Manager, External Events

When you’re the best, we’re the best. We instill an environment where employees feel engaged, satisfied and able to contribute their unique skills and talents while living and working as their authentic selves . We provide extensive opportunities for personal and professional development, building both employee competence and organizational capability to fuel exceptional performance through an inclusive environment both now and in the future. The Organization   We help society’s foundational healthcare institutions to achieve their full potential in service to others.    We are our clients’ trusted partners in ever-changing times. For nearly 40 years, Kaufman Hall has provided independent, objective insights grounded in sound data and analysis to help clients fulfill their missions, achiev e their goals, and tackle their toughest problems.    Kaufman Hall provides world-class management consulting in Strategy & Business Transformation, Financial Planning & Data Analytics, Treasury & Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Revenue & Operations Improvement, and Clinical Solutions.    At Kaufman Hall, we believe that sustained success is never an accident. It is the result of sound decision making, based on data-driven analysis and disciplined thinking, and guided by the fundamental principles of corporate finance.   The Position   Kaufman Hall is seeking a strategic, relationship-oriented Manager, External Events to design and deliver external engagement programs that strengthen the firm’s brand, deepen client relationships, and advance business development across healthcare and consulting markets.    Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this role will translate firm priorities into targeted events and external engagement opportunities. The Manager, External Events will lead strategy, planning, execution, follow-up, and measurement in partnership with practice leaders, marketing, business development, communications, consultants, and external vendors.    Key Responsibilities   Develop and manage an annual external events strategy and calendar aligned to firmwide business   objectives , priority audiences, and growth opportunities.   I n   partnership with the   Thought L e adership   sponsor and Talent team ,   maintain   a   roster of active speakers ,   expertise   areas,   and   priority   speaking topics to   identify   the strongest alignment between   speakers,   audiences, venues , and   firm   strategy .   Partner with practice leaders and business development teams to define event   objectives , target   audiences,   success measures , and   desired follow-up .   Use   market trends, competitor activity, client needs, and firm   priorities to recommend event formats,   sponsorships , and engagement   approaches .   Lead end-to-end event planning and execution, including timelines, budgets, venue   selection , registration, invitations, agendas, speakers, travel, catering, audiovisual needs, branding, and on-site   logistics .   Coordinate Kaufman   Hall’s   participation in external conferences and industry events, including   sponsorships , speaking opportunities,   attendee engagement,   and post-event   follow-up .   Manage relationships   with   conference organizers   and other   external partners   Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop event messaging, promotional materials, invitations, speaker communications, social content, and post-event follow-up.   Support   executive and client engagement events that create meaningful opportunities for relationship-building and business development.   Prepare briefing materials, run-of-show documents, speaker guidance, attendee lists, staffing plans, and other materials needed for successful execution.   Establish consistent event planning processes, templates, tools, and standards across Kaufman Hall.    Manage event budgets, track expenses, process invoices, and provide regular reporting on costs, attendance, engagement, and outcomes.    Evaluate event performance and provide data-informed recommendations to improve future investments, formats, sponsorships, audiences, and outcomes.    Maintain accurate records of event contacts, attendance, commitments, and follow-up activities in partnership with business development and marketing teams.    Coordinate cross-functional planning meetings and ensure owners are aligned on deliverables, deadlines, and decisions.    Anticipate risks and resolve issues quickly and professionally before and during events.    Ensure events reflect Kaufman Hall’s brand, client-service standards, and commitment to an inclusive and professional experience.    Qualifications   The ideal candidate will possess :   Bachelor’s degree in event management, marketing, communications, business, hospitality, or a related field.    5 or more years of experience managing corporate, client, industry, or professional services events.    Demonstrated experience managing multiple events simultaneously from concept through completion.    Strong project management, organizational, budgeting, and vendor-management skills.    Experience supporting executive-level, client-facing, or high-visibility events.    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional partners.    Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.    Proficiency with Microsoft Office and event registration, project management, or collaboration tools.    Ability to work in the Chicago office 3 days per week and travel or work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.    Applicants for employment must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States and with Kaufman Hall (i.e., H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN visa or