Conference Planner

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• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
  
  

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Office of Conferences and Short Courses in the College of Agricultural Sciences is hiring a Conference Planner. This position provides support for faculty and staff in the planning and delivery of in-person and hybrid (in-person and online) conferences and events. Conference planners are responsible for assisting with event strategy, planning, logistics, contracts, speaker support, budgets, and other event details. The position requires advanced event planning expertise from logistics management and technical support to ensuring flawless execution.

This position demands a significant amount of interaction and communication with faculty, staff, and leadership, as well as external vendors and clients. The position is expected to work in a fast-paced and innovative environment, to continually improve processes around event coordination, and provide exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities:

• Provide a client-centric, consultative, professional, and solutions-oriented approach to logistics planning, communication, and overall event management.
• Provide registration and financial management services.
• Continually improve the processes and innovation in delivery of outstanding and effective conferences and events.
• Add value to customer experience through planning and budgeting expertise, contractual negotiations, ensuring compliance with Penn State policies, and offering outstanding customer service/support.
  
  

Competencies:

• Specialized knowledge and expertise in organizing and managing all logistical aspects of in person, virtual, and hybrid conferences and events.
• Development and management of event budgets, determining registration fees, and funding strategies to ensure event profitability.
• Ability to learn new systems and work in a virtual and/or cloud environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail, project management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to strategically prioritize event requests and customer needs.
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects simultaneous and deliver on deadline.
• Provide solution-oriented problem solving, with the ability to take initiative and demonstrate follow-through.
• Handle sensitive/confidential information requiring a high level of discretion.
• Ability to adapt to change while working in a fast-pace and demanding environment
  
  

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Education and Experience:

This position requires a bachelor's degree and 1 or more years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience in an event services environment.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent critical thinking and ability to anticipate needs
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Experience with Cvent, preferred.
• Experience with University systems, preferred
  
  

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission. 

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$51,000.00 - $74,000.00

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

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Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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