

• Manage the event budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions and adherence to financial goals.

• Track, measure, and report on the budget and performance of all events, ensuring that expenditures align with business priorities.

• Negotiate with vendors, venues, and service providers to secure the best rates and services that align with company needs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, partners, sponsors, and vendors.

• Act as the primary point of contact for all event-related inquiries and communications.

• Ensure clear and effective communication with stakeholders throughout the event planning process.

• Solicit feedback from stakeholders post-event and implement improvements based on their input.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all events meet the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and excellence.

• Develop and implement best practices for event planning and execution.

• Conduct post-event evaluations to assess the success of events and identify areas for improvement.

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and innovations to continuously enhance the organization’s event offerings.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Identify potential risks associated with events and develop mitigation strategies.

• Ensure all events comply with relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all event activities and expenditures.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in event management, with at least 8 years in a leadership role.

• Proven track record of successful planning and execution of large-scale events.

• Experience in managing event budgets and negotiating contracts with vendors.

Skills:

• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in event management software and tools.

• Creative problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

• This position may require travel approximately 40% of the time and flexibility in working hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Location & Travel

• 3 Days on-site and 2 days WFH

Preferred Locations are: New York City (Hudson Yards), Stamford, CT, Boston, MA, Bethlehem. PA and Holmdel, NJ

• 50-60% Travel

Salary Range:

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Our Promise

At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals.  Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.

Inspire Well-Being

As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits.Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Accommodations

Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].

Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.