Description

Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm’s core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals.

Conference and Event Services Manager

The Conference and Event Services Manager is responsible for the management of Chicago Office Events, Reception, Food Services and Visitor Services and will work closely with facilities and functional management across departments. Maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and firm matters.

Katten offers a hybrid work model, allowing the flexibility to work both on-site and remotely on a regular basis (KattenFlex).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Manage and support the Chicago reception, event planning, food services, AV and conference services teams in the delivery and execution of all external and internal events in the Chicago office. Though some of these teams report to other firm leaders and indirectly report to this Conference and Event Services Manager, this person is the point of contact for all matters related to client service, relevant firm processes/policies, best practices or any other challenge related to firm meetings or events.
• Provide professional, educated, creative advice to create a successful event, ensuring the work performed meets the business needs and operations of the firm including venue, event format, budget adherence, etc.
• Ensure the successful execution of all logistical aspects of each event. Assist with the menu selection, AV, room layout, etc. Ensure sufficient event staffing and provide professional event management services onsite at the actual event as needed.
• Source vendors, request pricing for services (as needed), evaluate proposals and make recommendations to leadership on venues that will accommodate specific program needs.
• Consult with conference center clients to determine event needs such as space, physical set-up, AV and technical requirements, catering and event support.
• Oversee and coordinate scheduling of conference center and meeting rooms including a comprehensive meeting calendar.
• Consistently deliver high standards of care during events, exceed client expectations and anticipate needs. Identify new processes which improve the client experience, efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery, performance, quality, etc.
• Oversee the coordination of the Conference Center and Food Services regarding the processes and systems used. 
• Facilitate catering for meetings and events; manage invoices and chargebacks as appropriate.
• Coordinate functions with Human Resources that enhance employee relations such as, but not limited to, various informational meetings, health fairs, health screenings, flu shots and firm sponsored events/programs. 
• Provide personnel management of assigned reception staff which includes interviewing, coordinating assignments, training, evaluation, discipline, conflict resolution, and termination.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Office Administration in Chicago.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises employees and is responsible for their overall direction, coordination, and evaluation. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the firm’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, training, and developing employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; administering the performance appraisal process; budgeting; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and making recommendations for hiring, promotion, bonus amounts, compensation, and termination.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. A minimum five or more years of experience in event planning or conference center management, preferably in a law firm, professional services or hospitality environment with direct supervisory experience. Strong project management experience is also preferred.
• Proven leadership characteristics, including the ability to achieve results through others, manage multiple priorities and projects and handle complex relationships. 
• Supervisory skills necessary in order to interact and communicate with subordinates, provide instruction/direction/training, determine work priorities, and coordinate the activities of a work team. Ability to plan, coordinate, and direct the work of subordinate staff engaged in various professional, technical, and clerical functions.
• Analytical skills requiring an aptitude for detail, precision, and logic with comprehensive office administration experience in order to conduct detailed analyses of various administrative plans, policies, and procedures fundamental to performing essential duties of the position.
• Exhibit high degree of initiative and critical-thinking skills in exercising independent judgment and making decisions in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment. Proactive with excellent troubleshooting, problem resolution, and follow-through skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information, and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, staff, and outside contacts.
• Exceptional organizational skills including record keeping, data collection, and system information. Ability to compile and analyze complex data and furnish concise, detailed information in report format, written correspondence, e-mail, or verbally.
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook) and has the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to perform detailed mathematical calculations and apply mathematical concepts when computing, reconciling balances, verifying calculations on forms and documents, and preparing and compiling statistical data for various reports and the office budget.

We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution; transportation fringe benefit program; back-up care option; generous paid time off policy; and long-term and short-term disability policies.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA-M/F/SO/Disability/Veteran.