Manager, Event Planning Services

The LCMS Mission
"In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and world."

Position Summary

• The Manager, Event Planning Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for meeting services, event planning, travel coordination, procurement activities, and vendor management in support of organizational objectives.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the Chief Operating Officer

Essential Job Functions

• Develop and lead organizational strategies for meetings, conferences, special events, travel services, and procurement activities.
• Manage all aspects of event planning and execution for meetings, conferences, retreats, and special events.
• Negotiate contracts with hotels, convention centers, transportation companies, caterers, and other service providers.
• Manage vendor relationships and monitor supplier performance.
• Develop and manage events and procurement budgets and financial reporting.
• Oversee travel programs and coordination services.
• Provide consultation and planning support to leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and risk management requirements.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Event Management, or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in event planning, procurement, hospitality management, or operations leadership, required.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing budgets.
• Member of a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation, preferred.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Leadership and organizational skills
• Contract negotiation and procurement expertise
• Event and meeting management
• Financial and budget management
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management

Supervisory Responsibility

• Event support teams