Associate Project Manager (Professional Development Program) (Events experience)

Building a Brand Starts with a Story

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency serving clients in various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being listed among the 2025 Most Innovative Marketing Agencies of the Year by Chief Marketer, named Top Agency of the Year 2024 by Event Marketer, highlighted as a Global Agency of the Year, over 100 Employees by C&IT, and listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2024, 2023, & 2022 by Chief Marketer.

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid 3- 4 days per week in-office)

What You Would Get To Do

As an Associate Project Manager, you will join FIRST through a professional development program designed for early-career talent with a minimum of two years of experience. The program begins with a four-week immersive training covering the full life cycle of event management. After training, you will be assigned to a client account, with rotations occurring at the end of each assignment based on organizational needs.

In this role, you will contribute to a range of client accounts on a rotational basis, supporting the planning and delivery of virtual, in-person, and hybrid experiences from internal programs to client facing activations such as conferences, hospitality events, thought leadership forums, sporting engagements, and cultural initiatives. You will uphold FIRST’s standard of excellence by providing strong project coordination and practical, creative solutions. This position requires agility, professionalism, and collaboration as you work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to bring events and experiences to life.

Your Contributions

• Independent full life cycle planning and execution of multiple key in-person or digital/virtual events

• Virtual event planning and project management, including confirming the appropriate virtual platform, creation of timelines, invitation process, thorough and regular communications to attendees, suppliers and stakeholders

• Financial management, including: budget development and management, expense management and invoice processing, timely post meeting reconciliation and final financial reporting

• Sourcing, negotiating and managing site selections, contract management for venues and suppliers

• Coordinate registration, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, gift selection, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging and speaker selection for all programs; strong focus on vendor management

• Work with the team to ensure adherence to the client’s standards of operation and policies; ensure compliance and risk guidelines are followed

• Travel (when applicable, approximately 20-60% annually) for site inspections and on-site management of live events to ensure full coordination of logistics and on-site teams for in-person events

• Post event wrap up including final attendees, budget reconciliation, observations, as well as client debriefs for year over year improvements

• Co-plan with colleagues and the client on larger scale programs; strong team player

• Share knowledge of best practices, new suppliers, services and venues

• Deepen relations with existing clients and maximize on all opportunities to generate new business

What We Are Looking For

Please be aware that we know experience does not always look like we describe it. If you believe you would be an excellent fit for this role, please apply - we would love to see how you could fit at FIRST.

• 2 – 4 years event management experience

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred

• Experience working with large and complex databases preferred, Cvent experience preferred

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Suite

• Motivated, self-starter, ability to work independently and project plan; ability to think innovatively

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; proven ability to work well under pressure to meet established deadlines

• Virtual event experience preferred – Zoom experience is a plus

• Resourceful individual with the ability to take direction and work independently; be proactive with ideas and creative solutions

• Customer focus, approachable; ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their programs; adapt to ever changing demands and different client work styles

• Ambitious, proactive and highly organized

• Willing to travel to various locations for site-visits and on-site management of events

General

• Work intelligently and ensure that the Team Lead is aware of problems or issues which negatively affect productivity

• Flexible and willing to work outside of core working hours (evenings, weekends) and travel to faciliate events

United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $65,000 - $75,000. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Please note the national salary range listed in the job posting reflects the new hire salary range across various U.S. locations that would be applicable to the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

At FIRST, we believe that our success is driven by the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams. That's why we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your personal and professional growth:

• Medical, Dental & Vision which includes the option of a high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA)

• 401 (k)

• Five Flexible Spending Accounts Options

• Generous Paid Time Off Allowance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Life, Disability & Pet Coverages

• Wellness Stipend

• Mobile Phone Allowance

• Complimentary access to Headspace, Teladoc, Maven, Rocket Lawyer, Mobilo & more

• Aura Identity Theft Protection

• Discretionary Bonus Structure

• Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.

LI-KM3

#LI-Hybrid

FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.