Job Description

The People & Culture Meeting Planning Manager is responsible for the planning and administration of firm-sponsored events and meetings that require development of event budgets, contract negotiation with service providers and suppliers, and on-site event management.

Job Duties:

• Collaborates with internal clients (e.g., business lines, People & Culture, etc.) to determine event objectives and requirements, plan scope and format of events, establish and monitor budgets, and review administrative procedures and event progress
• Coordinates and monitors event activities to ensure compliance with firm guidelines, applicable regulations and laws, and satisfaction of internal clients, including selection of venues, hotel accommodations, air travel, ground transportation, catering, signage, technology, special needs, and onsite meeting support
• Researches and negotiates contracts with service providers and suppliers such as hotels, transportation providers, and destination management companies and obtains approval based on firm standards
• Develops, manages, and reconciles program budget
• Partners with internal clients to develop communications to participants including initial event announcements, on-line registration messaging, registration confirmations, welcome letters, program updates and post-event evaluations
• Organizes, coordinates and manages registration
• Reviews event materials production and delivery schedule to ensure appropriate material is produced and shipped to the appropriate venue within desired timeframe
• Manages the on-site facilitation of all aspects of the event (e.g., resolution of impromptu to technological, space and catering concerns, answering instructor and/or participant inquiries and needs, etc.)
• Analyzes post-event evaluations to identify areas of improvement and incorporates appropriate enhancements into future events
• Reviews event bills for accuracy and approves payment
• Develops and maintains effective strategic relationships with various groups within BDO and outside vendors
• Notifies the People & Culture Director, Meeting and Event Services of planning progress of each event
• Identifies and proposes possible courses of action to resolve obstacles that may interfere with the ability to meet project deadlines or quality of work
• Maintains event files per department guidelines
• Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• N/A

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, required, in Business Management, Hospitality, Hotel Management, preferred OR
• High school diploma and equivalent experience, required

Experience:

• Three (3) or more years of meeting/event planning experience, required with bachelor’s degree
• Five (5) or more years of meeting/event planning experience, required with high school diploma or equivalent

License/Certifications:

• Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) preferred

Software:

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, required
• Proficient in use of survey tools such as Zoomerang, Vovici and Verint, required
• Proficient in use of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, required

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Intermediate knowledge of hotel industry, including evaluating vendors and negotiating contracts
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Superior grammar, mathematical and typographical skills
• Ability to work within a demanding, deadline driven environment while effectively diagnosing and resolving unexpected issues in a professional manner
• Solid analytical and diagnostic skills to effectively negotiate the most cost-effective event/planning arrangements
• Ability to communicate and interact with individuals at all levels
• Excellent planning, organizational and project management skills with a strong attention to detail
• Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
• Ability to thoughtfully and positively influence and build consensus among groups in an effort to establish compromise and resolution to conflicts or issues
• Ability to travel, as required, to provide on-site support of firm meetings and/or events (approximately 2 or more weeks per month)

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

National Range: $60,000 - $85,000 Maryland Range: $60,000 - $85,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $60,000 - $85,000

Join us at BDO, where you will find more than a career, you’ll find a place where your work is impactful, and you are valued for your individuality. We offer flexibility and opportunities for advancement. Our culture is centered around making meaningful connections, approaching interactions with curiosity, and being true to yourself, all while making a positive difference in the world.

At BDO, our purpose of helping people thrive every day is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first, by sharing financially in our growth in value with our U.S. team. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.

BDO is the first large accounting and advisory organization to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). A qualified retirement plan, the ESOP offers participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. The ESOP stands as a compelling addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. The annual allocation to the ESOP is fully funded by BDO through investments in company stock and grants employees the chance to grow their wealth over time as their shares vest and grow in value with the firm’s success, with no employee contributions.

We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to middle market leaders by sharing insight-driven perspectives, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual. With industry knowledge and experience, a breadth and depth of resources, and unwavering commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on:

• Welcoming diverse perspectives and understanding the experience of our professionals and clients
• Empowering team members to explore their full potential
• Our talented team who brings varying skills, knowledge and experience to proactively help our clients navigate an expanding array of complex challenges and opportunities
• Celebrating ingenuity and innovation to transform our business and help our clients transform theirs
• Focus on resilience and sustainability to positively impact our people, clients, and communities
• BDO Total Rewards that encompass so much more than traditional “benefits.” Click here to find out more!

*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets

Click here to find out more!