About EAB At EAB, our mission is to make education smarter and our communities stronger. We work with more than 2,800 institutions to drive transformative change through data-driven insights and best-in-class capabilities. From kindergarten to college to career, EAB partners with leaders and practitioners to accelerate progress and drive results across enrollment, student success, institutional strategy, data analytics, and advancement. We work with each partner differently, tailoring our portfolio of research, technology, and marketing and enrollment solutions to meet the unique needs of every leadership team, as well as the students and employees they serve. At EAB, we serve not only our partner institutions but each other—that's why we are always working to make sure our employees love their jobs and are invested in their communities. See how we've been recognized for this dedication to our employees by checking out our recent awards. For more information, visit our Careers page.   The Role in Brief: Specialist, Event Sourcing and VIP Event Support Working with teams and leaders across the firm, the Events team manages the strategy, planning, and execution of 100+ in-person and 600+ virtual events annually.  We lead with an innovative approach, a high level of attention to detail, and unparalleled level of service.  Events managed by the team include industry tradeshows, largescale summits, international programs, and small executive-level roundtables.  Additionally, the team leads the planning of internal events such firmwide meetings, Back-to-School BBQ, EAB Bracket Challenge, and incentive trips.  This role provides critical support in two distinct areas: Event Sourcing and Contracting and Pre-Event Support for VIP events, playing a role in the seamless coordination and preparation of events. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams to understand event goals and requirements while maintaining budgetary and operational excellence. The position may be based in Washington, DC or Richmond, VA. Primary Responsibilities Event Sourcing and Contracting Partner with program teams to understand event needs, including dates, space requirements, and other logistical details. Lead intake meetings with program teams to gather initial event requirements. Perform venue outreach to identify date and space availability. Gather and compare pricing details from potential venues and vendors (e.g., hotels, conference centers, audio-visual companies). In partnership with Events leadership negotiate and execute contract terms and pricing, ensuring cost savings while minimizing contractual liability. Maintain budget information within the firm’s finance budgeting system to ensure accuracy and accountability. Assist in the collection and reporting of historical meeting data (scores, attendance, cost, etc.) in order to predict future trends.  Provide cost estimates and stay within budget while negotiating vendor pricing.   Pre-Event Support for VIP Events Partner with Account team to understand event goals and requirements for Richmond and DC based VIP onsite events. Provide pre-event support for VIP onsite events including managing travel coordination, scheduling catering, securing dinner venue, and capturing AV and operations needs. Maintain excellent documentation, ensuring all event details are captured through the planning process including event agenda times, attendee list, supplies, and service opportunities.  Transition event to onsite Event Host two weeks out, ensuring a smooth handoff and no disruption to the planning process Basic Qualifications: 2 years of professional experience Bachelor’s Degree Demonstrated success delivering customer service both internally and externally. Strong relationship management skills; working collaboratively and with diplomacy Possesses strong attention to detail. Familiarity with common workplace tools such as Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint Ability to oversee complex and multi-faceted processes and projects; able to prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines. Ideal Qualifications: Experience with event planning, sourcing, and contracting Proven track record managing budgets and negotiating with vendors Commitment to valuing diversity, practicing inclusive behaviors, and contributing to an equitable working and continual learning environment in support of EAB’s DE&I Promise If you’ve reached this section of the job description and are unsure of whether to apply, please do! At EAB, we welcome diversity of background and experience. We would encourage you to submit an application if this is a role you would be passionate about doing every day.   Compensation: The anticipated starting salary range for this role is $43,500 - $57,000 per year. Actual salary varies due to factors that may include but not be limited to relevant experience, skills, and location. At EAB, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the starting salary range for their role. This hire will additionally be eligible for discretionary bonus or incentive compensation. Variable compensation may depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance. Benefits: Consistent with our belief that our employees are our most valuable resource, EAB offers a competitive and inclusive benefits package. Our benefits currently include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; dependents and domestic partners eligible 20+ days of PTO annually, in addition to paid firm and floating holidays Daytime leave policy for community service and flextime for fitness activities (up to 10 hours per month each) 401(k) retirement savings plan with annual discretionary company matching contribution Health savings account, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account, and pre-tax commuter plans Employee assistance program with counseling services and resources available to all employees and immediate family Wellness programs including gym discounts, incentives to promote healthy living, and family access to the leading app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation  Gender affirming care coverage Fertility treatment coverage and adoption or surrogacy assistance Paid parental leave with phase back to work program for birthing and non-birthing parents Access to milk shipping service to support nursing employees during business travel Discounted pet health insurance coverage for dog and cat family members Company-provided life, AD&D, and disability insurance Financial wellness resources and membership in a robust employee discount program Access to employee resource groups, merit-based advancement, and dynamic professional growth opportunities Benefits kick in day one; learn more at eab.com/careers/benefits.    This opening is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time; EAB will thus consider candidates who possess U.S. work authorization that does not require employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. At EAB, we believe that to fulfill our mission to “make education smarter and our communities stronger” we need team members who bring a diversity of perspectives to the table and are committed to fostering a workplace where each team member is valued, respected and heard. To that end, EAB is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we make employment decisions on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. We don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.