Lead Conference and Event Support Specialist

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Lead Conference and Event Support Specialist who is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and technical support of conference rooms, meeting spaces, and event facilities. This role plays a critical part in ensuring seamless scheduling, setup, technology readiness, and customer service for both internal and external events hosted at the conference center. Primary Responsibilities: Lead for the HQ Conference Center and Support Functions for the Director, also has protocol responsibilities Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of meetings and events including conferences, workshops, off-sites, and client engagements. Lead the coordinating for all logistical elements: venue scouting, site inspections, travel planning, registration, catering, A/V, décor, security, and guest services. Develop and issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to venues and vendors; evaluate responses, negotiate terms, and finalize contracts. Oversee budget development, forecasting, tracking, and reconciliation in alignment with financial goals. Manage vendor relationships and performance, ensuring delivery of high-quality services on time and within budget. Ensure a seamless guest experience through proactive planning, clear communication, and exceptional attention to detail. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align event objectives, branding, and messaging. Utilize event management and registration platforms to streamline logistics, reporting, and attendee engagement. Provide guidance and coaching to junior team members or administrative staff involved in event planning. Conduct post-event evaluations and report on successes, issues, and recommendations for improvement. Responsible for all Directorate and Organization functions involving the conference center and break-out areas Plans and implements required security protocols for classified conferences and briefings. Basic Qualifications TS/SCI w/ Poly Clearance is required Bachelors Degree and 8+ years of experience, Masters Degree and 6+ years of experience, or experience in lieu of a degree. Demonstrated success managing multiple complex events simultaneously. Strong understanding of event budgeting, cost controls, and vendor contract management. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Proficient in event management platforms (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite, Bizzabo), Microsoft Office Suite, and project tracking tools. Ability to travel for on-site event support as needed. Preferred Qualifications Experience managing events in corporate, government, or highly regulated environments. Deep understanding of venue contracts, catering services, and A/V production requirements. Familiarity with event marketing principles and tools. Knowledge of forecasting, workforce planning, or long-term strategic event portfolio management. Experience leading or mentoring a team of planners or support staff. Working knowledge of DEI best practices for inclusive events. If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares. Original Posting: July 2, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above. Pay Range: Pay Range $82,550.00 - $149,225.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law. Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit Pay and Benefits Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here. Securing Your Data Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to View email address on click.appcast.io. Commitment and Diversity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.