Ace Hardware is hiring: Event Content Manager in Oak Brook

The Event Content Manager drives the strategy and execution of Ace Hardware’s premier meetings and events. This role guides creative production and content development, including event themes, agendas, video and PowerPoint creation, visual identity, set design, speaker and entertainment selection, and overall planning. Collaborating with Executive Leadership, cross-functional teams, and agency partners, this role delivers events, content, and communications that align with business goals and engages Ace Retailers and Corporate Employees.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategize, develop, and lead high-profile live and virtual company events, including General Sessions, Leadership Conferences, internal employee events, and Town Halls.
2. Own end-to-end programming, from concept to execution, including agenda development, PowerPoint creation, video and content scripting, speaker sourcing, vendor coordination, and budget management to deliver “meeting excellence”.
3. Partner with the Director of Events & Internal Communications, executive leadership, and key business partners to translate complex business objectives into impactful experiences for internal and external audiences.
4. Manage and execute communications projects to support key business initiatives with responsibility for developing strategies and tactics to communicate to a broad range of internal audiences (retailer and employee).
5. Work collaboratively with in-house teams: Communications, PR/Media Relations, Travel/Conventions Team, Indirect Procurement, Marketing/Sales, etc. to prepare and manage event communications and planning.
6. Lead various aspects of event planning: speaker recruitment & management, vendor & speaker booking, budgeting, contract negotiation, meeting logistics, staffing coordination, presentation and materials support, on-site event management, and pre- & post-event communications, surveys and reporting.
7. Maintain a master calendar of key events to ensure adequate planning and optimal scheduling; identify and manage conflicts and timing issues; create event timelines for everyone involved and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Required Skills:

1. Bachelor’s degree in a job-related area
2. Min 7 years of communications, marketing, public relations or event planning experience.
3. Experience guiding strategy and overseeing execution of corporate communications.
4. Thorough knowledge of corporate communication, marketing and branding principles.
5. Knowledge of planning various types of events and professionally working with high-profile speakers, industry best-practices, and managing service providers, with a proven track record of producing high-quality events.
6. Understanding of creative workflow process including project initiation and kickoff, execution, approvals, production, proofing, tracking and archiving.
7. Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to identify communication opportunities.
8. Excellent organizational and project management skills with keen eye for detail.
9. Demonstrated ability to develop and leverage relationships; effectively influence and negotiate with internal partners.
10. Understanding of design principles and ability to partner with and inspire artists and copywriters. Collaborative attitude.
11. Experience with speech writing and speech coaching.
12. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
13. High level of professionalism, maturity, emotional intelligence and relationship building skills.
14. Willing and able to travel as needed for events, venue site visits, and video production shoots.
15. Ability to work in-person at the Ace Corporate office at least three days a week and for priority meetings with key stakeholders.

Compensation Details:

$117900 - $147100 per year

Why should you join our team?

We live our values - W.E.L.I.G.H.T (Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, and Teamwork). Gratitude. Humility. Love. You don’t often see values like these in most corporate statements, but Ace is different. These things are important to us. They represent our commitment to the company, our employees, to Ace retailers and to the Ace brand.

In addition to providing our employees a great culture, Ace also offers competitive benefits* that address life’s necessities and perks, many of which expand and improve year after year.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Ace Hardware Corporation is committed to a policy of promoting equal employment opportunities. The company recognizes the importance of diversity and leveraging the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization.

Disclaimer:
The pay range for this position starts as listed in the job posting, but could be higher based on education and experience. This written “Position Description” is not intended to cover all aspects of the position listed.

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