Lead Events Specialist

Overview

Location: Remote

Job Type: Full-Time

Annual Salary Range: $35 to $55 per hour

Job Posting Estimated Close Date: 2/20/2025

Security Clearance: Must possess a Secret or Top Secret (TS/SCI) clearance

INTECON, LLC is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Lead Events Specialist to support AFWERX's Strategic Communications and Events Team. This role is responsible for coordinating, planning, and managing specialized events and high-profile engagements that advance the AFWERX mission to accelerate technology transition. The selected candidate will work closely with government, industry, and academic stakeholders to ensure seamless event execution, adherence to military protocol, and strategic alignment with AFWERX objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Lead Events Specialist will:

• Plan and manage high-profile engagements and events with government, industry, and academia stakeholders, from concept development to post-event analysis.
• Oversee all logistical aspects of events, including venue selection, equipment rentals, transportation, accommodations, catering, audio-visual setup, and on-site coordination.
• Develop detailed event timelines and schedules, assigning responsibilities to ensure seamless execution and adherence to deadlines.
• Ensure that all events align with AFWERX/SpaceWERX branding, messaging, and communication strategy, maintaining consistency across all engagement platforms.
• Provide on-site event management, overseeing event staff, ensuring event flow, and troubleshooting any logistical challenges.
• Manage event budgets, including cost estimation, tracking, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with government funding guidelines.
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers, securing services and ensuring timely delivery of event-related goods and services.
• Collaborate with AFWERX leadership, event points of contact, and the Strategic Communications Team to promote events and drive participation through targeted outreach and communication strategies.
• Ensure adherence to military protocol, traditions, and etiquette during official ceremonies and events, providing guidance to participants to maintain professional standards.
• Participate in planning discussions and strategy meetings, providing tactical and strategic insights to enhance event success and mission alignment.
• Identify risks associated with event execution, develop contingency plans, and coordinate with safety officers to implement risk-mitigation measures.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, gathering participant feedback and performance metrics to assess event effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Maintain and update the event schedule database, ensuring accurate records and proactive planning for upcoming events.
• Research and integrate emerging event technologies, including virtual and hybrid event solutions, to enhance engagement and accessibility.
• Travel as required to support AFWERX events, engagements, and strategic initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned, ensuring mission-critical event coordination and execution.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred in Organizational Management, Business Administration (MBA), Strategic Management, or Advanced Event Planning.

Experience

• 8+ years of experience in event planning, program coordination, or strategic engagement, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership role managing cross-functional event teams.
• Proven experience managing complex, large-scale events, including conferences, trade shows, corporate summits, and government engagements.
• Experience planning virtual or hybrid events, leveraging digital engagement tools to maximize participation.
• Familiarity with government, Department of Defense (DoD), and Department of the Air Force (DAF) event management standards.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills, capable of managing multiple high-priority events simultaneously.
• Budget management experience, including cost estimation, expenditure tracking, and financial optimization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and experience in AP style writing (preferred).
• Experience coordinating VIP engagements, protocol management, and executive-level event planning.
• Experience leveraging project management tools (Jira, Asana, Trello, Monday.com) for event logistics and team coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams) and Google Workspace.
• Ability to work autonomously in a dispersed, remote organization, ensuring collaborative coordination across geographically separated teams.
• Strong ability to adapt to high-pressure situations, demonstrating effective problem-solving and crisis management.
• Travel is required to support high-profile AFWERX events and engagements.

Certifications and Training

Preferred certifications:

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
• Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP)
• Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) (preferred but not required)

Proficiency in:

• Event management platforms (Cvent, Eventbrite, Bizzabo, Zoom Events)
• Project management tools (Jira, Asana, Trello, Monday.com)
• Social media engagement tools for event promotion
• Customer relationship management (CRM) platforms for stakeholder tracking

Specialized Training in:

• Government and DoD event planning and protocol management
• Risk assessment and contingency planning for event operations
• Hybrid and virtual event technologies

Security Clearance

Active Secret Clearance required, with the ability to obtain Top Secret (TS/SCI) if needed.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Group Health Plans (Medical, Dental, and Vision) coverage.
• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Supplemental Plans Available.
• Company-paid Training and Development Programs.
• Generous Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, and Sick Leave.
• 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match.
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

About INTECON:

INTECON (Integrity Consulting), founded in 1999, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aspetto, Inc. Aspetto is a leading product and technology firm known for its strategic enterprise life-cycle support. With expertise in the acquisition, design, deployment, and sustainment of Federal and DoD tech and tactical systems, Aspetto has made a significant impact since its inception in 2008.

As an 8(a), HUBZone, and ISO 9001:2015 certified company, and a three-time INC.5000 awardee, Aspetto offers an impressive range of capabilities, including Enterprise IT & Cloud-Based Technologies, Software Development & Cybersecurity, Data & Analytics, Intelligence & Professional Services, Logistics, and Tactical Equipment. Together, Aspetto and INTECON strive to drive innovation, preserve quality standards, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our nation's security. Our client-centric approach prioritizes innovative, responsive solutions that consistently exceed expectations.

INTECON is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity. We firmly uphold the principle of Equal Pay for Equal Work, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, eligible veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.