Community Events Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

About the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES):

Our mission is to secure a safe and stable climate by accelerating the transition to a thriving, just, and resilient low-carbon economy. We are widely recognized as an influential voice on climate issues, a trusted convener, and a credible source of expertise and analysis. We work closely with international climate negotiators; federal, state, and local policymakers; executives of Fortune 500 businesses; and a wide range of other stakeholders to advance strong policy and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. C2ES is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.

Our organizational values:

We are ambitious and practical, advancing effective solutions that push the boundaries of the achievable. We are open-minded and inclusive, seeking out and considering a wide range of voices, views, and approaches. We are people-focused, dedicated to improving human well-being and recognizing that respect and empathy are central to success. We are one team, working collaboratively, communicating openly, making ourselves accessible to each other, and treating one another with kindness and respect.

Position Summary:

The Events Manager will manage planning and logistics for a growing slate of C2ES external events, positioning C2ES at the forefront of climate convenors, raising C2ES’s profile, and building a strong organizational brand. The Events Manager will provide in-person leadership and coordination for major C2ES events at major forums like Climate Week NYC, London Climate Action Week, and the annual UN Conference of the Parties (COP), as well as logistical support to program teams for additional convenings throughout the year. The Events Manager will also manage and plan programming for public events hosted at the C2ES headquarters in Washington, DC. This is a fast-paced, wide-ranging role that puts a premium on collaboration, communication, and brand stewardship. The Events Manager will engage with colleagues throughout the organization and gain visibility into the full breadth of programs, communications, development, and operations at a dynamic, growing, high-impact nonprofit organization. This position will report to the Vice President of Communications.

Event Planning and Execution

• Lead logistical planning and execution of major external C2ES events and meetings at C2ES’s D.C. office and other venues in Washington, D.C. and around the world, including recurring Business Environmental Leadership Council meetings and C2ES events at the annual Climate Week NYC, London Climate Action Week, and COP, ensuring a high standard that reflects C2ES’s brand, values, and strategic positioning, and maintaining an elevated attendee experience.
• Serve as in-person “event captain” for major events: co-creating staffing plans with program and other staff, managing task lists, overseeing setup, managing the run of show during the event, overseeing completion and close-out, settling with venue and vendors, etc.
• Manage end-to-end logistics for major in-person and hybrid events and meetings, which will vary but may include venue and vendor sourcing and contract management, coordination with building/venue contacts and production teams, registration platform set-up, catering, AV and production management, marketing aspects (e.g., branding elements, assets and printing, etc.), restaurant and hotel reservations, transportation, etc.
• Support program, business engagement, communications, and development staff in planning and execution of additional programmatic events as capacity allows, such as convenings for the Regional Clean Economies and Climate Resilient Communities Accelerator initiatives and other C2ES-hosted conferences, workshops, and events.
• Lead logistical planning and execution of C2ES-hosted external-facing events in our Washington, D.C., office, including panels, speaking events, public roundtables, happy hours, book talks, etc.
• Work with program, development, and communications colleagues to develop ideas for potential event topics
• Oversee the high-quality end-to-end execution of these in-office events, including set-up, livestreaming (as relevant), catering, marketing, etc.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of content at major internal events (e.g., annual all-staff retreat, off-site events during quarterly all-hands weeks, and meetings of the C2ES Board of Directors), serving as lead on key elements and production, with a focus on delivering a polished, high-quality experience, in close coordination with the Operations team.
• Ensure budget efficiency, timely payment, and clear tracking of event expenses.

Internal Alignment

• Contribute to organizational awareness of planned events through proactive coordination and communication, briefing stakeholders on key event updates and changes throughout the planning process
• Participate in planning team meetings and pre-event briefings
• Develop working knowledge of C2ES’s mission and priorities
• Develop and refine event planning processes, templates, and standards to improve consistency and efficiency

Organizational Participation

• Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity, contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. All staff, including senior leadership team, are expected to participate in monthly meetings conducted by the staff-led Justice, Equity, Diversion and Inclusion (JEDI) Council, which provide an opportunity and safe space for staff to learn and engage with one another about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging issues, and to discuss steps C2ES is taking to strengthen those dimensions of our work both within the organization and externally;
• Complete management and other trainings assigned during on-boarding and on a yearly basis.

Qualifications and skills:

• Proven track record of success planning, overseeing, and executing high impact in-person and hybrid events with different audiences and stakeholders
• Experience working with and executing contracts for external vendors, including production companies, Audio Visual, catering, and more
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events at once, prioritize effectively, and deliver under tight timelines
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Understanding of how to build and promote an organizational brand and raise an organization’s profile through high-quality events
• Experience translating brand- and mission-driven messaging into event tone and materials, tailored to unique needs of various audiences ranging from key partners, donors, senior executives, business council members, employees, board members, and general attendees
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with a wide range of people inside and outside the organization
• Ability to independently operate and troubleshoot AV systems and hybrid meeting technology (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, microphones, etc.)
• Commitment to sustainability and accessibility practices for events
• Flexibility and willingness to contribute as needed in a dynamic and growing but still nimble organization
• Commitment to C2ES’s values
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field + 7 years of experience, OR 10 years of direct event planning experience in business, legal, or higher education settings

Reporting to: Vice President of Communications

Employment Status: Full-time, benefits-eligible; exempt from overtime.

Travel, Time & Location Requirements: Position is based in Washington, DC and requires a minimum of three days a week in office. Ability to support early morning and evening events and occasional domestic and international travel is anticipated (4-6 trips per year, from two days to over a week in duration) to execute and assist on-site events as needed.

Starting salary range: $82,000-$103,000; salary within range will be determined by experience and qualifications.

Benefits Offered

• Health Insurance. C2ES covers 80% of the health insurance premiums.
• Dental Insurance. C2ES covers 100% of the dental premiums.
• Vision Insurance: Employee covers the total cost of this plan.
• Long Term Disability and Short-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Group Life insurance and Voluntary Life insurance.
• Leave Time: New employees start accumulating 3 weeks' vacation per year.
• Sick time: up to 10 days per year.
• Personal Leave: Up to two personal leave days.
• FMLA Leave: Case by case is evaluated by the Supervisor and HR.
• Holidays: C2ES observes 12 holidays during the year. Additionally, the organization closes the last week of year.
• 5% C2ES contribution towards 403b retirement Plan.
• Hybrid and flexible environment.

We are fully committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We believe we will only be effective in developing and advocating climate solutions if we have a diverse range of voices and perspectives represented within C2ES, in our work, and among our partners. C2ES is committed to creating and growing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and among the stakeholders we collaborate with and convene. By fostering this culture, we can enhance our work and amplify our impact. We encourage individuals of all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual identities, and abilities to apply for this position. For more on C2ES’s DEIJ policy, visit: https://www.c2es.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-justice