Travel, Meetings & Events Manager

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including more than 3,500 lawyers) operating from 21 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

Looking for a dynamic, creative, events professional with extensive experience of producing extraordinarily, impactful meetings and events. 

The Travel, Meetings and Events, Manager will be responsible for the assessment, planning, and delivery of internal and external meetings and events in collaboration with key internal stakeholders for the Chicago office. This individual will be responsible for the coordination of various meetings across the Chicago office varying in both size and scope offering additional support as necessary firmwide.  This position works closely with various internal groups to develop internal and external events from inception to execution establishing and implementing best practices.  There are FW functions attached to this role as well such as budget management and larger FW event oversight.  This position requires the ability to work independently, and the ability to follow-up with staff and attorneys as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Candidate should bring high level of energy with skill set to successfully management of the organization and delivery of innovative meetings and events through effective project management, including collaboration with partners and other internal stakeholders as it relates to meeting content, planning, and logistics.
• Coordination of meeting and event logistics, including food and beverage, audio visual, technology, transportation, and other related requirements. 
• Establishment and promotion of strong working relationships with external contacts and suppliers to ensure the Firm’s needs are understood and met.
• Site selection, request for proposal development, and contract negotiations in conjunction with the Firm’s Contract Management group.
• Budget preparation and management, including preparation of cost estimates, managing meeting related expenses, and post event analysis and reporting.
• Identification of cost savings opportunities and strategies to ensure meeting and event expenses are cost effective.  
• Creation and dissemination of attendee communications.
• Coordination and preparation of meeting collateral, including signage, attendee lists, and other materials.
• Conduct event research and recommendations associated with the support and execution of Chicago office events.
• Execute the pre and post event registration process. Working with CVENT where applicable.  This includes organizing, tracking and sharing event RSVP lists and updating post event attendee lists.
• Coordinate postproduction event recaps including the generation of final attendance numbers, cost summaries and other post event data and reports.
• Develop and/or lead change management efforts across all phases of projects and initiatives to drive the Firm’s culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in event planning and a bachelor’s degree. Preference for event experience in law Firm setting. 
• CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) or CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional) designation is preferred.
• Extensive background in Chicago venues, meetings and events.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required, including the ability to identify and manage risks, as well as being able to manage conflict while demonstrating diplomacy and credibility. Capable of working under pressure with a positive attitude and calm demeanor.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinator projects with various stakeholders; strong verbal and written communication skills are required. Strong attention to detail is required.
• Outstanding project management skill, including the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines is required. Experienced with negotiating contracts, reducing potential liability and costs, and implementing contractual terms.
• Involvement with the hotel, hospitality, and travel industries through various associations, including the knowledge of meeting management, hotel operations, and travel programs.
• Proven change management skills.

Technologies/Software

• MS Office
• CVENT

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm. #LI-Hybrid #LI-LW1