Sr. Manager, Events & Experiences, Filene (WI, TX, or CO)

Sr. Manager, Events & Experiences, Filene (WI, TX, or CO) The Sr. Manager, Events & Experiences leads the planning, development, and execution of Filene’s portfolio of in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences. This role turns Filene’s research, ideas, communities, and strategic priorities into engaging experiences that bring people together, deepen relationships, and create opportunities for learning and action. Filene’s event portfolio includes signature industry experiences such as big.bright.minds, FiLab Symposium, Crash events, i3 meetings, and Filene’s GAC Breakfast, as well as member and prospect experiences, webinars, annual meetings, and internal gatherings. The Sr. Manager works across this portfolio to create a consistent, high-quality Filene experience while tailoring each event to its specific audience, objectives, and desired outcomes. This role owns the end-to-end event management process—from early concept and planning through production, execution, and evaluation. The Sr. Manager works closely with internal program owners, Marketing, Membership, external partners, sponsors, venues, and vendors to establish event goals, build project plans and budgets, manage complex logistics, drive attendance, and deliver experiences that reflect the Filene brand. Success in this role requires someone who can see both the experience and the details: translating an idea into a thoughtful event concept while building the plans, partnerships, systems, and processes required to execute it exceptionally well. Role Responsibilities Event & Experience Design Partner with internal stakeholders to define the purpose, audience, goals, and desired outcomes for Filene events and experiences. Translate organizational priorities, research, and programming into engaging event experiences that help participants connect, learn, and put ideas into action. Develop event concepts, formats, agendas, and experience elements appropriate to each audience and objective. Maintain a consistent and distinctive Filene experience across in-person, virtual, and hybrid events while creating room for experimentation and innovation. Research industry trends, audience expectations, markets, and relevant system events to inform event timing, location, format, and experience design. Identify opportunities to evolve Filene’s event portfolio based on participant feedback, organizational priorities, and emerging event practices. Event Planning & Production Lead end-to-end planning and execution for assigned Filene events, developing comprehensive project plans, timelines, budgets, staffing plans, run-of-show documents, and production requirements. Source, evaluate, negotiate with, and manage venues, hotels, production partners, technology providers, caterers, and other event vendors. Manage event logistics including venue selection, food and beverage, audiovisual production, room layouts, transportation, signage, materials, registration, and other participant needs. Coordinate closely with speakers, facilitators, internal teams, sponsors, and external partners to ensure expectations, responsibilities, and timelines are clear. Lead onsite event execution and serve as a primary point of coordination for internal teams, vendors, speakers, and partners. Anticipate risks, troubleshoot issues, and make timely decisions to ensure events run smoothly and deliver against established goals. Ensure appropriate contractual, insurance, accessibility, safety, and other event requirements are addressed. Partner with Marketing, Membership, and program owners to develop event communication and engagement strategies that drive attendance and participation. Manage registration processes and attendee communications, creating a seamless participant experience before, during, and after each event. Monitor registration and attendance trends, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend actions to support participation goals. Connect Filene’s events to its broader membership strategy, identifying opportunities to engage prospects, strengthen member relationships, and deepen participation in Filene’s work. Partner with Membership to identify and develop sponsorship opportunities that create value for Filene, its partners, and event participants. Support sponsorship packaging and activation and ensure event‑related sponsor commitments are delivered accurately and effectively. Build and maintain strong relationships with event partners, sponsors, and other external stakeholders. Event Operations Maintain visibility across Filene’s portfolio of events and experiences, coordinating timelines, resources, dependencies, and organizational commitments. Develop and manage event budgets, monitor expenses and revenue, and identify opportunities to maximize impact while responsibly managing resources. Establish and continuously improve event planning processes, tools, templates, and standards that support consistent and efficient execution across the organization. Select and manage event and webinar technology platforms that support registration, participant engagement, communications, and measurement. Manage external vendors and partners, holding them accountable for quality, timelines, budgets, and deliverables. Manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously, proactively communicating progress, risks, decisions, and resource needs to stakeholders. General & Administrative Model Filene Credo and play a key role in maintaining the culture of the organization through personal and cross‑functional accountabilities. Actively support the achievement of Filene's strategic objectives, plan, budget, and metrics in a manner consistent with Filene’s mission, values, and brand. Provide extraordinary service to Filene’s staff, members, and stakeholders. Understand and engage in Filene’s complete body of work including research and advisory programs to connect member needs with Filene solutions that can best meet those needs. Prioritize and manage workload across several projects simultaneously, demonstrating the ability to shift gears when necessary to meet key deadlines. The statements above are not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties will be assigned as needed. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, business, marketing, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in event management, experiential marketing, hospitality, program management, or a related field, including demonstrated ownership of complex events. Experience managing multiple events or experiences concurrently from concept through execution and evaluation. Demonstrated ability to develop and manage event budgets, vendors, contracts, timelines, and production requirements. Strong project management skills with the ability to anticipate dependencies, manage competing priorities, and deliver against firm deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with executives, speakers, sponsors, vendors, colleagues, and event participants. Experience with event registration and management platforms, CRM and marketing technology, webinar platforms, and related event technology. Experience with platforms such as Swoogo, EventMobi, Salesforce, or HubSpot preferred. Experience developing or fulfilling event sponsorships and working in partnership with revenue‑generating teams preferred. Experience using participant feedback and performance data to evaluate events and improve future experiences. Demonstrated ability to remain composed, exercise sound judgment, and solve problems effectively in fast‑paced environments. High degree of professionalism and attention to detail, with the ability to represent Filene effectively with members, partners, executives, and other external stakeholders. Intellectually curious about credit unions and their members. Enjoy working in a "think tank" environment where ideation, continually embracing change, being restless with the status quo and seeking reinvention is part of the culture. A passion for purpose and precision - including the details. Ability to travel up to 40% to fulfill the requirements of the role. The Filene Research Institute (Filene) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Filene complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Filene expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Filene employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. We Are Filene Learn more about our team of passionate thinkers and doers working hard to change people's lives through ideas, truth and cooperation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Filene Research Institute