Senior Events Manager

About Us: We’re a leading provider of independent investment research globally. Since 1984, we’ve grown from a start-up company in a one-bedroom apartment to a global organization working in sync from Chicago to Mumbai. Morningstar’s mission is to empower investor success. We accomplish our mission by working directly with investors, as well as the advisors and institutions that serve them. We offer enriching work with an open, modern environment where talented, driven people can grow and where they’re trusted to help investors reach their financial goals. The Team: The Content & Platforms group on the Marketing team is made up of four core pillars: content strategy, research amplification, and Morningstar’s signature events. The team’s mission is to increase brand relevance and differentiation for our mission, pillars, values, and diverse set of commercial capabilities. This global team—consisting of marketers, event planners, and content strategists—acts as a center of excellence, working closely with designers, writers, corporate communications professionals, digital strategists, behavioral scientists, and more, to support our demand generation marketing team and broader business. We are data-driven experimenters who work to deliver the right messages to the right people at the right time. The team works globally to maintain a consistent brand experience everywhere Morningstar serves investors. Position Overview: We are seeking a highly organized and dynamic Senior Event Manager to oversee the planning and execution of our annual Morningstar Investment Conference, along with additional events as assigned. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in event logistics, vendor management, and a proven track record of delivering exceptional events that meet organizational objectives. Working in the Marketing team, and as part of the global Content & Platforms group, this role reports to the Senior Director of Experiential Marketing. This position is based in our Chicago office. Key Responsibilities: Event Logistics Management: Plan and coordinate all aspects of the flagship event, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. Vendor Coordination: Manage food and beverage orders, audio-visual requirements, and other vendor contracts to guarantee a successful event experience. Speaker Management: Liaise with speakers, handling all communication, scheduling, and logistical needs to ensure their participation is smooth and successful. Venue Contracts: Negotiate and manage contracts with venues, ensuring optimal pricing and service levels that align with event requirements. Budget Management: Oversee the event budget, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining high-quality standards. On-Site Management: Oversee all on-site operations during the event, ensuring all logistics are executed as planned and addressing any issues that arise promptly. Post-Event Evaluation: Conduct post-event evaluations to assess success, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement for future events. Qualifications: 5+ years of experience in event management, with a focus on large-scale events. Proven track record of managing all aspects of event logistics, including vendor relationships, budgeting, and contract negotiation. Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and the ability to adjust communication style to suit audiences. Must be professional dealing with senior or external stakeholders and able to build rapport in a short timeframe. Familiarity in event management software and tools, (e.g. Cvent or equivalent) webinar platforms (e.g. Zoom or equivalent), digital event platforms (e.g. Cvent Attendee Hub & Speaker Resource Center), and project management software (e.g. Asana) is preferred. Proficient with Microsoft Office with the ability to quickly learn new systems (e.g. event management software, project management software, payment processing software, email marketing platform, etc.). Compensation and Benefits At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide: Financial Health 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary Stock Ownership Potential Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission Physical Health Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance Emotional Health Trust-Based Time Off 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave Adoption Assistance Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses Tuition Reimbursement Social Health Charitable Matching Gifts program Dollars for Doers volunteer program Paid volunteering days 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups Total Cash Compensation Range $74,325.00-109,008.33 Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues. 001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity How to Apply for a Job at Morningstar Step 1 When you find a position you're interested in, click the 'Apply' button. Please fill out this form completely, attaching your resume and cover letter in the approved format. Read the job requirements carefully and make sure to attach writing or design samples as required. Applicants must submit their resume and other information through our corporate website to be considered for a job at Morningstar. No phone calls, please. Step 2 You will receive an email notification to confirm that we've received your application. Step 3 If you are called in for an interview, a representative from Morningstar will contact you to set up a date, time, and location. Be prepared for a rigorous interview process. To make sure you're a good fit for Morningstar and we're a good fit for you, we'll schedule time for you to meet with multiple staff members at all levels of the company. Expect to return for multiple interviews as part of the process. A representative from Morningstar will contact you with the results of your interview—either with a job offer or to let you know our plans for the position. Applicants With Disabilities Who Need Accommodation Morningstar is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note: We only accept calls from applicants who need accommodation related to a disability. Please, no calls with unrelated questions or requests. Please be sure to include the title and location of the open position you’re interested in when you leave a message. US Applicants: Morningstar is an E-Verify program participant. Learn more: This Organization Participates in E-Verify (English) This Organization Participates in E-Verify (Spanish) Right to Work (English) Right to Work (Spanish) EEO is the Law Pay Transparency Notice Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We make all employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and other personnel matters—without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, gender identity and expression, parental status, or other legally protected characteristics or conduct.