Programs and Events Manager

One of the state’s largest and most active chambers of commerce is seeking a dynamic and motivated Programs and Events Manager who is eager to learn and grow within our organization. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop skills in event planning, marketing, and community engagement. You will collaborate closely with our team, members, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners to execute a diverse calendar of 70+ annual programs and events, including networking opportunities, webinars, forums, fundraisers, and community gatherings.

The ideal candidate excels juggling multiple priorities and projects, thrives in a collaborative environment and brings creativity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and exceptional organizational skills to their work. Workdays are an ever-changing mix that includes working with hosts, vendors, and sponsors, assisting with coordination among speakers and presenters, managing event registrations and internal systems, drafting and implementing marketing collateral and communications strategies, and directing on-site logistics at events.

Reports to: VP, Operations

Key Responsibilities:

Event Planning and Execution: Venue selection, coordination with hosts, vendor coordination, manage event budgets, timelines, and marketing schedules, lead event setup and on-site management.

Sponsorship and Member Engagement: Cultivate relationships with member businesses, nonprofits and community stakeholders to source host venues and enhance program offerings. Manage sponsorship deliverables and communication, work with volunteers, committees and the chamber team to develop programs to engage and grow membership across demographics, industries and interests.

Marketing and Communications: Assist with development of promotional materials and communications for events, both written descriptions and visual media. Manage event promotion through social media, email, website marketing, and community resources. Broaden visibility for programs and events via local media outlets.

Administrative and Operational Support: Manage event registration processes, including setup, guest lists, webinar facilitation and post-event follow-up. Use chamber systems (i.e. GrowthZone CRM, MailChimp, Zoom and Google Apps) to maintain organizational efficiency and accuracy.

Preferred Skills:

• Creative, collaborative team player with a strong willingness to learn, adapt, and grow in a dynamic environment
• Self-motivated, strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Tech-savy, problem solver, experience with database, CRM or event planning systems, Canva/basic graphic design and social media platforms.

Additional Expectations

• This position is full-time, non-exempt, with annual compensation range of $50,000-65,000; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. Includes medical, dental and 401K.
• Typical schedule is M-F standard business hours but you must have availability to work occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends to support events. Most of your work will be onsite at our chamber offices in Needham, or at event locations, with flexibility for some remote work.
• Ability to travel locally to event venues and member sites.

About the Charles River Regional Chamber

The Charles River Regional Chamber is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization funded by memberships, sponsorships, programming revenue and advertising. Through education, advocacy and networking we support businesses and nonprofits of all sizes and in all economic sectors in Newton, Needham, Watertown, Wellesley and throughout Boston’s inner Western suburbs.