Special Events Associate Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

JOIN OUR MISSION

Behind every successful conference, meeting, or convening is an exceptional experience-this is an opportunity to curate experiences that bring Southern state leaders together to collaborate, learn, and strengthen public service. As Events Manager, you will lead the detailed planning and execution of CSG South conferences, leadership development programs, policy convenings, domestic and international delegations, and other regional events. From managing venues, vendors, production schedules, food and beverage, audiovisual services, transportation, and event budgets to directing on-site logistics for the Southern Legislative Conference, this position is central to delivering the professional, welcoming, and well-executed experiences our members expect. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, anticipate needs before they become challenges, and take pride in turning complex plans into seamless events, we invite you to join our team.

WHO WE ARE

The Southern Office of The Council of State Governments (CSG South) empowers and elevates public servants across the 15 Southern states. Through policy innovation, leadership development, and regional collaboration, we equip leaders to serve their constituents with excellence. We live out our core values in all that we do:

• Servant's Heart – We lead by serving others.
• Ambitious – We set bold goals and pursue them relentlessly.
• Adaptable – We respond to challenges with innovation and agility.
• Accountable – We honor commitments and own our outcomes.
• Credible – We earn trust through excellence and integrity.

POSITION SUMMARY

CSG South seeks a highly organized and solutions-oriented Events Manager to lead the detailed event planning, coordination, and execution of the organization's conferences, meetings, leadership development programs, policy convenings, delegations, and other events. Reporting to the Director of Operations and Events, the Events Manager serves as CSG South's primary event logistics and production leader. The position is responsible for translating approved event objectives, budgets, and program requirements into comprehensive operational plans and overseeing the successful execution of conferences, meetings, leadership programs, and special events. The Events Manager plays a central role in delivering the Southern Legislative Conference and works closely with the Regional Director, Operations and Events Director, Operations and Events Associate, colleagues across CSG South, host-state partners, venues, and external vendors.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Conference and Event Management

• Lead the detailed logistical planning and execution of CSG South convenings, including the Southern Legislative Conference, leadership development programs, policy masterclasses, fly-ins, international delegations, grant-funded meetings, and other organizational events.
• Partner with colleagues across CSG South to translate approved program objectives, event strategies, and budgets into comprehensive operational plans that clearly define logistics, responsibilities, timelines, approvals, and event requirements.
• Develop and maintain event timelines, production schedules, planning checklists, venue specifications, room-use plans, vendor schedules, transportation plans, staffing assignments, and on-site operating documents.
• Coordinate all event logistics, including venue space, hotel accommodations, food and beverage, audiovisual production, transportation, décor, entertainment, shipping, signage, equipment, and related operational services.
• Conduct venue inspections, planning visits, production meetings, and preconference meetings to confirm requirements and identify potential operational risks.
• Prepare, review, and manage Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), room-set diagrams, menus, guarantees, audiovisual specifications, event resumes, production schedules, and related revisions before and during events.
• Coordinate with CSG South departments to ensure event operations support program objectives, speaker needs, branding standards, sponsorship commitments, and participant expectations.
• Ensure event plans appropriately address dietary restrictions, mobility needs, accessibility requests, and other participant accommodations.
• Anticipate logistical challenges, develop contingency plans, and resolve operational issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinate travel logistics for CSG South leadership, members, presenters, and guests in support of conferences, leadership programs, and international delegations.
• Remain informed about current practices, technologies, and emerging trends in conference and event management.
• Serve as the lead on-site logistics and production manager for assigned conferences, meetings, and programs.

