Manager, Events & Experiences

About Athena 

Athena is a marketing consultancy where great ideas are activated. With a blend of strategic thinking, creative vision, and hands-on execution, we partner with organizations looking to transform their presence, reputation, and performance. For over ten years, we’ve delivered business insights, marketing strategies, and brand activations for leading organizations in industries ranging from telecommunications to major league sports.  

Our people make Athena, Athena. They’re what help set us apart from traditional ad agencies and consultancies. As a 2024 Philadelphia Inquirer Top Workplace, we take pride in fostering a work environment where passion meets excellence. Our people are solutions-oriented individuals who eagerly roll up their sleeves to make work that works while sharing a couple of laughs along the way.   

About the Position 

Athena is looking for an Event and Experiences Manager with a passion for problem-solving, managing change, and improving efficiency. We work in a spirited, fast-paced, and ever-changing environment, and we’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running and thrive in this setting.   

The Events and Experiences Manager will support the strategic development and execution of client events, ensuring each experience aligns with the client's brand and objectives. This role contributes to the management of the event’s operational aspects and coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver seamless, impactful events that meet client expectations and enhance their brand presence.   

What you'll be responsible for:

Strategic Planning & Client Management  

• Formulating, organizing, and monitoring interconnected projects with a focus on strategic planning and seamless execution  

• Collaborating with clients to understand their vision, objectives, and preferences, incorporating feedback into their marketing and event strategies  

• Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders across various disciplines to ensure successful marketing and event outcomes  

• Conducting regular team calls to ensure all stakeholders remain aligned and understand individual responsibilities, tasks, and deliverables  

• Exemplifying proactive leadership in both planning and execution, with a keen focus on anticipating needs, deliverables, and subsequent steps  

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients on assigned projects, demonstrating confidence and autonomy in addressing challenges and providing solutions.  

Event Development & Execution  

• Leading the development and execution of comprehensive conference and event strategies aligned with client and organizational objectives, ensuring quality and scalability. 

• Assist in implementing visually stunning event designs, including stage setups, signage, and thematic elements  

• Managing event technical needs by collaborating with art and technical crews, brainstorming solutions to obstacles, and more  

• Aiding project teams in creating compelling and engaging content for campaigns, including digital content, print materials, branding materials, scripts, presentations, and multimedia materials  

• Supporting the development and execution of comprehensive communication strategies for events and marketing initiatives  

• Effectively manage overlapping deliverables by employing strategic prioritization and delegation where appropriate. 

• Analyzing project performance metrics to measure success and compiling reports for client records  

• Participating in on-site event execution, potentially involving evening and weekend commitments and/or travel  

Operations & Administration  

• Assisting in administering project finances, budgets, vendor communication, vendor contracts, and budget reporting to clients and internal stakeholders.  

• Provide clear direction to internal teams and external vendors, fostering collaboration to meet complex project requirements. 

• Conducting real-time review and editing of projects to guarantee timely and scope-compliant delivery.  

• Building and maintaining relationships with key industry partners, sponsors, and vendors to enhance event experiences and opportunities.  

• Identifying and supporting the development of new opportunities that align with the company’s strategic goals.  
• Ensure compliance with ISO and regulatory standards, including applying information security policies and procedures relevant to your department's reports.

The skills and experience you should have:

• Demonstrated leadership in managing projects with minimal oversight while maintaining accountability to team and client expectations.  

• Proven ability to work independently and take ownership of high-priority initiatives. 

• Exceptional multitasking skills with experience balancing competing deliverables.  

• Competency in developing practical marketing & event strategies and tactics.  

• Skilled in managing the logistical aspects of events and collaborating with team members for successful execution.  

• Understanding of project management principles and practices.  

• Strong creative skills, with a good sense of design for the visual components of an event.  

• Experience in building and maintaining client relationships.  

• Capability in identifying business development opportunities and establishing strategic partnerships.  

• Commitment to ensuring programs achieve expected results.  

• Attention to detail and organizational prowess.  

• Self-driven with a strong problem-solving mindset.  

• Innovative and analytical, able to handle numerical and technical tasks.  

• Competent in budget oversight and financial reporting.  

• Effective communication skills, capable of clearly expressing ideas and engaging various audiences.  

• Collaborative, working effectively with internal and external parties.  

• Proficient with Excel and PowerPoint, using these tools for data management and creating compelling presentations.  

• 4 - 6 years of professional experience   

It’s a plus if you have: 

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university   
• Experience using time tracking and expense management software   
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint    
• Proficient knowledge of Airtable   
• Proficient understanding of SplashThat and Cvent   

• Medical/Dental benefits including of 1K Health Reimbursement Account
• Matching 401K
• Generous PTO policy
• Substantial Parental Leave Policy
• Hybrid Work Environment (3x in our Philadelphia, PA office)

Curious about your career path at Athena? This role is at the Manager level within Athena’s career-path structure. This team has the following levels of progression for growth and development. 

Coordinator --> Sr. Coordinator-->Manager --> Sr. Manager --> Director --> Sr. Director --> Executive Director 

Oh, and our application process is open, easy, as transparent as we can make it, and painless. We need team members like you to join us! Let’s get started. 

Athena is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at 866.299.6040.