The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is seeking a manager of conference and event services. The successful candidate should be able to work independently, juggle multiple issues, tasks and responsibilities at a time, and enjoy working in a team environment. CVSA has a small but dedicated staff and the organization is looking to add someone who is driven with a dedication to member service to our energetic, busy team. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of conference and event planning experience within the nonprofit community, with either an association or an association management company. The manager of conference and event services will report directly to the deputy executive director. This position, while more mid-level in nature, has the opportunity and potential for growth in both the short and long-term.
This position is responsible for the daily operations of CVSA meeting services and oversees all aspects of logistical planning of conferences, workshops, meetings, events and activities, including budgets and contract negotiations. The ideal candidate will possess business acumen, project management skills, exceptional interpersonal skills and a strong familiarity with best practices within the meetings industry.
Position Responsibilities:
Directs and determines site, space, transportation, administrative and vendor support requirements for all CVSA conferences, workshops, meetings, events and activities
Directly negotiates and manages hotel and convention center contracts for all meeting functions, events and activities
Manages the request for proposal (RFP) process and the negotiations for the selection of vendors such as audio visual, registration and housing, show decorators, security, etc.
Once selected, manages all aspects of the vendor relationships
Oversees and provides on-site management for several aspects of CVSA conferences, workshops, meetings, events and activities
Conducts and manages pre- and post-convention meetings with hotels and convention center for all conferences, workshops, meetings, events and activities
Establishes timelines for all logistical aspects for all CVSA conferences, workshops, meetings, events and activities
Oversees all logistical aspects of CVSA meetings – space requirements, food and beverage, audio visual, VIP arrangements, processing of event registration and final invoice reconciliation, etc.
Responsible for event set-up and oversight within an association management system
Develops budgets for all CVSA meetings. Monitors budgets and provides periodic forecasting
Assists with the development of procedures and policies for all CVSA conferences, workshops, meetings, events and activities
Travel to CVSA conferences, workshops, meetings, events and activities, is required
Other duties as assigned by the deputy executive director
Position Requirements/Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
CMP designation preferred
5-7 years of experience, preferably within the nonprofit community (i.e., an association or an association management company)
Demonstrated abilities in developing and maintaining effective, positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Good organizational abilities, including the ability to manage a number of activities in a fast-paced and challenging environment
Strong project management skills, including: planning, scheduling and communication
Extensive meeting planning experience, including the management of midsize meetings
Experience with meeting and event database management (i.e., an association management system)
Exhibition management experience
Sponsorship management experience
Solid track record in hotel, convention center and vendor contract negotiations
Strong destination and property knowledge
Ability to provide exceptional customer service
Ability to prepare, justify and maintain meeting and event budgets
Understanding of supplier marketplace
Awareness of emerging trends and practices in the meetings industry
Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
Strong attention to details and deadlines
Exceptional verbal, written, listening and interpersonal skills
Team orientated
Ability to travel
Salary Requirements:
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, plus benefits.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume with a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the manager of conference and event services position, why you are qualified and your salary requirements to hr@cvsa.org. Applications are due April 16, 2018.
About Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is a nonprofit association comprised of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal commercial motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives. The Alliance aims to achieve uniformity, compatibility and reciprocity of commercial motor vehicle inspections and enforcement by certified inspectors dedicated to driver and vehicle safety. Our mission is to improve commercial motor vehicle safety and uniformity throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States by providing guidance and education to enforcement, industry and policy makers.
