PERA Event Strategist 1, 2 or Senior

Requisition ID : 19176

Join us in building a better future for Arizona!

SRP is one of the largest public power and water utilities in the U.S. providing electricity to approximately one million customers in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Since its founding in 1903, SRP has fostered a culture of stewardship and customer service consistently ranking as an industry leader in customer service according to J.D. Power and named one of Arizona's best employers by Forbes. SRP continues to adapt to its changing business environment by seeking innovative ways to reimagine utility service and the provision of critical resources essential to the life and economy of Arizona.

Why Work at SRP

At SRP, we foster an inclusive work environment and believe everyone should have a fair chance to work, regardless of who they are. That’s why we value teams with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to help SRP deliver on its mission of providing reliable, affordable and sustainable water and power.

SRP's success is rooted in our employees' happiness, health, and safety. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and enhance their well-being. In addition to competitive pay and performance incentives, eligible employees can take advantage of the following benefits:

• Pension Plan (at no cost to the employee)
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Available your first day: Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
• Over 200+ hours of PTO (includes vacation days, holidays, floating holidays, and sick leave)
• Parental leave (up to 4 weeks) and adoption assistance
• Wellness programs (including access to a recreation and fitness facility)
• Short and long-term disability plans
• Tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate programs
• 10 Employee Resource Groups for career development, community service, and networking

Summary

As an SRP employee, you will ensure the seamless execution of events, including corporate meetings, community events and social events, from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up. You will be the primary point of contact for clients, vendors, and meeting planners at the PERA Conference Center. You will work closely with internal teams to coordinate all aspects of event planning and execution, ensuring exceptional experiences for all attendees.

What You'll Do

• Event Planning: Develop detailed event plans, including timelines, layouts, and technical specifications. Coordinate with internal departments and external vendors to ensure all aspects of the event are meticulously planned and executed.
• Vendor Management: Source and negotiate contracts with external vendors, including rentals, decorators, florists, and entertainment providers. Coordinate vendor activities and ensure all services meet the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
• Logistics Coordination: Oversee event logistics, including equipment rentals, transportation, signage, and guest accommodations. Anticipate and resolve logistical challenges to ensure smooth event execution.
• On-Site Management: Serve as the main point of contact during events, overseeing setup, coordinating vendor activities, and addressing any issues that arise. Ensure the event runs according to plan and that clients and guests receive exceptional service throughout by providing solutions to a variety of complex technical and business matters.
• Client Consultation: Meet with clients to understand their event requirements, including purpose, budget, preferred dates, and special requests. Provide expert guidance and recommendations to help clients achieve their event objectives.
• Venue Coordination: Manage venue bookings and availability, ensuring optimal utilization of space. Collaborate with venue staff to schedule setups, catering, audio-visual equipment, and other logistical requirements.
• Client Communication: Maintain regular communication with clients to provide updates on event planning progress, address any concerns or changes, and ensure client satisfaction. Act as a trusted advisor, offering expert advice and solutions to enhance the event experience.
• Budget Administration: Manage event budgets, track expenses, and provide accurate cost estimates to clients. Identify cost-saving opportunities and negotiate pricing with vendors to maximize value for clients.

What It Takes To Succeed

• Prefer completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution that prepares the employee for the assignment, including Hospitality Management, Event Planning, or related field preferred.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients, vendors, and colleagues.
• Experience working cross functionally in a mid to large sized organization while building trust and fostering collaboration.
• Must be passionate about creating memorable events and thrive in a dynamic, client-focused environment
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Able to think strategically and creatively, with a willingness to “roll up your sleeves” to ensure flawless execution of events.
• Advanced computer proficiency in Microsoft Office suite. Prior experience with event management registration system, EventPro.
• Flexible schedule, including availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift, carry, and move up to 40 lbs.

Experience

• For a Level 1 (Associate), a minimum of no previous years of experience to two years related experience is required (if no degree, four-six years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience totaling four-six years).

• For a Level 2 (Journey), a minimum of two years of experience to four years related experience is required (if no degree, six-eight years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience totaling six-eight years).

• For a Level 3 (Senior), a minimum of five years of related experience is required (if no degree, nine years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience totaling nine years).

Education

A bachelor’s degree related to the assignment from an accredited institution is preferred.

Hybrid Workplace

SRP currently offers a hybrid workplace, which allows employees whose jobs can be performed remotely, and who have sufficient technical capability, to telework up to three days per week. Although teleworking is available, all employees must live and work in Arizona.

Drug/Alcohol Policy Statement

To promote the safety and well-being of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve, SRP is committed to maintaining a drug/alcohol free work environment. Although marijuana may now be legal in Arizona, except as otherwise specified under Arizona law, SRP considers it to be an illegal drug for the purpose of our drug/alcohol policy because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Any candidate found to be impaired during the hiring process or who has the presence of an illegal drug or unauthorized substance in their system during the pre-employment drug/alcohol test may be disqualified from further consideration in the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Salt River Project (SRP) is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local law.

Work Authorization

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Currently, SRP does not sponsor H1B visas, OPT, or other employment-related visa's.