Event Planner

Our client, a professional services firm located in Midtown, Manhattan is looking for a Temporary Event Planner to join their team for a maternity leave coverage. This position will start in mid-June and last for 7 months with flexibility to extend. This role will operate on a hybrid schedule with flexibility to be in office based on team needs. Hours are 9:00am-6:00pm with flexibility for events and travel. Compensation is up to $52/hour DOE. Responsibilities: Serve as the lead project manager for events from initial creative design and pre-planning stages through on-site execution. Can also step in for other events to support another planner. Research, conduct RFPs, and recommend appropriate venues for events, including hotels and resorts, restaurants, bar/lounges, and special event spaces. Conduct site visits and site inspections of potential event properties, if needed. Prepare PowerPoint visual presentations and/or cost-comparison spreadsheets of venue recommendations, when requested. Demonstrate expertise in negotiating contracts to secure favorable rates, terms, and concessions. Work closely with department head and legal counsel to ensure the firm is contractually and financially protected in all agreements. Manage the logistics during the event planning process, including: event timelines, attendee communications/invitations, registration/RSVPs, hotel room block, list management, transportation, food and beverage, function space allocation and room set-ups, speaker coordination, AV equipment, print production and handouts, CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credit coordination, off-site activities, giveaways, shipping, branding, and on-site set-up and supervision. Design exceptional attendee experiences for high-end client receptions and dinners, including restaurant buyouts and use of private dining rooms, menu selection with wine pairings, room set-up, floral arrangements, seating assignments, and attendee gifts. Work closely with head chefs, wine sommeliers, and restaurant staffs. Develop and manage event budgets, track expenses during planning process, review and process vendor invoices and wire transfers, and conduct post-event budget reconciliation. Maintain a detailed electronic filing system for all events. Establish and cultivate strong relationships with hotels, restaurants, and other third-party providers. Keep abreast of new restaurant openings as well as changes in restaurant ratings or head chefs. Support the department head in developing ways to streamline the event planning process, standardize budget tracking and control expenses, leverage event technology, enhance recordkeeping, analyze event success, and improve attendee experience. Identify and incorporate industry best practices into our planning process in an effort to continuously improve our productivity and effectiveness. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience in meetings and events management Professional services firm or financial services experience is a plus Experience working with domestic venues, international experience is a plus Expertise in negotiation and hotel/restaurant contracting Expertise in food, wine, travel, and hospitality services Extensive experience in planning high-end dinners at top restaurants with a strong knowledge of leading restaurants, chefs and sommeliers A strong relationship with hotel industry and experience with conferences A demonstrated ability to make recommendations and influence senior executives and decision makers Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation is a plus. An active participant/networker in the event management industry. A member of MPI, PCMA, or other associations for event professionals is desirable. Advances skills in MS Office required Budgeting/cost tracking experience required InterAction or other CRM experience required Ability to travel up to 25% Beacon Hill is an equal opportunity employer and individuals with disabilities and/or protected veterans are encouraged to apply. California residents: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. If you would like to complete our voluntary self-identification form, please click here or copy and paste the following link into an open window in your browser: Completion of this form is voluntary and will not affect your opportunity for employment, or the terms or conditions of your employment. This form will be used for reporting purposes only and will be kept separate from all other records. Company Profile: Founded by industry leaders to set a new standard in search, career placement and flexible staffing, we deliver coordinated staffing solutions with unparalleled service, a commitment to project completion and success and a passion for innovation, creativity and continuous improvement. Our niche brands offer a complete suite of staffing services to emerging growth companies and the Fortune 500 across market sectors, career specialties/disciplines and industries. Over time, office locations, specialty practice areas and service offerings will be added to address ever changing constituent needs. Learn more about Beacon Hill and our specialty divisions, Beacon Hill Associates, Beacon Hill Financial, Beacon Hill HR, Beacon Hill Legal, Beacon Hill Life Sciences and Beacon Hill Technologies by visiting Benefits Information: Beacon Hill offers a robust benefit package including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, and federal and state leave programs as required by applicable agency regulations to those that meet eligibility. Upon successfully being hired, details will be provided related to our benefit offerings. We look forward to working with you. Beacon Hill. Employing the Future (TM)