This role leads the planning and execution of teaching events for Ligonier Ministries, a nonprofit Christian ministry. The Event Manager will manage event deliverables such as venue sourcing, contract negotiations, budgets, travel coordination, and on-site leadership, while collaborating with internal stakeholders and supporting volunteers. The position is based in Sanford, Florida, with a hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of assigned events in alignment with ministry objectives
Manage key event deliverables, including venue sourcing, contract negotiations, site visits, budget development, food and lodging coordination, staff and speaker travel, and internal planning communications
Build and maintain event timelines, planning documents, run-of-show details, and project plans to ensure excellent execution
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define event goals, coordinate responsibilities, and achieve desired outcomes
Recruit, organize, train, and support volunteers for assigned events
Provide on-site leadership during event setup, execution, and breakdown
Manage vendor relationships to ensure contracts, service levels, and deliverables align with expectations and budget
Participate in and help lead post-event debriefs, capturing feedback and identifying opportunities to improve future events
Contribute to an event culture marked by hospitality, organization, flexibility, and service
For senior-level candidates: help strengthen team processes, planning standards, and best practices across event types

Requirements

Agreement with Ligonier Ministries’ Core Statement of Faith
Strong alignment with the mission of Ligonier Ministries and a desire to serve the church through excellent events and hospitality
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience
Event Manager: 2–5 years of relevant full-time experience in event planning, conference coordination, hospitality, or event operations
Senior Event Manager: 7+ years of relevant full-time experience leading complex conferences or events, including budget ownership, vendor negotiation, and cross-functional planning
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, moving parts, and deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to lead others well, delegate effectively, and work toward a unified goal
Ability to interact warmly, confidently, and professionally with ministry constituents, speakers, vendors, volunteers, and event participants
Sound judgment, composure under pressure, and flexibility when plans shift
Initiative and follow-through in managing projects and relationships with minimal oversight
Ability to facilitate planning meetings and bring clarity, momentum, and accountability to the process
Demonstrated ability, or clear potential, to train and lead volunteers in event roles
Availability for some evenings and weekends
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including occasional international travel
Ability to meet the physical demands of event execution, including lifting, extended time on one’s feet, and walking long distances at large venues
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a rental or personal vehicle at event locations
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel

Nice to have

Experience booking hotel and conference contracts, including guest room blocks and event space, preferred for all candidates and strongly preferred for senior-level candidates
CMP certification preferred