Manager, Event Operations

Benefits Status

Eligible (Full Package)

SUMMARY

This role will collaborate with Special Events to plan, coordinate and execute Asia Society’s internal and external social, educational, cultural, business and corporate events and functions. Exemplary planning skills enable the manager to make complex arrangements that meet the event requirements. The role therefore requires strong interpersonal and front‑facing skills to work with programmers, clients and supporting departments (AV, maintenance and security) to outline event requirements and exceptional organizational skills in order to coordinate and execute events as related to the organization’s and/or client’s needs, managing the event logistics to ensure a successful event.

This role exhibits excellent customer service skills, an exceptional level of professionalism, and knowledge of cross‑cultural protocol and etiquette. This candidate should have the following qualities: diplomacy, organization and strong ability to prioritize.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and monitor the institutional event schedule, including tools such as monday.com.
• Establish and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers, including exclusive caterer.
• Manage departmental, interdepartmental, external client communications regarding space rentals and all internal catered events.
• Plan, coordinate and execute events.
• Develop final space‑rental event logistics plans to support project plans.
• Ensure proper protocol and standards are implemented and maintained.
• Plan for potential scenarios that could impact the integrity of the event.
• Manage execution of event logistics plans to support project plans.
• Address on‑site issues.
• Negotiate with vendors to finalize all contracts.
• Track invoices and collect payments from vendors.
• Analyze events, produce financial reports and track event KPI’s.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to manage event delivery and pick‑up.
• Ensure rental events follow local security, Workplace Safety and Health regulations.
• Resolve escalated participants’ enquiries regarding the events.
• Review incident summary reports to determine areas of improvement for event safety and security.
• Evaluate vendors based on quotations for provision of goods and services.
• Review vendors’ project deliverables to ensure quality standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.
• Background in special events; background in sales a plus.
• Minimum of 3 to 4 years related work experience.
• Experience in event planning and coordination with a proven track record of creative successful events.
• Experience establishing relationships with vendors.
• Professional experience working with international organizations.
• Experience in managing budgets and expense tracking.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to present, promote and sell Asia Society’s venue to potential new clients.
• Knowledge and familiarity with international customs, etiquette, with a high emphasis on Asian nations and cultures.
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule including evenings and some weekends.
• Ability to work on 3‑4 events per week.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dedicated team and with internal/external partners.
• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, negotiating and multi‑tasking skills.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Ability to work under strict deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a customer‑service focused mindset.
• Process improvement oriented; ability to troubleshoot and problem‑solve.
• Detail oriented a must.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, allseats, Google Platforms, Photoshop, Adobe, Canva and Netsuite Platforms and any event scheduling software.

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $66,300 – $75,000

Compensation within this range is determined by skills, experience, and organizational equity.

BENEFITS

Asia Society offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b)-retirement plan, numerous paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, self‑development hours, and more.

• An HRA plan supplements our medical plan and covers the part of the annual deductible.
• After 1 year of service (1,000 hours), the Asia Society contributes 6% of gross earnings to an eligible employee’s 403(b) account, regardless of whether the employee makes their own contributions.
• The Asia Society offers Self‑Development time off, including Self‑Development Summer Fridays between July 4th and Labor Day.

ABOUT ASIA SOCIETY

Founded in 1956, Asia Society’s purpose is to navigate shared futures for Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture, education, sustainability, business, and technology. We provide a platform for dialogue and encourage a diversity of views as we try to find the most effective ways forward. Headquartered in New York City, the organization has thirteen other Centres around the world, a global staff of over 200 T, and an annual global operating budget in excess of $44 million.

With a problem‑solving mandate, the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) is a think‑and‑do‑tank that tackles major policy challenges confronting the Asia‑Pacific in security, prosperity, sustainability, and the development of common norms and values for the region.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. Please regard your submission as received unless your email is bounced back.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Asia Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.