Senior Meeting and Event Planner

Job Description

You could be the one who changes everything for our 28 million members. Centene is transforming the health of our communities, one person at a time. As a diversified, national organization, you’ll have access to competitive benefits including a fresh perspective on workplace flexibility.

Position Purpose : Responsible for the creative design, consultation and project management for the planning of meetings, conferences, incentive events, award programs, and trade shows for internal and external stakeholders.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop program strategy, goals and agendas. Recommend appropriate format, content and directions for programs. Evaluate event programs for strategic fit and advises clients on participation
• Provide overall program execution, by overseeing project managers or planning teams. Supervise the development and implementation of projects plans. Facilitate client and contract planner interface
• Manage and review site and event selection process by researching locations, developing and analyzing requests for proposals and completing comparison reports
• Supervises identifying sources, developing requests for proposals (RFPs) and the negotiations of complex contracts with outside vendors to make program arrangements as needed (e.g. hotels, destination management companies, special venues, attractions, restaurants, speakers exhibit houses, etc.). Manages relationships with contractors, suppliers and vendors to meet goals
• Review all program related contracts to reduce risks and liabilities
• Create long-term goals, strategies and procedures for meetings and events department
• Lead the department transition from in-house meeting planners to outsource contract planners. Continually monitor and evaluate the needs and requirements to meet company goals and objectives
• Oversee project managers to ensure the successful planning and management of function space, audio-visuals, and food / beverage requirements for programs
• Develop standard safety plans and emergency protocols for event programs
• Monitor industry trends and recent developments to implement cutting edge education, training tools, and methods to improve quality of programs
• Create and design follow up measurements to assess effectiveness of programs. Measure, analyze data, and make recommendations for continuous improvement for programs and project manager effectiveness and capabilities
• Develop and track meeting and events department budget and program budgets. Coordinate and report financial requirements including deposit schedules, budgets, reconciliation, and tax and fringe benefits. Review financial information for accuracy and report on cost savings. Strive to continually improve cost / benefit ratios
• Manage department’s database system to keep track of programs, budgets and required documentation.
• Write comprehensive business plans for community sponsorship programs and manage the organization of related activities
• Ensure integration and coordination with communications and / or marketing groups for design and creation of themes, artwork, marketing collateral, registration / invitation materials, signage, executive scripts, etc. to maintain consistency of messages
• Coordinate the development of executive scripts and talking points, creating or reviewing PowerPoint slides for programs if necessary

Education / Experience : Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Hospitality, Marketing, or related field or equivalent experience. 5+ years of corporate meeting planning experience on a national scale.

License / Certification :

CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) or CMM (Certified Meeting Manager) designation preferred.

Pay Range : $68,700 - $123,700

Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including : competitive pay, health insurance, 401K and stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off plus holidays, and a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law, including full-time or part-time status. Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives. Benefits may be subject to program eligibility.

Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act