Meeting Planner and Operations Specialist - Council of State Governments

The Council of State Governments is the nation's only nonpartisan association of state officials serving all three branches of government in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. CSG is a region-based, national organization that promotes excellence in state government. CSG fosters the interstate exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy, and it offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.

CSG Midwest focuses on meeting the needs of state policymakers and leaders in the 11 Midwestern states Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In addition, four Canadian provinces: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan are members or affiliate members of CSG Midwest's Midwestern Legislative Conference. 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.

JOB SUMMARY

The Meeting Planner and Operations Specialist position supports the planning, coordination, and execution of the organization's meetings, programs, and special events of various sizes, as well as booking travel for individual trips of members and colleagues. The position also conducts various operations functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, coordinates, and conducts logistics for conferences, programs, and events of varying sizes and duration, including hotel rooms and meeting space, food and beverage, travel, registration and reporting, transportation, audio/visual and information technology, and other related issues.
• Prepares onsite meeting materials, name badges, signage, and tent cards, and ensures that onsite equipment and supply needs are met.
• Coordinates packing and shipping for meetings.
• Staffs registration desk and works with hotel staff on room sets, food and beverage, audio/visual and technology while onsite.
• Leads registration process for virtual meetings and provides technical assistance during virtual meetings.
• Assists with budget and expense tracking and invoicing.
• Makes appointments for annual state visits, and books hotels for staff; prepares and organizes state visit materials.
• Assists in data collection and input into organization wide database.
• Assists with in-house mailings.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment as well as independently.
• Professional demeanor and excellent customer service and interpersonal skills with both internal and external partners.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple projects in a detail-oriented manner to meet schedule and timelines.
• Advanced computer skills, specifically in Microsoft Excel, Word, Teams, Outlook; experience with data sorting and mail merge.
• Demonstrated database experience (Quorum and Cvent a plus); desire, willingness, and ability to learn new database programs essential.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, with business contacts and legislators in a courteous and professional manner.
• Excellent work ethic, dependable, resourceful, and willing to work some evening and weekends as events may require.
• Self-motivated, able to take initiative and see complex tasks through completion.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others.
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• College degree in a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two or more years of work experience in event planning, operations, or related area.
• Experience in supporting executive management, nonprofit, government or related sector a plus.
• Understanding of state government and not-for-profit organizations a plus.

COMPENSATION

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience. The salary for this position based in the Chicago, IL area is $53,000 to $57,000.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. CSG is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.