Conference & Meeting Manager

The conference & meeting manager will be responsible for providing planning services for Continuing and Professional Education's (CPE) large portfolio of academic conferences, meetings, and professional development programs. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with excellent project management skills, a strong business acumen, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners. The Conference & Meeting Manager is responsible for generating program revenue to meet annual revenue targets for the unit. The conference & meeting manager will supervise one or more program planning professionals who specialize in logistics and implementation. CPE strives to create value-driven experiences that provide positive impact for the University, our clients, and our participants. The successful candidate should have a strong customer service ethos, and contribute to a work environment that supports positivity, creativity, teamwork, diversity, and mutual respect. The conference & meeting manager works with faculty, staff, and external partners to identify needs for each program, develop a comprehensive budget plan, negotiate and secure contracts with venues and other necessary services, and establish a detailed scope of services. Occasional travel may be required to provide local and out-of-town program support. Occasional overnight, weekend, early morning, and late evening work may also be necessary.

Bachelor's degree in business or a related field, or equivalent training and/or experience in business or hospitality management field
Extensive experience in conference, meeting or event planning, preferably in a higher education setting
Supervisory experience
Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
Experience in program budget development and management
Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with internal and external clients
Proven excellent sales skills with strong results
Demonstrated leadership skills
Strong computer competency skills and high proficiency in office/collaboration tools and applications (Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, MS Teams, and Zoom)
Ability to handle numerous projects and details simultaneously and accurately while prioritizing according to need and schedule
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Master's degree in a related field
Advanced experience in project planning and budgeting in a continuing education setting
Experience with Commonwealth of Virginia and/or university policies and procedures
Preference may be given to individuals who have a designation of Certified Program Planner (CPP) or Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

5

Restricted

Commensurate with experience up to a budget maximum of $63,000

February 17, 2025

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.