Events Management Specialist - the State Bar of Michigan (Full Time Hybrid) Lansing, MI.
About the Role
Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for event strategy, flawless logistics, and collaborative success? The State Bar of Michigan is seeking an Events Management Specialist to plan, coordinate, and execute SBM meetings, conferences, programs, and special events. In this role, you will oversee the full event planning process from event strategy and development, budgeting and financial reconciliation, venue and vendor coordination, contract administration, registration, event technology, logistics, risk and contingency planning, on-site execution, to post-event evaluation. Additionally, you will coordinate meetings and events held at SBM facilities, ensure proper on-site support, and provide operational support to Lawyer Services and other departmental initiatives as needed.
What You’ll Do
- Event Planning & Management: Plan and manage SBM meetings, conferences, programs, and special events from initial development through post-event evaluation, collaborating with internal departments, sections, and committees to ensure alignment with SBM priorities, policies, and member-service goals.
- Venues, Vendors & Contracts: Research and evaluate venues and vendors; solicit and evaluate proposals; coordinate contracts and related requirements (including agreements, insurance, deposits, and cancellation provisions); and manage event services such as lodging, food and beverage, AV services, transportation, and entertainment.
- Logistics & On-Site Execution: Coordinate event logistics and on-site execution, including registration, staffing, speakers, schedules, attendee communications, hospitality, awards, signage, and seating, ensuring effective delivery across all participants.
- Risk & Contingency Planning: Identify and address operational, logistical, accessibility, safety, and technology risks; develop appropriate contingency plans, timelines, production schedules, run-of-show documents, and checklists.
- Facility Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact for external organizations and individuals using SBM meeting facilities, coordinating all meeting arrangements (room setup, catering, tech requirements) and providing on-site support.
- Event Technology & Software: Develop and maintain proficiency in SBM's event management software as the primary internal resource for event setup, registration, communications, reporting, system integration, and quality assurance.
- Calendar & Program Development: Maintain a 12-month calendar of meetings, events, and programming; monitor scheduling conflicts, resources, and staffing requirements; and analyze legal and association trends to recommend new member experiences.
- Sponsorships & Exhibitors: Develop and manage sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, including packages, prospect solicitation, agreements, benefit fulfillment, and post-event reporting.
- Financial Management: Develop and monitor event budgets and financial activity from initial budget through final reconciliation, expenses, invoices, revenue, and closeouts in accordance with SBM policies.
- Evaluation & Reporting: Maintain accurate event records and analyze participation, financial results, evaluations, and member feedback to assess performance and improve the attendee experience.
- Cross-Departmental & Operational Support: Support the Outreach Department with section portal administration, collaborate with Communications on promotional assets, coordinate event technology with IT, and provide support to the Lawyer Services call center, member records, and merchandise inventory as needed.
What You Bring
- Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of professional meeting and event planning experience; additional customer service or related professional experience preferred.
- Certifications: Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or comparable professional designation preferred.
- Core Competencies & Skills:
- Demonstrated knowledge of event planning and operations, including venue and vendor management, budgeting, registration, event technology, audiovisual support, and on-site coordination.
- Strong project management, problem-solving, and prioritization skills to manage multiple events, projects, vendors, deadlines, and competing priorities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, event management technology, and association management systems such as iMIS.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills to work effectively with staff, members, volunteers, vendors, and external partners.
- Ability to effectively use technology and data to improve event administration, reporting, efficiency, and the member experience.
- Work Requirements: Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as required.
Click to Apply Please include a cover letter with your resume
Salary range $55,000 - $65,000/year
Skills Required
- 3-5 years of professional meeting and event planning experience
- Bachelor's degree
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or comparable professional designation
- Knowledge of event planning and operations, including venue and vendor management, budgeting, registration, event technology, audiovisual support, and on-site coordination
- Strong project management, problem-solving, and prioritization skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, event management technology, and association management systems such as iMIS
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
- Ability to use technology and data for event administration, reporting, efficiency, and member experience improvements
- Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends
What We Do
The State Bar of Michigan is a professional association and public body for Michigan-licensed lawyers, operating under Michigan Supreme Court supervision. It works to improve the administration of justice, advance jurisprudence, strengthen relations between lawyers and the public, and promote professionalism. It advocates for an open, fair, accessible justice system and provides members with practice, education, well-being, and referral resources to help them serve clients and Michigan residents.