Southern Legislative Conference

• Work closely with the Director of Operations and Events and Regional Director to plan and execute the Southern Legislative Conference.
• Coordinate with host-state leadership, legislative staff, convention and visitors bureaus, venues, hotels, public safety personnel, and local event partners regarding conference logistics and operational requirements.
• Participate in site-selection and advance-planning activities, including venue research, site visits, requests for proposals, bid comparisons, and logistical assessments.
• Lead detailed SLC planning for meeting rooms, food and beverage, audiovisual production, transportation, entertainment, décor, security coordination, storage, shipping, signage, and special events.
• Maintain the conference production schedule, operational checklists, room-use plans, vendor contacts, transportation schedules, contingency plans, and on-site command materials.
• Review and track Banquet Event Orders, room configurations, menus, audiovisual requirements, guarantees, service schedules, vendor deliverables, and related changes.
• Coordinate venue and vendor meetings before and during the conference and serve as the principal day-to-day liaison for hotels, convention centers, contractors, suppliers, and production partners.
• Work with the Operations and Events Associate to ensure registration, housing, badges, ribbons, travel, transportation manifests, volunteer, guest, youth, and participant-service activities align with the overall conference plan.
• Participate in post-conference debriefing and recommend improvements to event execution and the participant experience.

Vendor, Budget, and Systems Management

• Research vendors, obtain and compare proposals, develop scopes of work, and prepare recommendations for review by the Director of Operations and Events and other appropriate Directors.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for event venues and vendors and monitor performance, timelines, service standards, insurance requirements, and approved contractual obligations.
• Lead day-to-day vendor communications and negotiations within established authority while supporting the Director in reviewing contracts and resolving significant contractual, financial, or operational issues.
• Help develop, monitor, and reconcile detailed event budgets within approved parameters, including quotes, bids, deposits, guarantees, invoices, payments, and projected final costs.
• Review event charges and supporting documentation for accuracy and coordinate with designated finance staff to facilitate payment and reconciliation.
• Identify potential cost overruns or billing discrepancies and recommend corrective action.
• Work with the Operations and Events Associate, who serves as the primary administrator for designated event platforms and event operational support, to ensure system builds, workflows, communications, and reports support event needs.
• Follow established procedures for participant information, payment processing, system access, and data retention.
• Maintain historical event documentation, reports, vendor performance records, and planning resources to support future conferences, meetings, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to departmental standard operating procedures, planning templates, training resources, cross-training, and continuous-improvement efforts.
• Reinforce CSG South's mission, values, and commitment to exceptional, nonpartisan member service through all interactions and work products

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in event management, hospitality, communications, public administration, business administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five or more years of professional experience planning and executing conferences, meetings, programs, or other complex events.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating venues, vendors, timelines, budgets, and multiple event workstreams.
• Experience supporting large-scale conferences or convenings involving elected officials, government personnel, executives, sponsors, or other high-level participants is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of hotel and venue operations, Banquet Event Orders, food and beverage planning, audiovisual production, transportation, room configurations, and on-site event management.
• Experience reviewing proposals, supporting contract negotiations, monitoring vendor performance, tracking budgets, and reconciling event expenses.
• Experience with event registration, housing, virtual-meeting, project-management, and related technology platforms. Familiarity with Cvent, Passkey, JotForm, Zoom, Monday.com, and Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, judgment, and follow-through.
• Ability to anticipate needs, identify risks, solve problems, and manage multiple priorities in deadline-driven environments.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to provide clear project direction and coordinate colleagues, vendors, volunteers, and temporary personnel without formal supervisory authority.
• Ability to remain professional, composed, adaptable, and solutions-focused during high-pressure events.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including self-awareness, sensitivity, and valuing others.
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, remain nonpartisan, and steward organizational resources responsibly.
• Willingness to travel routinely (up to 20%) for conferences, events, or meetings.

WE ALSO OFFER

• A recently renovated office with amenities such as beverages, an in-office business casual dress code, and a collaborative floor plan with options for various workstyles and sit-to-stand desks.
• A hybrid work schedule: Based in Decatur, GA, with the option to regularly work from home on Tuesday and Thursday unless traveling, discontinued, or temporarily suspended for business reasons.
• Generous personal paid and sick leave policies plus 12 paid holidays.
• Office closure the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, a paid day off in the month of your birthday, and other periodic telework or paid comp days. These benefits are at the discretion of the Regional Director.

To learn more about CSG South visit us at www.csgsouth.org. To learn more about careers at CSG, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position, based in Decatur, GA, is $70,000 to $75,000. This salary range is subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants must complete the online application and include resume and cover letter.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.