Partner Events & Experience Manager

Partner Events & Experience Manager

Job Type: On-Site Full-Time, Exempt (salaried)

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree preferred; Associate degree considered with relevant experience

Experience Level: Entry - Mid-level professional

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Position Summary

The Chamber of Catawba County seeks a highly organized, creative, and relationship-driven Partner Events & Experience Manager to lead the planning and execution of events that engage and connect our business partners.

This role is ideal for a professional who thrives both in front of people and behind the scenes—designing engaging experiences while ensuring every detail is executed with precision.

The Partner Events & Experience Manager works closely with the Vice President of Operations to implement event strategy, develop program content, and manage budgets and logistics. This individual owns the full lifecycle of Chamber events, coordinating timelines, vendors, and deliverables from initial planning through post-event follow-up.

This role collaborates with internal teams, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners to ensure each event reflects the professionalism and impact expected of the Chamber and advances its mission of supporting economic vitality and leadership in Catawba County.

This position requires a highly social, detail-oriented professional who enjoys engaging with people while taking full ownership of behind-the-scenes execution.

Over time, this role has the potential to grow into a broader leadership position overseeing the Chamber’s event and experience strategy.

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Key Responsibilities

Event & Experience Planning
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the Chamber’s signature events, programs, and partner gatherings across in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats.
• Help design and enhance event experiences with creative elements that elevate engagement, atmosphere, and overall participant experience.
• Manage all logistical components of events, including venue coordination, vendor management, speaker and panelist engagement, and production timelines.
• Develop detailed run-of-show documents in collaboration with the Vice President of Operations and other team members.
• Serve as the on-site lead for event execution, confidently managing timelines, transitions, and real-time problem-solving to ensure seamless delivery.
• Coordinate with vendors and ensure services are delivered according to contract and event requirements.
• Maintain an organized vendor database and cultivate relationships with trusted partners.
• Manage volunteers and vendor teams during event setup, execution, and breakdown.
• Ensure events are delivered with professionalism, attention to detail, and a welcoming experience for attendees, sponsors, dignitaries, and community leaders.

Program Development & Partner Engagement
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Operations and internal teams to develop ideas for new partner experiences, programs, and events that support the Chamber’s strategic goals.
• Contribute innovative ideas that strengthen the uniqueness and impact of Chamber events and partner experiences.
• Support the development of program content, speakers, and panel discussions.
• Serve as a key point of contact for event sponsors, attendees, and community partners to ensure a positive and engaging experience.
• Foster strong relationships with volunteers, sponsors, and partner organizations involved in Chamber programming.

Event Marketing & Communications
• Work with the Chamber’s communications and marketing team to promote events and programs through coordinated campaigns.
• Contribute ideas for event messaging, promotional content, and storytelling that highlights the value of participation and engagement.
• Ensure all event-related communications—including invitations, confirmations, and follow-up—are timely, accurate, and aligned with the Chamber’s brand standards.

Budgeting, Administration & Reporting
• Work with the Vice President of Operations to develop event budgets, sponsorship goals, and ticket pricing strategies.
• Track event expenses and provide timely information for invoicing and financial reconciliation.
• Maintain internal planning documents including event calendars, project trackers, budgets, and event wrap-up reports.
• Assist with evaluating event success and identifying opportunities to improve future experiences.

Cross-Team Collaboration
• Work closely with Chamber staff to ensure events support broader organizational goals and partner engagement strategies.
• Support collaborative initiatives and community partnerships that align with the Chamber’s mission and strategic priorities.

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Qualifications

Experience & Skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple vendors, timelines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a natural ability to build relationships with business leaders, volunteers, and community partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while maintaining personal accountability for outcomes.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to bring both creativity and precision to event execution—balancing big-picture experience design with meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Enjoys being both highly visible and highly accountable—comfortable engaging with stakeholders while taking full ownership of execution behind the scenes.

Personal Characteristics
• Outgoing, relationship-oriented, and enthusiastic about engaging with the business community.
• Dependable, proactive, and comfortable taking ownership of responsibilities.
• Adaptable and solution-oriented with a “calm sense of urgency.”
• Open-minded, collaborative, and eager to learn and grow.
• Takes pride in behind-the-scenes execution and ensuring everything runs seamlessly without drawing attention to the work required to make it happen.

Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in event management, communications, hospitality, marketing, business, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in event planning, program coordination, hospitality, nonprofit management, or business association environments is preferred.

Requirements
• Availability to attend occasional early morning, evening, or weekend events
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required, as local travel to partner businesses, events, and meetings is a regular part of this role.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs

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Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
• Eligible for annual performance incentive bonus after 6 months of continuous employment.
• Health insurance, 401k, and paid time off included.
• Paid time off (PTO) of fifteen (15) days per year is a combined bank for vacation, sick, and personal time off, after 3-month introductory period.
• The Chamber grants thirteen (13) days off per year in observance of nationally recognized holidays.
• Employees accrue one (1) day per quarter of Emergency Sick Reserve (ESR) leave to a maximum of thirty (30) days. ESR is available for longer-term illness or medical needs.
• Health Insurance benefit, effective after thirty (30) days of continuous employment. Up to 94% premium paid by employer for employee
• Health savings account benefit, effective after thirty (30) days. Up to $1,000 contribution annually, based on health insurance plan selected
• Life Insurance benefit, effective after thirty (30) days of continuous employment
• Eligible for 401(k) benefits enrollment after six (6) months of continuous employment. The Chamber offers an annual 3% contribution match.
• Mileage reimbursement
• Professional Development opportunities when applicable and schedule allows with Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Additional Benefits of Working at The Chamber
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the economic vitality and future of Catawba County
• Direct engagement with business and community leaders across diverse industries
• A mission-driven team environment focused on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Exposure to high-level initiatives, partnerships, and strategic community work that shape the region

To apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to Lindsay Keisler, President/CEO, at [email protected], highlighting their relevant experience for this position and their minimum salary requirements.

Pay: From $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person