Strategic Event Manager Job Listing at SAIC in Reston, VA (Job ID 2610794)

Description

Description

The role

SAIC is seeking a Strategic Event Manager to lead the execution of trade shows, sponsorships and roundtables across SAIC. This role is part of a broader events and marketing function within the Marketing and Communications Team. You will partner closely with another Strategic Event Lead, working together to deliver a high-volume portfolio of 100 events annually. Events are a high-impact channel for building visibility, reinforcing SAIC's thought leadership and driving customer engagement, and are fully integrated into a broader marketing and communications strategy that supports business growth. In this role, you will focus on execution and event marketing, ensuring each activation is aligned, well-run and contributing to broader business goals.

What you'll do

• Lead end-to-end execution of trade shows, sponsorships and roundtables across multiple business groups. 
• Manage a high-volume event portfolio, ensuring all events meet defined objectives, timelines and budgets.
• Develop and execute event marketing plans, including pre-event promotion, onsite amplification and post-event follow up across channels.
• Partner with the BG marketing team to align events with brand, messaging, thought leadership and broader marketing priorities. 
• Collaborate with digital teams to amplify event presence across social media and owned channels. 
• Co-manage SAIC's exhibit agency, including booth design, requirements, graphics development and budget management.
• Coordinate directly with event organizers, associations and sponsors to manage deliverables and relationships.
• Plan and manage onsite execution, including booth operations, meeting rooms, AV, catering, IT and logistics.
• Drive pre-event, onsite and post-event coordination to support customer engagement and increase meeting volume.
• Lead trade show planning calls with business development and business teams, track deliverables and ensure alignment across stakeholders. 
• Manage registration and attendee logistics for events.
• Track and process event budgets, payments, charge numbers and sponsorship commitments in alignment with company policies.
• Maintain and update event planning briefs and documentation.
• Partner with creative teams on booth design, graphics and deadlines.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, including surveys and after-action reviews, and identify opportunities for improvement in both execution and marketing impact.

Qualifications

What success looks like

• SAIC shows up consistently strong and professional across key industry events.
• Events support brand visibility and reinforce SAIC's thought leadership.
• Increased volume and quality of customer meetings at events. 
• Events are executed seamlessly and integrated with broader marketing efforts.
• Internal stakeholders view you as a trusted partner.

What you bring

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in trade show or event management, preferably in a B2B or government contracting environment.  

• Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of event execution with the ability to support broader event marketing efforts.
• Experience working with exhibit houses, vendors and external event organizations. 
• Strong project management and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and ability to adapt in dynamic environments.