SENIOR PLANNER
THE LEGAL STUFF:
A Senior Planner leads development, planning, and execution of high-profile and strategically important client events including conferences, special events, meetings, incentive trips, and evening activity programs from contracting through final invoicing and post-program reconciliation, debriefs, and analytics.
Position Objectives:-
Create incredible planning experiences for our Clients;
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Make their audiences feel it in their seats by delivering innovative, impactful events;
- Lean in with a high-performance team by sharing your experience and moxie with teammates; and
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Continually contribute to improving internal systems and processes and ideating new ones.
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Job Type: Full-time – Exempt
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Salary Structure: Base Salary + Performance Incentives
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Benefits: Heath, Vision, Dental, Disability, & Life Insurance, Agency-funded Retirement Plan, Personalized Professional Development Budget, Use of Agency memberships where appropriate
- Career Level: Senior
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Reports to: Director of Meetings & Incentives
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Location: Chicago—this is a hybrid role (3-4 days in-office, 1-2 days out)
YOUR SUPERPOWERS:-
Impeccable character: You exude Accountability, Authenticity, and Awesomeness
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A consistent, unbeatable team-first mindset
- Able to navigate and flourish in a VUCA environment
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Strong collaborative skills and relationship-builder
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Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation style
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Strong project management and organizational skills
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Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
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Curious and analytical, with a love for data
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Proven success in creating and managing budgets and maximizing profitability
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Ability to travel (up to 30% of time)
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8+ years of planning experience
YOUR DAILY GRIND:
Either directly, or through the assignment of responsibilities to appointed subordinates, a Senior Planner will perform the following, as well as other tasks/duties as necessary and/or assigned:
External Accountabilities:-
Maintain and grow productive, professional, and profitable relationships with Clients.
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Proactively assess and validate Client needs on an ongoing basis.
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Lead the planning and execution of all components for assigned projects.
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Serve as the central point of communication for all external stakeholders during the planning process.
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Identify opportunities to drive current and future potential revenue and profitability from the first interaction with the Client to onsite operations.
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Lead Client pre-conference meetings to review program details and changes or additions to ensure effective information sharing and efficient operations during program execution.
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Maintain presence and availability for Clients throughout program operations, including mobile and physical availability throughout the program.
- Obtain Client signoff for changes, additions, and cancellations, including updating and managing change/growth of project scope.
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Assist in the preparation of final invoicing and program closeout within appropriate time frames.
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Monitor the ongoing success of program activities by conducting regular checks on the process and making recommendations for adjustments to the plans.
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Advise on and attend site inspections as required.
Internal Accountabilities:-
Lead strategic planning process and teams that develop mutual performance objectives and financial targets for Clients and the Agency.
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Coordinate the involvement of Agency resources to meet Client expectations and account performance objectives.
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Manage time in a billable hour environment and be accountable for non-billable hours.
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Update/contribute to tracking Client’s upcoming program opportunities and critical milestones.
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Quarterback project plans, including scheduling and engagement of all Agency resources to meet Client expectations and account performance objectives.
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Identify and resolve project issues, ensuring the project and the assigned team progresses on budget and on schedule.
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Aid in development of comprehensive solutions to deliver innovative, best-in-breed services to our Clients.
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Help continually refine, streamline, and simplify tools and processes to meet Agency demands and lead the marketplace.
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Secure all supplier partners/preferred partners through a strict vetting process and pricing negotiation.
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Elevated level of proficiency in Microsoft 365 and industry software including Cvent.
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Excel freak in the sheets
Education:-
BA/BS in business or event-related field and/or equivalent experience
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CMP, DMCP, CMM, CSEP, DES, CED, CIS, CITP, PMP, or other professional designation (If none, within 18 months, a certification timeline will be developed pursuant to the professional development budget.)
X-Factor-
Not from central casting but feel like you bring something special and different to the table? Let’s talk!
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