Corporate Events Manager

Corporate Events Manager

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our rapidly growing MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

+ About MxD

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.

MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected. Flexible work arrangements and unlimited PTO programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides. MxD embodies a strong startup culture with its creative and collaborative working environment, fostering curiosity and innovation. Diversity is key and integral to MxD culture, as different backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas are critical to success.

+ Position Overview

The Corporate Events Manager is essential in orchestrating various events, from business meetings to multi-day executive conferences on-site at MxD. This role is responsible for developing and executing event strategies, managing budgets and timelines, and overseeing all aspects of event planning and execution to ensure a seamless experience for internal and external stakeholders. The manager will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional results and enhance attendee experiences, continuously providing creative ideas to improve events.

A successful Corporate Events Manager will be a self-motivated, driven problem-solver who will positively contribute to the organization’s team culture and can adapt to challenges. This individual must be comfortable in a management role that requires creativity, business acumen, and the ability to manage budgets, forecasts, and deadlines. Candidates should be detail-oriented, well-organized, and have a proven record of delivering impactful and memorable events. Two event associates report to this position.

+ Position Responsibilities

• Project manage and oversee all hosted events ranging from small meetings to complex, multi-day conferences
• Build strong collaborative relationships with the engagement team, engineering, business development, MxD partners, and other key leadership positions
• Supervise and mentor an events team of two event associates and contractors, providing training as necessary
• Ensure seamless execution of events, including logistics, vendor management, and on-site coordination
• Create department KPIs and analyze event success metrics to assess performance against goals and identify areas for improvement
• Maintain flexibility to adapt plans as needed to accommodate changing circumstances or client needs
• Manage event execution systems and related equipment including visitor registration, event management system, and MxD facility audio/visual equipment
• Manage competitive pricing for third-party events by maintaining a consistent pricing model and regularly comparing similar event spaces
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, clients, vendors, and staff to ensure clear expectations and deliverables
• Exercise sound judgment in prioritizing tasks and allocating resources to achieve optimal outcomes
• Foster a proactive and solutions-oriented approach among team members to anticipate and address potential issues
• Prepare department budgets, track expenses and revenue, reconcile invoices, and prepare budget reports for management review
• Manage and perform purchasing functions for meetings, events, and promotional needs
• Ensure compliance with requirements related to events, contracts, and vendor agreements
• Create and manage staffing plans for all events
• Manage and maintain strong relationships with event vendors to enhance event execution and guest experiences
• Delegate tasks effectively and ensure team members are aligned with event objectives and timelines
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback to support professional development
• Stay current with event industry standards and best practices in event management
• Regularly provide updates and occasionally training to leadership and the entire organization
• Other projects as assigned

+ Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 6-10 years of experience in event planning, hospitality, and marketing or some combination
• Advanced experience and know-how related to the meetings, events, and/or hospitality industry
• Strong budget, forecasting, and analytical skills
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service
• Ability to confidently represent the organization with external organizations and partners, up to and including C-Suite individuals
• Experience evaluating vendors, negotiating contracts, and managing ongoing relationships
• Ability to work independently and be a self-starter and comfort working in both complex and ambiguous situations
• Ability to shift priorities quickly while maintaining organization and control
• Willingness to work outside of normal business hours to execute early morning and evening events as needed
• Ability to execute physical tasks such as moving tables and chairs and to stand for prolonged periods during event execution
• Ability to stand on feet for several hours at a time, and lift and carry 40 pounds
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Project management/meeting planning credentials preferred such as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification

How to Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting and submitting your resume with a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role and MxD. Tip: Meeting the qualifications is important, but a great cover letter will set you apart

Work with Us

• MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.
• Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.
• MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options. MxD partners with ABM transportation to provide a free shuttle from various public transit stops in and around the Downtown Chicago area to MxD. Also, MxD provides free parking for employees.

Flexible Work Policy

• MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity

• MxD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse environment in our workplace, our communities, and within the tech industry. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.