Senior Government & Community Relations Event Planning Specialist

Senior Government & Community Relations Event Planning Specialist Lead the end‑to‑end planning and execution of strategic conferences, corporate meetings, and high‑profile events for the Government and Community Relations (GCR) team, ensuring alignment with Wounded Warrior Project’s mission, values, and strategic goals while maximizing donor impact through cost‑effective logistics, financial stewardship, and exceptional on‑site coordination. Key Responsibilities Plan and execute large‑scale, high‑profile GCR events for internal and external stakeholders, from conceptualization and attendee targeting to site selection, rate negotiation, catering, and on‑site coordination. Prepare senior leaders for major GCR‑led conferences and meetings by providing pre‑ and during‑event support. Manage event budgets and staffing, coordinating vendors, lodging, transportation, and AV needs with fiscal responsibility to safeguard donor funds. Develop and review promotional materials (signage, briefing documents, media collateral) to enhance event visibility. Create and maintain event schedules, timelines, agendas, and activity plans; communicate risks and updates to senior leadership. Provide on‑the‑ground support, coordinate teammates and contract personnel, and serve as liaison for VIP guests, vendors, and program participants. Utilize event registration software (Cvent, Salesforce, SurveyMonkey) and emerging technologies to manage registration, budgeting, venue sourcing, and reporting. Collaborate with Travel & Events and other WWP departments to coordinate logistics, travel, and lodging for warriors and teammates. Lead GCR event‑planning meetings and participate in relevant events and briefings. Maintain accurate records using registration and data‑management tools; perform financial reconciliations, process invoices and receipts, verify billing, and prepare financial reports. Review contracts and invoices for compliance, including tax exemptions and banquet event orders (BEOs). Conduct post‑event closeouts, including budget reviews, survey distribution, and improvement recommendations. Attend required training and/or meetings (new teammate orientation, WWP Cares, ASIST Suicide Prevention training, leadership training, culture/team‑based training, departmental huddles). Carry out related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Expert event‑management knowledge with a proven ability to lead complex, high‑profile events from planning through execution. Strong project‑management skills; manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines under pressure, and adapt to fast‑paced environments. Excellent organizational and time‑management skills; adjust to shifting priorities and make effective independent decisions in alignment with WWP core values. Strong collaboration skills; build productive relationships across internal teams, leadership, and external vendors. Deep understanding of key stakeholders: military, veteran community, WWP warriors, donors, strategic partners, elected officials. Exceptional interpersonal skills; high emotional intelligence; handle sensitive matters with diplomacy and empathy. Strong written and verbal communication; facilitate in‑person and virtual events, communicate with senior leaders and stakeholders, negotiate favorable vendor terms. Professional presence to represent WWP’s mission and values at major events and stakeholder engagements. Attention to detail; ensure accuracy and quality across deliverables. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant IT tools to support efficient event planning. Ability to collaborate with GCR teammates involved in event planning. Commitment to the highest standards of personal and business ethics and conduct. Experience Requirements Five years of event planning and management experience or in a hospitality environment. Three years of experience with event registration and management software (Cvent, Salesforce, SurveyMonkey). Three years of experience negotiating vendor contracts and rates. Experience in government & community relations or similar fields, with events tied to public policy, advocacy, or community outreach. Experience Preferences Seven years of event planning and management, focused on large‑scale events. Five years of experience with event registration and management software (Cvent, Salesforce, SurveyMonkey). Experience in the non‑profit sector. Education Requirements Bachelor’s degree in event planning, hospitality, communications, or related field. Equivalent combination of applicable education, training, certification, and experience may be considered. Certifications & Licensure Ability to obtain ASIST Certification within 1 year of hire. Preferred Certifications Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Project Management Professional (PMP) Government or Military Protocol Training, or equivalent civilian training in protocol, ceremonial events, or VIP engagement. ASIST Certification. Work Environment / Physical Demands General office environment; temperature controlled. May require lifting/carrying items up to 20 pounds. Up to 10% travel. Salary & Incentives (Washington, D.C.) The estimated hiring range for this position is $78,489 – $98,112 annual base salary, subject to a candidate’s combination of experience, qualifications, and credentials. This position may also be eligible for an annual performance incentive. Benefits Flexible hybrid work schedule (three days in the office, two days remote). Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for both teammates and family members. Competitive pay and performance incentives. Fun, mission‑focused, and collaborative team environment. Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life/AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability, and Employee Assistance Program. 401(k) retirement plan. Competitive PTO package. Sick leave, family care leave, paid holidays, birthday holiday, education assistance, teammate wellness program, and bereavement leave. Equal Opportunity & Recruitment Wounded Warrior Project® is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Wounded Warrior Project does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms without a written search agreement in place; any resumes submitted by search firms to employees via email, the Internet, or directly to hiring managers will be deemed the property of Wounded Warrior Project, and no fee will be paid if the candidate is hired. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wounded Warrior Project