Event Planning Specialist

External Description

Event Planning Specialist

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 77,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Event Planning Specialist for our McLean, Virginia, office.  As the primary contact for pilot members and MEC/LEC and ALPA National staff in obtaining meeting space and hotel accommodations, Event Planning Specialist assist their supervisor in all aspects of booking lodging rooms for pilots and staff and planning Association meetings, events, luncheons, conventions, room bookings, and other travel arrangements, as assigned.  Travel is required. 

Travel: 10 - 20%. May includule some nights and weekends. 

ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace.  We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws.  We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Qualifications:

• Two years of college with emphasis in business math and/or accounting strongly preferred; high school diploma required; or, the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of prior or related experience, preferably in an event planning position, four (4) or more years strongly preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in a project coordination role required, three (3) or more years strongly preferred. At management discretion, ALPA experience with proven expertise may be substituted for either of the above.
• Prior experience working with budgets strongly preferred.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with internal staff, pilots, pilot committees, officers, governing bodies, and other external contacts.
• Solid organizational skills, sufficient to successfully handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Sound judgment and ability to make decisions on the spot while remaining calm under pressure.
• Strong math skills and accuracy with financial reports.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Excel required.
• Knowledge of Cvent Event Diagramming (formerly Social Tables) and Swoogo strongly preferred.

Physical Demands:

Note: The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet.  Regularly required to maintain a stationary position; move about the office and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area; determine what others have said or written; and, converse with others and exchange accurate information.

Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally, nationally, and internationally).  May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases.

Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.).  While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)

ALPA offers competitive salaries with terrific benefits, including:

• 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 11% plus 2% into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan after 180 days of employment.  No employee contribution required!  The 401k plan includes a Roth option and 4-year vesting schedule.
• Generous health care benefits on day one – PPO, Kaiser (where available), and a High Deductible Health Plan which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for employee, spouse, and/or dependent children;
• 15 days paid vacation and 12 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year;
• Generous sick and bereavement leave;
• Competitive parental leave;
• Company-paid premiums for disability and life insurance;
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
• Retiree health plan;
• Education Assistance Program; and,
• Optional benefits including pet insurance, excess life insurance, legal plan, and qualified transportation fringe benefits, where available.
• Partial remote work opportunities.

 Relocation Not Provided.