Building a Brand starts with a Story
FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services. For 30 years, we have utilized three flexible delivery models: Embedded teams, Corporate Campus operations, and a Full-Service Agency. Managing over 37,000 events & projects annually across 110 countries, FIRST serves 130+ brands, specializing in Fortune 500 companies within the Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Media, and Professional Services sectors. FIRST is part of the broader Encore family of companies. Encore is a global leader in event production and technology. Consistently recognized for excellence, recent honors include 2026 Chief Marketer Agency of the Year, the Ad Net Zero Award for sustainability, and more.
Location: Remote but must reside in Chicago, IL
Learn more at www.firstagency.com
What You Would Get To Do
The Project Manager is responsible for supporting clients with both internal and client-facing events and conferences, delivering exceptional service through effective project management and creative solutions. This role involves overseeing all aspects of event operations, from initial briefing to post-event reconciliation. Key responsibilities include managing project plans, collateral, registration, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, food and beverage, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging, speaker coordination, and event execution.
There is a requirement for onsite events to travel domestically or abroad as required.
Your Contributions
- Full life-cycle planning and execution of multiple key events in a virtual, in-person and hybrid capacity
- Financial management, including: budget development and management, expense management and invoice processing, timely post-meeting reconciliation and final financial reporting
- Sourcing, negotiating and managing site selections, contract management for venues and suppliers
- Coordinate registration, food and beverage, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, gift selection, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging and speaker selection for all programs; strong focus on vendor management
- Work seamlessly with key internal partners on event deliverables (i.e. Marketing for print and digital design and collateral elements, Production on Audio Visual, Event Technology team on web builds, data team on attendee management, Legal and Compliance as required, etc.)
- Virtual event planning and project management including confirming appropriate virtual platform, creation of timelines, invitation process, thorough and regular communications to attendees, suppliers and stakeholders
- Co-plan with colleagues and the client on larger scale programs; strong team player
- Ensure adherence to the client’s standards of operation and policies and that compliance and risk guidelines are followed
- Travel when applicable for site inspections and on-site management of live events to ensure full coordination of logistics and on-site teams for in-person events
- Post event wrap up including final attendees, budget reconciliation, observations, as well as client debriefs for year over year improvements
- Share knowledge of best practices, new suppliers, services and venues
What We Are Looking For
- 5–7+ years’ event management experience, preferably in a corporate or financial environment
- Experience in events, conferences, meeting and production management, including but not limited to C-level executive events, cocktail receptions and dinners, meetings and multi-day events
- Experience in working with and managing senior clients
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications such as PowerPoint and Excel
- Motivated, self-starter, ability to work independently and project plan; ability to think innovatively
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; proven ability to work well under pressure to meet established deadlines
- Virtual event experience preferred – Webex and Zoom experience a plus
- Leadership/influencing/negotiation and decision-making skills
- Adaptable and resourceful individual able to follow guidance while working independently; proactive in generating ideas and creative solutions
- Customer focus, approachable; ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their programs; adapt to ever changing demands and different client work styles
- Strong client management skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ambitious, proactive and highly organized
- Willing to travel to various locations for site-visits and on-site management of events
- Experience working with large and complex databases preferred, Cvent experience preferred
- Knowledge of venues and suppliers in key US cities
At FIRST, we believe that our success is driven by the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams. That's why we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your personal and professional growth
- Medical, Dental & Vision, which includes the option of a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA)
- 401 (k)
- Five Flexible Spending Accounts Options
- Generous Paid Time Off Allowance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Life, Disability & Pet Coverages
- Wellness Stipend
- Mobile Phone Allowance
- Complimentary access to Headspace, Teladoc, Maven, Rocket Lawyer, Mobilo & more
- Aura Identity Theft Protection
- Discretionary Bonus Structure
- Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.
United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $68,200 - $78,400. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.
Please note that the national salary range listed in the job posting reflects the new hire salary range across various U.S. locations that would be applicable to the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
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FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.
