MTS seeks a full-time Events Manager to join our growing headquarters team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations and Events, this role will work collaboratively with staff across the MTS portfolio, volunteers, and stakeholders and will be responsible for delivering top-of-class MTS event experiences. The Manager often represents the Society and must demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills, a strong customer service orientation, and a high level of professionalism.

The position serves as the lead manager for the planning, execution, and enhancement of MTS’s existing and emerging event portfolio, with a focus on strengthening member value and engagement. The role requires a strong understanding of how events support the Society’s mission and membership value proposition. The Manager will work closely with staff, Society volunteers, and stakeholders in the planning and delivery of events, support sponsorship and engagement opportunities, and ensure a high-quality experience for all participants. The Manager must be based in the United States, with preference for candidates in contiguous time zones.

This role includes the following essential functions, and other duties as assigned:

Direct Event Management

• Lead the end-to-end planning, execution, and evaluation of multiple concurrent MTS signature events, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, timelines, and quality standards.
• Serve as the primary staff lead for assigned planning committees, coordinating meetings, managing workflows, documenting decisions, and ensuring accountability for action items.
• Develop and manage event budgets, tracking expenses against projections and ensuring events remain profitable and within financial guidelines.
• Oversee all pre-event and on-site logistics, including venue coordination, vendor management, run-of-show development, and on-site problem-solving.
• Oversee event administration, including development and maintenance of event webpages, registration forms, and attendee communications.
• Serve as a resource for staff, speakers, and attendees regarding travel guidelines, reimbursement procedures (when applicable), and event logistics.
• Act as the on-site lead for signature events, providing hands-on leadership and real-time decision-making to ensure seamless execution and a high-quality attendee experience.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of event-related documentation, invoices, and expense records.
• Manage post-event activities, including debriefs, documentation of lessons learned, evaluation of outcomes, and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Indirect Event Operations Support

• Provide guidance and support to staff program leads managing flagship signature events, offering expertise in planning, vendor selection, and overall event strategy.
• Serve as the project manager for select events as assigned by staff program leads.
• Research and evaluate potential venues, pricing models, and suitability for event objectives, providing recommendations to event leads.
• Review, negotiate, and advise on contracts with venues, vendors, and service providers, ensuring favorable terms, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with organizational policies.
• Collaborate with staff to develop budgets, timelines, and logistical plans, offering strategic input to optimize efficiency and attendee experience.
• Coordinate administration of select attendee travel reimbursements in accordance with organizational travel policies.

External Event Support

• Serve as the primary on-site contact for select external events, representing the organization and providing guidance to attendees and partners.
• Set up, manage, and break down exhibit tables, materials, and displays, ensuring a professional and consistent presence.
• Coordinate logistics for staff attending external events, including registration and shipping of materials.
• Monitor and track attendee engagement at the event, distributing materials, capturing leads, and reporting outcomes to internal teams.

Travel
Travel required, including international, up to 20% time to manage and support MTS events.

What you bring to the role:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution and at least six years of full-time conference, trade show, meeting, or special event planning experience, preferably in a non-profit or association setting. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• A passion for the oceans and a hunger to learn about ideas and developments at the cutting-edge of marine technology.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills with the ability to draft concise, compelling messages.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and directing vendors, volunteers, and staff to ensure an exceptional conference experience.
• Proficiency using database management software (CRM, ASM) to manage program and member data and to generate analytics to inform strategy and tactics.
• Proficiency using Microsoft and Adobe products and collaboration software.
• Keen attention to detail as well as demonstrated time- and project-management skills, including an ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, interpret, and extract key details from myriad data to inform the refinement of near- and long-range event strategies.
• Pride in attention to detail, ability to solve problems (sometimes with incomplete information), and desire to inform decisions with the best available data.
• A Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is preferred.

What we have to offer:

• Salary commensurate with experience and negotiable, expected to be $75-80k per year.
• MTS staff work flexible hours and are fully remote.
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5%, vested immediately.
• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision for you (80% employer paid for dependents).
• 2 weeks paid annual leave, 2 weeks paid sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
• $100 per month work from home stipend to help you succeed in a remote environment.

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to kristina.norman@mtsociety.org. Application review will begin February 2 and continue until the position has been filled.