Based in New York, the Program Design Manager supports ENGAGE’s Sales & Design team and reports to the Program Design Director. The core of this role is developing meeting and event proposals, sourcing vendors, and managing budgets for meetings, events, and travel programs based in New York, while supporting meeting and event planning in other cities when time allows. Strong vendor relationships and sourcing skills are what make that work possible.
The Manager works closely with the Program Design Director and other teams to make sure proposals meet client goals, follow ENGAGE’s brand standards, and stay on budget, all while growing ENGAGE’s network of trusted vendors in New York.
Role Objectives
Develop creative, realistic proposals that turn client goals into strategic event plans.
Build strong relationships with local event vendors and partners to support sourcing and negotiating.
Support event planning in other cities when time allows, working with the Program Design Director.
Work with the Sales, Creative, and Event Management teams, plus outside partners, to put together strong proposals.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesProposal Development, Vendor Sourcing & Budget Management
Design proposals for meetings, conferences, reward trips, executive retreats, and branded events.
Source vendors, such as venues, caterers, activity providers, hotels, rental companies, custom fabricators, and other event partners, for each program.
Build and manage program budgets, negotiating rates and contracts to keep programs on budget and hit profit goals.
Create project plans and event outlines, working with the Sales team on creative ideas and the Event Management team to make sure plans are realistic.
Help design programs outside New York when time allows, working closely with the Program Design Director.
Vendor Relationships
Build and maintain a network of vendor partners, including but not limited to venues, caterers, activity providers, hotels, rental companies, custom fabricators, and other event partners, to support strong sourcing and negotiating.
Stay current on new venues and industry trends so ENGAGE’s proposals and budgets stay competitive.
Represent ENGAGE at local industry events, trade shows, and venue visits to help grow the vendor network.
Client & Internal Collaboration
Join client kickoff calls and planning meetings with the Program Design Director.
Help prepare and present proposals, and stay in touch with clients throughout the planning process.
Work with Sales and Event Management to make sure themes, guest experience, and logistics all come together smoothly.
Help build proposal templates and budget tools, and join weekly team meetings to review upcoming projects.
Quality & Culture Expectations
Every ENGAGE team member is expected to:
Act with integrity and a client-first mindset.
Take initiative and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Develop creative solutions to complex challenges.
Contribute positively to team culture and continuously improve processes.
QualificationsEducation & Experience
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
1-3+ years of experience planning meetings, corporate events, or travel programs; agency experience is a plus.
Existing relationships with event vendors are a plus, but not required. We’ll help you build your network.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong people skills and comfort negotiating with vendors.
A basic understanding of how events and travel programs come together, including managing a budget.
Excellent writing and speaking skills, with the ability to put together clear, polished proposals.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, and comfort working through unclear or changing situations.
Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and standard customer-management (CRM) and project-management software.
Travel Expectations
Regular local travel within New York for vendor meetings, site visits, and industry events.
Client site visits and on-site program support as required, primarily within New York.
Occasional travel to support programs in other cities or for team meetings.
Pay: $61,630.86 - $74,222.11 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10003
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