Director of Events

POSITION SUMMARY

The SCMC Director of Events leads the strategic planning and execution of all major events for South Carolina Manufacturers & Commerce, overseeing a comprehensive events portfolio that drives member engagement, industry advancement, and organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• In consultation with President & CEO, VP of Member Relations, Strategy, and Programming, and other senior staff, develop and implement a comprehensive annual events strategy aligned with organizational goals and member needs

• Lead strategic planning sessions for major conferences, trade shows, networking events, and educational seminars

• Conduct market research and industry analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities

Financial Management & Business Development

• Track annual events budget exceeding $1.5M, ensuring profitability and ROI targets

• Lead sponsorship strategy and cultivate relationships with major corporate partners

• Solicit and secure event sponsors

• In coordination with VP of Member Relations, Strategy, and Programming, determine pricing strategies for registration, exhibitor fees, and premium experiences

• Continuously analyze event financial performance and provide regular detailed reporting

Vendor & Venue Management

• Source, evaluate, and manage relationships with venues, caterers, AV providers, and other vendors

• Negotiate contracts for services and manage vendor performance

• Conduct site inspections and coordinate setup/breakdown activities

• Oversee vendor coordination during events and manage on-site troubleshooting

• Maintain comprehensive vendor database and performance records

Stakeholder Relations, Partnership Development & Marketing

• Serve as primary liaison with key sponsors and VIP attendees

• Lead crisis management and high-level problem resolution during events

• Serve as primary driver of agenda development, managing and overseeing SCMC working groups charged with recommending content

• Source guest speakers, coordinate agenda topics, and manage holistic agenda development

• Collaborate with marketing team on event promotion strategies and materials

Other Duties as Required

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field

• 8+ years of progressive experience in large-scale event management, with 3+ years in leadership roles

• Proven track record managing events with budgets exceeding $400K and attendance over 450

• Strong business acumen with experience in P&L management and ROI analysis

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and presentation skills

• Experience with association management and trade organization dynamics preferred

• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) or similar industry certification preferred

• Proficiency with event management software (Cvent, Eventbrite, etc.) and CRM systems

• Strong project management skills with ability to handle multiple concurrent events

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management abilities

• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends during events

• In office presence during scheduled hours, and work collaboratively in face-to-face interactions with others (other staff, members, directors, vendors and the public)

• Prompt, Regular, predictable, and full attendance

• Ability to handle productivity requirements of job (fast paced, stressful, and full attention when exigent issues arise)

• Ability to work under strict deadlines and high levels of stress

• Ability to work effectively, efficiently and with a high degree of accuracy, despite stress, interruptions or other office distractions.

• Ability to set goals, meet deadlines, and work independently without excessive supervision or instruction

• Ability to concentrate in a normal office environment and follow through on a task to completion

• Ability to think quickly but calmly and communicate effectively during events as issues arise

• Ability to align multiple points of view, think critically about the consequences of actions and communications, and align all actions with the organization’s mission and the membership’s goals.

• Ability to multi-task and/or stop project to focus on other issues and then resume project

• Ability to work and sustain attention with distractions and/or interruptions

• Ability to learn new tasks or dynamic factual issues quickly, including the ability to read, comprehend and retain information quickly

• Ability to utilize time management skills and otherwise organize/prioritize tasks

• Ability to comprehend and understand both written and oral instructions

• Ability to remain poised under all circumstances, diffuse conflict with colleagues and/or customers/vendors/members, and to interact effectively with people in a positive manner

• Ability to work as an integral part of a team

Travel

In-state travel. The expectation for the frequency of travel is between 15-20% of time.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentives, at the discretion of SCMC President and CEO and Board leadership.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development opportunities and continuing education support

Working Conditions

• Primary office location, with regular travel throughout the state

• Some evening and weekend work required for industry events and networking functions

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to SCMC at susan.oneal@myscmc.org