Event Manager San Francisco, CA

Job Overview

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Compensation

Salary
Range $60,000.00 - $75,000.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience
Incentive eligibility based on program size and profitability
Health insurance coverage including medical vision and dental
Discretionary PTO for vacation and personal time
Paid holidays
Paid sick leave accrued based on hours worked
401(k) with employer match
Company-paid short term and long term disability insurance coverage
Company-paid $50,000 basic life insurance
voluntary life insurance
paid DMCP and/or CMP certification
Paid industry memberships

Job Description

Cohera is a distinguished company based in San Francisco, CA, specializing in delivering exceptional event management services within the destination management company (DMC) industry. With a strong focus on providing seamless and memorable event experiences, Cohera caters to a diverse portfolio of clients, including high-touch clients and large-scale programs. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, client satisfaction, and professional excellence, positioning itself as a leader in the hospitality and event management sector. As an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and inclusion, Cohera fosters a supportive, respectful, and dynamic workplace environment. Employees at Cohera enjoy a collaborative culture that values innovation, integrity, and continuous growth.

The role available at Cohera is for an Event Manager, a pivotal position critical to the success of the company’s event programs. This full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from $60,000 to $75,000 annually, reflecting experience and expertise. The Event Manager will be entrusted with leading all facets of event planning and execution, ensuring that each program exceeds client expectations while adhering to budgetary constraints and company standards.

An ideal candidate will bring over six years of progressive event management experience, particularly within the DMC industry or a related hospitality or agency environment. This experience translates into a confident ability to manage complex multi-day events and maintain strong client portfolios. The Event Manager will act as the primary point of contact for clients, coordinating from the initial contracting phase through post-event follow-up, supporting client satisfaction, and fostering long-term relationships. This role also requires onsite presence during event programs to oversee logistics, vendor coordination, and client communication, ensuring smooth execution and immediate issue resolution.

Key responsibilities include budget management, tracking profitability, vendor negotiations, and collaboration with cross-functional teams such as sales, design, and operations to deliver cohesive event experiences. The Event Manager will additionally mentor and lead part-time event staff, contribute to training initiatives, and represent Cohera at industry events to promote ongoing professional development.

Cohera offers an attractive benefits package encompassing health insurance (medical, vision, and dental), paid time off including discretionary vacation days, paid holidays, sick leave, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, and company-paid short and long-term disability insurance. Moreover, the company supports professional growth by covering the costs of certification programs (DMCP and CMP) and industry memberships. Employees also receive company-paid basic life insurance and have the option for voluntary life insurance, enhancing both their personal and professional security.

This role requires a highly organized, strategic thinker with exceptional leadership skills, advanced proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, contract negotiation, and vendor management. The ability to multitask effectively, demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication, and operate independently or as part of a team are essential. Candidates must also be willing and able to travel between Cohera office locations as necessary to support various program needs.

Joining Cohera means being part of a forward-thinking company that values innovative solutions, fosters a positive team environment, and is dedicated to delivering unparalleled client service throughout every project phase. This opportunity is ideal for experienced event professionals seeking to advance their career in a reputable organization committed to excellence and growth in the vibrant San Francisco event management market.

Job Requirements

  • Six or more years of progressive event management experience in a DMC agency or hospitality environment
  • Three years of event management experience in the DMC industry
  • Proven track record managing multi-day events and client portfolios
  • Deep understanding of the DMC industry large-scale event operations and client lifecycle
  • Expert-level knowledge of budgeting forecasting and profitability analysis
  • Exceptional leadership coaching and team development skills
  • Advanced understanding of contract negotiation and vendor management
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans
  • Strong executive-level communication and presentation abilities
  • High proficiency in multitasking decision-making and navigating ambiguity
  • Skilled in relationship-building with clients vendors and internal stakeholders
  • Solutions-oriented with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to travel to other Cohera office locations by vehicle or airplane
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite adaptable to CRM and other software e.g Salesforce Dayforce

Job Qualifications

  • Six or more years of progressive event management experience in a DMC agency or hospitality environment
  • Three years of event management experience in the DMC industry
  • Proven track record managing multi-day events and client portfolios
  • Deep understanding of the DMC industry large-scale event operations and client lifecycle
  • Expert-level knowledge of budgeting forecasting and profitability analysis
  • Exceptional leadership coaching and team development skills
  • Advanced understanding of contract negotiation and vendor management
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans
  • Strong executive-level communication and presentation abilities
  • High proficiency in multitasking decision-making and navigating ambiguity
  • Skilled in relationship-building with clients vendors and internal stakeholders
  • Solutions-oriented with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to travel to other Cohera office locations by vehicle or airplane
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite adaptable to CRM and other software e.g Salesforce Dayforce

Job Duties

  • Lead all phases of event management including contracting planning budgeting logistics and on-site execution for assigned programs including high-touch clients and large-scale programs
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning process and maintain an open line of communication with client during program dates and when client is in destination
  • Ensure program details meet client expectations while adhering to budgets timelines and company standards
  • Conduct assigned program operational site inspections planning visits and walkthroughs
  • Be onsite during program duration be flexible and maintain an open line of communication with client during program dates and when client is in destination
  • Manage the production of all program materials including diagrams manifests run-of-show documents schedules permitting and vendor confirmations
  • Ensure programs meet profitability targets by tracking costs managing the P&L and maintaining or growing profit margin from initial contract
  • Oversee billing in collaboration with the Program Financial Manager
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication professionalism and thoughtful problem-solving
  • Support the client experience from contracting through post-event follow-up ensuring satisfaction and repeat business
  • Identify and sell to client potential upsell opportunities increasing profit margin and providing added value as destination expert throughout program planning and execution
  • Send thank you email and complete post-program checklist including but not limited to post event surveys post-con etc
  • Collaborate with Sales Strategic Accounts if applicable Design and Development Creative Studio and Vendors in successful and cohesive program delivery
  • Communicate to local leadership and team of event and operational success and advise on best practices
  • Communicate with strategic team leads if applicable key program planning milestones and preparations for optimum program success
  • Support departmental goals through cross-functional communication and alignment
  • Participate in weekly event management and/or team meetings and other internal planning sessions
  • Work with Staffing Coordinator to manage field staff assignments
  • Be willing to assist across destinations and/or travel to help operate and support
  • Support training efforts by sharing best practices and process knowledge
  • Foster a respectful and supportive team environment that reflects the company’s values
  • Self-educate or partake in training opportunities representing company at industry/hospitality functions at least three times per year
  • Participate and assist with FAMs and hotel partner team outings
  • Oversee part time Event Staff on projects and programs as needed
  • Manage vendor partners negotiate contracts and ensure quality of services provided while maintaining company established profitability
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local venues transportation options entertainment restaurants and other key program resources
  • Develop and maintain communications in a cooperative and professional manner with all levels of staff vendors industry partners and clients
  • Conduct post-event debriefs and provide feedback on vendor performance
  • Work as a productive team member take initiative act creatively operate flexibly and do everything with honesty integrity and with a focus on client satisfaction
  • Work well in a fast-paced team environment be willing to help others work overtime when required and deliver quality service to our clients
  • Act in a self-starting way make good independent decisions and take steps to complete work within time parameters
  • Generate new and innovative ways to improve Cohera products and services
  • Recognize essential elements of a challenge and develop creative solutions
  • Respond quickly to changing circumstances anticipate new developments where possible be receptive to new ideas/methods
  • Act in a forthright way
  • Give and accept feedback constructively
  • Recognize and consider the client’s expectations and needs be willing to do what it takes to fulfill those expectations
  • Any other duties as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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