Sr. Events Associate to lead the end-to-end management of the annual asset management events program - 88281

Duration: ~16 months (Possibility of Extension)

Location: Downtown Toronto (4 days in office, 1 day remote)

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri -9-5 (7.5 working hours per day, 30 min lunch)

Interview Process: 2 rounds- virtual and in person

Job Description

Seeking an entrepreneurial self starter with exceptional attention to detail and people skills to lead the end-to-end management of the annual asset management events program. The events will be a combination of large and small scale as well as in person and virtual and are held to promote the lineup of Global Asset Management investment products and to support the building of relationships between sales people and their clients/advisors. This role will be responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation/delivery of distribution events to promote consistent and exceptional client and advisor experiences. You will evaluate and deliver/improve operational processes as part of the ongoing management of events to optimize operational performance and the sales/client/advisor experience. You will provide subject matter expertise in the marketing specialization from an operational perspective, offering decision support including information, expertise, advice and recommendations on opportunities and exposures. You will monitor and track performance against plans, forecasts, initiatives and objectives, escalating issues as required. You will be responsible for managing the full events program including optimizing the sequencing of events and for the end to end planning and execution of individual events including analyzing success metrics to make future event recommendations to senior sales leaders and their teams. This role reports to the Lead, Distribution Support and will be expected to work from the office 4 days per week. 15-20% travel is required for this role.

Qualifications:

• Recommends solutions based on analysis of issues and implications for the business.

• Helps determine best sequence of events execution based on business strategic priorities.

• Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations.

• Employs systems (e.g. customized exception reports, tracking reports etc.) to manage information.

• Integrates information from multiple sources to enable more efficient processes, enhanced analysis and/or streamlined reporting.

• Supports the development and promotion of a business/group event

• Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders and ensures alignment as required.

• Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.

• Participates/leads in the design, development, implementation, and management of core processes related to event planning including building invitations and registrations sites.

• Performs program/process reviews, monitors and tracks performance, and conducts quality reviews to confirm compliance with standards and identify gaps or issues.

• Develops/maintains comprehensive information management systems; designs/contributes to initiatives to improve processes, analysis and reporting.

• Understands industry trends, provides insights, and makes recommendations/enhancements as required.

• Focus is primarily on business/group within the bank; may have broader, enterprise-wide focus.

• Exercises judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within given rules.

• Works independently on a range of complex tasks, which may include unique situations.

• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.

• Ability to manage through ambiguity and subject matters where you may have limited knowledge

Must Have Skills:

• 7+ years of relevant experience planning large scale events/Asset management within a FI/banking environment.

• Event Experience in Capital Markets, promoting investment products

• Experience using Cvent, Formsite and other event planning tools/websites

• Experience or knowledge of investment industry including regulatory requirements

• Degree/diploma in marketing, advertising or communications preferred

• Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth. Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, compelling manner

• Collaboration & team skills - In-depth.

• Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth.

• Influence skills - In-depth.

• Data driven decision making - In-depth.

• Experience working with external marketing agencies

• Experience working with multiple departments including sales, marketing, compliance and data

• PC skills - MS Office Suite and Webinar Software

• Exceptional people skills required along with a strong work ethic and ability to adapt to frequent changes

• Attention to detail and process driven

• Good time management and organizational skills

• Project management: strong cross-functional project management/implementation skills, Extraordinary attention to detail and organizational skills

• Leadership: proven ability to persuade others and obtain buy-in from stakeholders, ability to build strong cross functional working relationships with Senior Leadership

• Content development/ idea generation: Strong critical thinking and demonstrated ability to create initiatives that drive sales initiatives

• Measurement: ability to set measureable initiative targets and evaluate the success of initiatives.

• Comfort with ambiguity: able to integrate diverse thinking and assimilate information to deliver impactful value add events

• Fast learner, able to adapt to new challenges

• Highly motivated, proactive and adaptable

• Extremely high level of professionalism with an ability to work effectively without supervision

• Capable of multi-tasking, prioritizing and managing tight timelines

Key Accountabilities

Strategy - 10%

Identify opportunities for enhanced events program and optimized events based on greatest return on investment

Planning - 45%

Create and manage integrated project plans for GAM events from inception through follow-up and evaluation. Develop and manage the various calendars of sales activities and events for assigned sales channel(s): training, sponsorships, client events, PM road dates, national roadshows/Due Diligence events, webcasts. Assist in the development of theme, agenda and guest speakers for internal and external events. Contribute copy and copy editing for marketing materials and registration site. Project manage activities amongst the following centres of excellence (if applicable):

• Sales leadership (all channels and head of distribution) for sales activity management and engagement

• Executive team - key sponsorship opportunities and execution

• Finance (for expense management)

• Legal and Compliance (to stay within regulatory controls)

• Digital Team for Communications and engagement reporting

• Product and investments (product focus, PM presentations, manager speaking points)

• Marketing and PR (messaging and promotion)

• Event Based Marketing team (planning/logistics/onsite management)

Manage stakeholder relationships as they pertain to assigned events/meetings and deal with individuals at all levels of the organization.

Implementation - 35%

Manage the event or Event Based Marketing to ensure flawless execution of venue, food + beverage, registration and overall program production on-site. Ability to travel internationally as well as domestically 15-20%. Vendor management and contract negotiation (Venues, AV, etc).

Understand event industry trends and best practices and consistently look for ways to deliver exceptional and unique experiences cost effectively

Maintain appropriate audit controls, reconcile invoices and investigate/escalate for payment resolution with internal partners (AP/Finance). Lead event run-throughs and ensure the appropriate collateral (signage, materials) and promotional merchandise are allocated.

Measurement - 10%

Conduct impact assessments of each event (did the event do what we expected it to do? Attendee evaluation, sales impact, debrief, forward looking approach. Develop efficacy reports and recommend enhancements for future initiatives.

Authorities

To deliver on these accountabilities, the incumbent must have the following authorities:

1. Recommend optimal activities to achieve desired results.

2. Advise Immediate Manager, LOB colleagues and other team members on critical timelines, costs which may impact budgets, recommend design and copy.

3. Monitoring - review materials and provide stakeholders with suggestions and recommendations and make changes to agreed-to standards without the approval of Immediate Manager.

4. Review the work of a graphic designer and materials developed from external suppliers to ensure the work meets standards. If not, has the authority to request changes.

5. Prescribe - has the authority to question current work processes and recommend alternatives.

Scope and Impact

Event budget: $1.5-$2.6Million.

Support annual sales targets for assigned channel(s): $3+Billion as well as gross sales target: ~$11 Billion

Customers impacted: ~4,000 event attendees annually

Cross Functional Relationships

This role works closely with the following groups to deliver impactful events that drive sales. Must understand sales culture and the nuances of various distribution channels that GAM sells through and the desired client experience: intermediary, institutional, national accounts etc.

Compliance/legal department

Sales teams

Product and Product Support

Investment Teams

Marketing

Digital Team

External suppliers (such as: Print suppliers, Content suppliers).

Corp E-Business

Translation

Corporate Creative Services

Events Based Marketing

Finance