Conference & Meeting Manager

Job Description

The conference & meeting manager will be responsible for providing planning services for Continuing and Professional Education's (CPE) large portfolio of academic conferences, meetings, and professional development programs. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with excellent project management skills, a strong business acumen, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners. The Conference & Meeting Manager is responsible for generating program revenue to meet annual revenue targets for the unit.

The conference & meeting manager will supervise one or more program planning professionals who specialize in logistics and implementation. CPE strives to create value-driven experiences that provide positive impact for the University, our clients, and our participants. The successful candidate should have a strong customer service ethos, and contribute to a work environment that supports positivity, creativity, teamwork, diversity, and mutual respect.

The conference & meeting manager works with faculty, staff, and external partners to identify needs for each program, develop a comprehensive budget plan, negotiate and secure contracts with venues and other necessary services, and establish a detailed scope of services. Occasional travel may be required to provide local and out-of-town program support. Occasional overnight, weekend, early morning, and late evening work may also be necessary.

The conference & meeting manager will be responsible for providing planning services for Continuing and Professional Education's (CPE) large portfolio of academic conferences, meetings, and professional development programs. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with excellent project management skills, a strong business acumen, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners. The Conference & Meeting Manager is responsible for generating program revenue to meet annual revenue targets for the unit.

The conference & meeting manager will supervise one or more program planning professionals who specialize in logistics and implementation. CPE strives to create value-driven experiences that provide positive impact for the University, our clients, and our participants. The successful candidate should have a strong customer service ethos, and contribute to a work environment that supports positivity, creativity, teamwork, diversity, and mutual respect.

The conference & meeting manager works with faculty, staff, and external partners to identify needs for each program, develop a comprehensive budget plan, negotiate and secure contracts with venues and other necessary services, and establish a detailed scope of services. Occasional travel may be required to provide local and out-of-town program support. Occasional overnight, weekend, early morning, and late evening work may also be necessary.

• Bachelor's degree in business or a related field, or equivalent training and/or experience in business or hospitality management field
• Extensive experience in conference, meeting or event planning, preferably in a higher education setting
• Supervisory experience
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Experience in program budget development and management
• Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with internal and external clients
• Proven excellent sales skills with strong results
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Strong computer competency skills and high proficiency in office/collaboration tools and applications (Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, MS Teams, and Zoom)
• Ability to handle numerous projects and details simultaneously and accurately while prioritizing according to need and schedule
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Master's degree in a related field
• Advanced experience in project planning and budgeting in a continuing education setting
• Experience with Commonwealth of Virginia and/or university policies and procedures
• Preference may be given to individuals who have a designation of Certified Program Planner (CPP) or Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

5

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

Hiring salary up to $68,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

40+

8/31/2026

Please submit a cover letter, resume and list of professional…