Project Manager, Portfolio Specialist (Event experience)

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services. For 30 years, we have utilized three flexible delivery models: Embedded teams, Corporate Campus operations, and a Full-Service Agency.

Managing over 37,000 events & projects annually across 110 countries, FIRST serves 130+ brands, specializing in Fortune 500 companies within the Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Media, and Professional Services sectors. FIRST is part of the broader Encore family of companies. Encore is a global leader in event production and technology.

Consistently recognized for excellence, recent honors include 2026 Chief Marketer Agency of the Year, the Ad Net Zero Award for sustainability, and more.

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid) Must reside in the tri-state area to be able to go into office 3 days a week, subject to change.

What You Would Get To Do

The Project Manager, Portfolio Specialist will play a pivotal role in delivering high-touch hospitality experiences for the Investment Banking Division of a major financial institution. Acting as the primary point of contact for executive-level dining and event arrangements, this individual will curate and manage high-end dining experiences, cultivate relationships with top-tier restaurants, and ensure seamless execution for senior banking executives and VIP clients.

This role requires an understanding of luxury hospitality, strong relationship management skills, and the ability to anticipate and deliver white-glove service in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Your Contributions

Concierge & Event Management

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• Plan, coordinate, and execute intimate, high-end dining experiences and events for C-suite executives and VIP clients, ensuring flawless service and attention to detail.

• Oversee the full event lifecycle, including venue sourcing, contract negotiation, logistics planning, guest management, and budget reconciliation.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with top-tier restaurants and hospitality partners to secure priority reservations, exclusive access, and VIP experiences.

• Work closely with internal banking stakeholders to align dining and event experiences with business objectives, client engagement strategies, and relationship-building goals.

• Conduct site visits, evaluate new and existing venues, negotiate partnerships, and stay informed on hospitality trends to enhance event offerings.

• Secure tickets for premium entertainment experiences through direct contacts, brokers, or concierge services, ensuring seamless booking, budget approval, and reconciliation.

• Prepare detailed client briefings for every dinner and event, track attendees, and maintain a database of concierge activity, integrating insights with broader marketing and event initiatives.

• Manage and mentor a team, which may include up to 5 direct reports. Management responsibilities, if applicable as not all Project Manager, Portfolio Specialist have people management responsibilities, include:

• Managing vacation schedules for direct reports ensuring coverage for the client at all times including providing coverage when team members are out of the office on vacation or for an event

• Oversee workload of the team ensuring day to day understanding of capacity/pressure points

• Management of staffing assignments considering individual team members capacities and capabilities

• Management of personal development reviews for direct reports

• Lead and motivate direct reports, encouraging a productive and positive atmosphere

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

• Travel up to 40% may be required

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. Please contact [email protected] if you need accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.

• 5-7+ years in event management, corporate hospitality, or luxury concierge services, ideally in the financial or corporate sector with exposure to C-suite executives.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications such as PowerPoint and Excel

• Experience with event management platforms (e.g., Cvent) to track attendees, budgets, and venue data for reporting and strategic planning.

• Strong network and established relationships within the fine dining and hospitality industry in major cities; knowledge of key restaurants in global financial hubs is a plus.

• Exceptional ability to build and maintain partnerships with high-end venues, vendors, and executive clients.

• Ability to manage multiple high-touch requests simultaneously while maintaining precision and discretion.

• Willingness to work outside traditional business hours to accommodate executive schedules, and a fast paced environment.

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

• 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.

United States Residents: The base pay for this position ranges from $86,000 - $112,000. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

#LI-KM1 #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.