Event Manager

The Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) has established itself as the nation's leading provider of homeland security education since its inception in 2002. This prestigious educational institution specializes in offering advanced and customized training programs designed to meet the unique needs of senior elected officials, government agencies, and associated organizations. Located on the campus of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, CHDS extends its educational reach nationwide through seminars, symposia, workshops, and short courses tailored to promote excellence and preparedness in homeland security practices.

Within CHDS, the Executive Education Program plays a pivotal role in delivering these customized homeland security educational experiences. The program supports a wide range of clients, including governors, mayors, and other senior leaders, providing them with strategic insights and practical knowledge essential for addressing contemporary homeland security challenges. By combining academic rigor with real-world applicability, CHDS ensures that its participants are equipped with the tools and expertise necessary to safeguard communities and enhance national security.

The full-time Event Manager position at CHDS is critical to the successful planning and execution of over 20 events annually. This role involves extensive coordination, teamwork, and communication to deliver high-quality educational experiences. The Event Manager is expected to travel frequently—up to 50% of each month—to oversee event sites across the country, ensuring seamless program delivery that meets the highest standards of professionalism and organizational excellence.

Ideal candidates for this role will have at least three years of substantial event coordination or management experience. They must demonstrate the ability to follow established processes diligently and work effectively in a team environment. Strong anticipation of project needs and prioritization skills are essential to ensure that deadlines are met with minimal supervision. Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends is also required to accommodate critical project timelines.

This role demands a high level of professionalism, especially when liaising with senior officials such as governors and mayors. The Event Manager must maintain a confident and polished communication style, reflecting the stature of CHDS and the Executive Education Program. Responsibilities include thorough research and evaluation of venues, contract negotiation, budget monitoring, travel coordination, and comprehensive on-site event management. Additionally, the Event Manager will be tasked with preparing seminar materials, managing databases, and collaborating closely with the Program Director and Project Lead throughout all phases of event planning and execution.

This dynamic role is ideal for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with strong hospitality and customer service skills, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and a trained eye for quality event execution are vital to success. Experience supporting executives, government officials, or senior leaders enhances the candidate's suitability for the position. Familiarity with government travel regulations is preferred but not mandatory.

CHDS values diversity, innovation, and inclusivity in its workforce. The organization encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. As an equal opportunity employer, CHDS ensures employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture focused on excellence and continuous improvement.