Associate Event Manager Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.

Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work. Our team members and leaders are expected to foster connection and teamwork by being present in either the Wellesley MA, Hartford CT, or Portland Me office at least 2 days per week.

The opportunity:

The Events Manager leads an exciting line-up of in-person, virtual and hybrid internal and external events for Sun Life U.S., providing expert knowledge to meet business objectives, quality standards and engagement goals.A creative solutions expert, the Events Manager ensures the superb delivery of program components and event logistics. The Events Manager takes a hands-on lead role producing signature events for a range of business partners, and collaborates with stakeholders, team members and vendors. The Events Manager works closely with the Marketing, Distribution, Human Resources, Communication, AV Services and Multimedia teams in the efficient and effective delivery of Sun Life's goals.

As a resource for business partners across Sun Life, the U.S. Events team provides event management and production support for a robust portfolio of internal and external stakeholders. Reporting to the AVP, Philanthropy, Events & Design, the Events Manager creates experiences that make Sun Life a great partner to our Clients, and a great place to work.

How you will contribute:

• For assigned events, responsible for all aspects of event and project management for conferences, multi-day meetings, receptions, and incentive travel, including advising and detailing event itineraries, show flows, rehearsals, programming/entertainment, event website and attendee platform management, budgets/expenses, content/presentation coordination, service/vendor/supplier contracts, attendee registration/communications, travel, gifting, food and beverage management, staffing and safety planning and post-event reporting.

• Lead the hands-on planning and execution of high-complexity events, including online and/or on-site event delivery, directing teams and talent to ensure the seamless execution of the event agenda, including show calling and floor managing.

• In support of business partners, advise on business agendas to inspire, connect and engage attendees; leverage industry networks to recommend external speakers/speakers bureaus and creative talent who can help drive business results through engaging presentations and experiences. Incorporate innovative ways to involve and interact with our audiences, cultivating memorable and enduring experiences.

• Managing, contracting all event vendors according to Sun Life guidelines, including destination management companies, venues, keynote speakers, promotional items and spousal/family programs. Research and recommending new vendors and services to offer as recommended partners.

• Ensuring the proper administration of event expenses and billing including approval and forecasting processes for events; identify opportunities for savings. Processing payment requests, purchase orders, chargebacks and reconciliation and reporting for all event-related costs is properly completed by team members.

• Adhere to company policies and industry best practices for the event planning processes, pre, during and post-events

• Leading specific team initiatives to improve resources, practices and processes for the benefit of the broader team.

What you will bring with you:

• You have 10+ years of advanced expertise in a meeting and event production environment, creating exceptional experiences for virtual and in-person corporate audiences. You're a well-accomplished event professional, with an inspiring track record of using a wide range of media, platforms and venues, regularly working in close collaboration with production, technical and multimedia teams.

• You have advanced technological abilities, including Excel and expertise in the MS Office Suite, with experience using AI-enabled productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) and the ability to quickly adopt new technologies and platforms.

• You're determined to be inspiring and motivating, with experience managing partners, vendors and internal planning teams to deliver high quality work.

• You regularly show initiative and drive, and as a self-starter you're confident in your abilities and decision-making.

• You have a passion for developing and executing creative and innovative experiences, with your finger on the pulse of the latest trends and techniques.

• You can see the big picture, and you're often one step ahead of your partners and team members seeing solutions as issues emerge.

• You have an excellent track record in fast paced, deadline driven, high-volume and live production environments.

• You have extensive budget management experience, with solid experiences tracking expenses and reconciliation.

• You build strong business relationships with stakeholders, vendors, staff, and team members; you've got a strong ability to negotiate and resolve issues smoothly and effectively.

Preferred skills:

• Certified Meeting Professional designation is an asset

• Knowledge of Cvent, Wrike, ON24, and other virtual or hybrid event and digital marketing platforms is an asset.

• Experience applying data insights and emerging technologies to improve event strategy, engagement, and efficiency.

• Deep knowledge of industry-related contracts and terminology (e.g. platforms, venues, speakers, vendors, etc.)

• Involvement in industry-related associations

• Travel is required (can be up to 25%)

Salary Range: $81,000 - $121,500
At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

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We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive. We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate. We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program. Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth. We're proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer. Proudly Great Place to Work Certified in Canada and the U.S., we've also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row. Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email thebrightside@sunlife.comto request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.