Senior Event Planner

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you'll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Manager, Events Sun Life Financial Distribution (SFLD), the Senior Event Planner will be responsible for managing and executing a variety of high-quality meetings and events from end-to-end. This includes the event design, planning, execution and post-event analysis of advisor and employee experiences for in-person and virtual events. With a knowledge of the latest event technologies and trends, the Senior Event Planner focuses on delivering impactful interactions before, during and after in-person or virtual events, leaving participants with positive and lasting experiences.

An important component of this role includes building trust and alliances with stakeholders and sponsors in developing meetings that align with SLFD's business objectives.

Travel:

• Up to 10-15% travel may be required

• Must live within 150 kms of an international airport

• Must have a valid passport and the ability to travel

What you will do:

• Lead the project management, planning and execution of events with medium to high complexity such as international events, national kick-offs, roadshows, educational conferences, and other multi-day meetings

• Lead project team members and use diplomacy and tact to resolve difficult situations

• Role can be responsible for any aspect of an event including project management, budget management, creative ideation, travel, gift selection, food and beverage management, seating plans, room assignments, travel manifests (air, ground and hotel)

• Collaborate closely with Recognition and Creative & Communications teams on website development, registration, creative and communications tactics, qualifier lists, award winners, etc.

• Source, contract and manage vendors including destination management companies, venues, translation companies, keynote speakers, graphic designers, and promotional items

• Incorporate innovative ways to involve and interact with our audiences, cultivating memorable and enduring experiences

• In conjunction with business partners, develop business agendas that motivate, inspire, connect and educates attendees; develop key messages and themes; leverage industry network to recommend external speakers who can help drive business results through engaging presentations

• Destination research, recommend, and source domestic and international hotel properties and venues

• Ensure exceptional performance of operations, strategy, creative execution and effectiveness of all events

• Develop and manage the detailed project schedule and milestone checkpoints

• Assist with the design, creation and implementation of marketing and communications strategies for all events

• Adhere to company policies and industry best practices for the event planning processes, pre, during and post-events

• Manage complex project budgets including approval, and forecasting processes for events; identify opportunities for savings

• Risk management/mitigation at sponsored events and activities

• Accountable for the preparation of monthly budget, CE accreditation and taxation reports

• Commitment to continuous improvement with the aim of making processes as efficient as possible, while delivering quality results

• Assist with the creation of processes and procedures documentation

What you need to succeed:

• 10 or more years' experience leading/assisting with multi-faceted events both virtually and in person

• 5 or more years' experience leading international events

• Fluency in MS Office Suite of tools (Word, Power Point)

• Advance technological abilities including Excel skills

• A university degree or college diploma in a related field

• Ability to build strong business relationships in order to challenge the status quo to develop and execute creative and innovative experiences

• Ability to influence executive stakeholders and partners on business decisions

• Ability to interpret internal and external business issues and recommend best practices based on industry knowledge and experience

• Interpersonal, leadership, budget management, project management and analytical skills

• Presentation, facilitation, interpersonal and coaching skills

• Knowledge of industry-related contracts and terminology (e.g. hotels, venues, speakers, DMCs, etc.)

• Experience with marketing and communications strategies for virtual and in-person events

• Problem-solving abilities

• Coping with change and ambiguity, not afraid to challenge the status quo or try new things

• Demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy, respect for business protocol

• Ability to assist in developing new processes, communication plans, documentation, and presentations

• Self-motivated with ability to work in a team environment with internal and external partners

• A knack to drive continuous improvement

• Agency experience in a similar function

• In-depth complex budget management experience

• Understanding of distribution channels

• Knowledge of tax legislation applicable to meetings

• Experience in meeting planning in the financial services industry

• Involvement in industry-related associations

Assets:

• Certified Meeting Professional designation

• Knowledge of CVent and Attendee Hub

Why join Sun Life:

• Being a member of the Sun Life family, a group of people united by our Purpose: to help Clients and Employees achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives

• A friendly, collaborative and inclusive culture

• A collaborative and interactive team environment

• Being part of our journey in developing the next greatest digital experience

• Working together, sharing common values and encouraging growth & achievement

• Eligible for overtime

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance. Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process or those needing job postings in an alternative format may e-mail a request to thebrightside@sunlife.com.

At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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