Event Planner

Steppe Solutions is a full-service event production company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We work with clients from event conception through event day– identifying the vision, strategizing, implementing a planning timeline, facilitating the planning process, contracting with vendors, managing budgets, and providing on-site staffing.

Steppe Solutions has an excellent reputation for producing exceptional, complex, high-profile events. We are known for being a very engaged partner with our clients, with a focus on customer service, creative ideas, professionalism, and remarkable attention to detail. We are positive solution seekers, we build strong relationships with our clients and vendors, and we remain unflappable under pressure.

Steppe Solutions seeks an experienced, energetic, team-focused individual with a professional, solution-oriented approach to join our growing team as an Event Planner. Preferably this individual resides in southeastern Michigan.

The Event Planner will lead the process of working with clients to strategically engineer events and oversee all components through event execution. This position serves as the central point of contact in coordinating logistics – working closely with client teams, vendors, sponsors, and third-party contractors such as audiovisual companies, graphic and web designers.

The individual who joins our team will serve as the central point of contact on behalf of our clients with vendors, sponsors, and guests. To that end, the candidate for this position should possess, and have demonstrated experience in the following:

• Outstanding attention to detail
• Very strong organizational skills
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Outstanding customer service and positive attitude with a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people
• Ability to make independent decisions and problem solve, as well as work collaboratively, and be able to provide progress updates on a regular basis
• A calm, competent approach in high-pressure, fast-paced situations
• Exceptional ability to handle a work environment that ebbs and flows; manage and prioritize a long to-do list; adapt and respond to various tasks across projects that require attention simultaneously, with multiple and sometimes changing deadlines and priorities
• Solid knowledge and experience working in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• 3 years in event planning, or related experience

The Event Planner will be expected to:

• Comfortably work independently and drive the planning process, while providing regular progress updates to Steppe Solutions leadership and clients.
• Collaborate closely with clients and their internal teams consisting of directors, committees, event and marketing teams, among others
• Be the central contact with all vendors associated with each event
• Create and implement a planning timeline and produce a comprehensive minute by minute run of show for each event
• Participate in weekly internal team meetings and other team and individual meetings as needed
• Produce agendas and lead client meetings
• Build and maintain budgets and track expenses
• Respond with flexibility and creativity to changing needs as directed by the client, venue, and/or budget
• Provide excellent on-site leadership during events
• Travel for both regional and national events, including site-visits, client meetings and events

Applicants should understand:

• All team members are paid an hourly wage. Paychecks are issued monthly.
• Steppe Solutions does not have a physical office space – all team members work remotely. Team members are expected to have a designated work space that is devoid of distractions, with no background noise during phone calls.
• Team members provide their own equipment including a computer, printer, phone, etc.
• A new team member will start out at approximately 10-15 hours weekly; increasing to 25-30 hours per week within the first few months as proficiencies are achieved.
• Given the nature of events, this position requires flexible availability, including some early morning and evening events, occasional weekend events, and extended travel of up to four days for national events.
• A one-month, three-month, and 6-month assessment will be scheduled to review level of competency.

Interested applicants are requested to please submit a cover letter and resume, with three references.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $32.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Events management: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person