Sr. Manager, Events & Experiences

Do you enjoy working with a top-notch team and being part of a growing, passionate, and forward-thinking company? Athena is on its way to becoming the best and most intensive high-touch consulting group in the country. Our exceptionally high standards and whole-brain, full-spectrum approach have earned us an enviable reputation across multiple industries and fueled our impressive growth. Athena brings an artful mix of creativity and facts-based insight to make complex matters engaging, memorable, and impactful.  

Athena is seeking an Events and Experiences Senior Manager who is passionate about problem-solving, managing change, and improving efficiency. We work in a spirited, fast-paced, and ever-changing environment, and we’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running and thrive in this setting.  

Requirements

The Senior Manager of Events and Experiences will lead the strategic development and execution of client events, ensuring each experience aligns with the client's brand and objectives. This role involves managing all operational aspects and coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver seamless, impactful events that meet client expectations and enhance their brand presence. Additionally, the Senior Manager will support department leadership in developing internal staff, providing hands-on guidance to ensure excellence in event execution. This position also plays a crucial role in identifying business development opportunities and fostering strategic relationships that drive growth and innovation for the company. 

What you’ll be responsible for: 

• Strategic Planning & Client Management 
• Formulating, organizing, and monitoring interconnected projects with a keen focus on strategic planning and seamless execution  
• Working closely with clients to identify and understand their vision, objectives, and preferences, incorporating feedback into their marketing and event strategies  
• Overseeing internal and external stakeholders across a variety of disciplines to ensure successful marketing and event outcomes  
• Maintaining and conducting regular team calls to ensure all stakeholders remain aligned and understand individual responsibilities, tasks, and deliverables  
• Exemplifying proactive leadership in both planning and execution, with a keen focus on anticipating needs, deliverables, and subsequent steps 
• Event Development & Execution 
• Developing and executing comprehensive event strategies aligned with client and brand goals  
• Developing and implementing visually stunning event designs, including stage setups, signage, and thematic elements  
• Managing event technical needs, including collaborating with art and technical crews, ideation, brainstorming solutions to obstacles, and more  
• Leading project team in the creation of compelling and engaging content for campaigns, including digital content, print materials, branding materials, scripts, presentations, and multimedia materials  
• Developing and executing a comprehensive communication strategy for events and marketing initiatives  
• Analyzing project performance metrics to measure success and compilation of reporting for client records  
• Participating in on-site event execution, potentially involving evening and weekend commitments and/or travel  
• Operations & Administration 
• Leading and mentoring event professionals, ensuring their growth and development within the organization 
• Administering project finances, budgets, vendor communication, vendor contracts, and budget reporting to clients and internal stakeholders  
• Conducting real-time review and editing of projects, as needed, to guarantee timely and scope-compliant delivery 
• Building and maintaining relationships with key industry partners, sponsors, and vendors to enhance event experiences and opportunities 
• Identifying and developing new opportunities that align with the company’s strategic goals 

The skills and experience you should have: 

• Outstanding leadership and organizational skills. 
• Proficiency in developing effective event strategies and tactics. 
• Thorough understanding of project management techniques and methods. 
• Proven expertise in managing and nurturing client relationships. 
• Experience in identifying business development opportunities and fostering strategic relationships that drive company growth and innovation. 
• Proficiency in managing operational aspects of events and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes. 
• Exceptional creative abilities, with a keen sense of aesthetic design in crafting the visual aspects of an event. 
• Ability to ensure programs deliver desirable outcomes. 
• Highly detail-oriented and organized. 
• Self-motivated with excellent problem-solving ability. 
• Creative and analytical thinker, capable of handling quantitative and technical duties. 
• Proficient in budget management and financial reporting. 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences 
• Strong multi-tasker able to oversee many different tasks while collaborating with a wide range of teams. 
• Assertive, capable of directing others and implementing projects with little to no supervision. 
• Ability to work well with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Advanced user of Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to leverage these tools for data analysis, financial modeling, and impactful presentations 
• 6-8 years of professional experience  

It’s a plus if you have: 

• Master’s or Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university  
• Experience using time tracking and expense management software 
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint   
• Proficient knowledge of Airtable  
• Proficient understanding of SplashThat, Cvent, or comparable event platforms 

Benefits

• Medical/Dental benefits including of 1K Health Reimbursement Account
• Matching 401K
• Generous PTO policy
• Substantial Parental Leave Policy
• Hybrid Work Environment

Curious about your career path at Athena? This role is within a rapidly growing creative department and the right candidate can excel, produce great work, and have an immediate impact on Athena’s creative product culture and growth.

Oh, and our application process is open, easy, as transparent as we can make it, and painless. We need team members like you to join us! Let’s get started.

Athena is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at 866.299.6040.