Direct Travel is hiring: Corp Event - Executive Producer in Schaumburg

The Executive Producer serves as a key contributor in all aspects of event strategy, design and production, including live, virtual and hybrid events. The ideal Executive Producer is highly organized with extensive event strategy experience who knows how to bring to life a creative vision. This position requires skilled negotiation and strong business and marketing skills to manage long‑term client and project needs. Supporting a Fortune 500 client base, the EP will work closely with production counterparts (in‑house and freelance), internal sales professionals, program managers, end clients and suppliers, as well as join forces with the company’s Creative and IT departments to execute against evolving marketplace demands. This role requires the ability to calmly adjust on the fly and proactively work to lead, guide and consult clients and their experiences in production forward and trending directions – executing the client’s story. Client Management Working closely with the event operations team, functions as lead production contact for the client team during the live, virtual and/or hybrid meeting design and execution process. Establishes an excellent working relationship with clients and continuously strives to improve the level of overall service the company is providing. Understands the client’s business and brand to effectively shape event messaging, agenda, and content. Consult client during pre‑sale phase on production solution options, recommendations, and pricing in partnership with business development and design teams. Working closely with the operations team, helps to manage client expectations on budget, timelines, project progress, etc. Develops budget, working with creative, production and technical teams to adequately scope for the project. Provides weekly updates on hours/budget within each project to others in the team. Pre and Post‑Production Through consultation with clients, translates the creative vision of the event into logistic and production needs, ensuring ideas and concepts will make the event stand out; ensures that all work from creative concept to logistics and technical production, delivers against agreed objectives and exceeds our clients’ expectations while seeking further opportunities to grow the business. Maximizes and monitors opportunities for increasing value adds, savings, and cost efficiencies. Work closely with the Business Development and Operations team members assists in the development of the SOW and budget parameters for projects leveraging outside suppliers. Drives the content development process. Assists the program manager in coordinating logistics and production of event, including but not limited to budgets, venue scouting, production vendor procurement, content production, schedule planning, creation of set displays, platform branding, link creation (for virtual meetings) and more – always maintaining frequent and thorough communication. Brings with them deep relationships with supplier partners. Leads an in‑house project based team alongside assigned Producer (as needed). Leads the collection of assets and media files for show (scripts, graphics per speaker, etc.) Works closely with VP on strategic Initiatives and to negotiate and review supplier contracts and addendums for accuracy. Schedules and leads pre‑production meetings with team beyond the project kickoff on a regular basis; establishes and communicates timelines and expectations with internal team in line with client expectations. Communicates and shares project timeline calendars with the client for review/approval. Assists the program manager with managing budgets and provides financial and production reports of expenditures post‑event. Coordinates the production and handoff of final deliverables, including notes, final files, recordings, etc. Confidently liaises with presenters of all levels including senior executives, both from within the client organization and internally, to shape presentations and provide coaching. Reviews, edits, and approves preliminary and final treatments, outlines, scripts, production schedules, budgets, selects, graphics, music, rough cuts, fine cuts, final narration and final versions of all assigned programs. Identifies, secures and manages keynote speakers. Production Provides insight on production aspects of complex virtual, hybrid and experiential events. Creates and manages production project plan with overall timeline and deliverables and adjusts accordingly with scope changes. Works closely with members of the design and operations teams to achieve production goals. Manages all presenter meeting content including presentation, video, agendas, and rehearsal schedules with version control as priority. Provides technical production support by directing location of cameras, audio, lighting, and other crew positions. Facilitates troubleshooting of technical and logistical issues that arise. High Payoff Activities Contributing to 10+ clients directly a year Growing our supplier partner bench Distilling knowledge to the organization Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in marketing, business administration, graphic or fine arts, digital design, computer science or a related field required. Equivalent work experience in a similar position may be substituted for educational requirements. A strong knowledge of content streaming platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Facebook Live, etc. Comfortable working closely with senior level executives in the United States and Europe. Possess a strong set of hands‑on production skills is a plus, with knowledge of shooting video, as well as editing. Strong understanding of all areas of event production, including audio recording and mixing, lighting, staging, projection, etc. for live stage events and virtual meetings. Track record of producing high‑quality large‑scale meetings and events. Understanding of best practice production methodologies. Non‑negotiable Hiring Criteria Models behavior that reflects our organization’s Vision and Core Beliefs. Exceptionally organized leader who leverages a wealth of experience in meeting and production deadlines, uncovering solutions and successfully exceeding expectations in a results‑oriented fast‑paced environment. Able to work effectively in an environment that isn’t bound by the traditional ‘9 to 5’ mentality. Confident and action‑oriented; able to quickly and creatively resolve issues in high‑pressure situations. Is a self‑starter with a positive attitude who brings ideas to the table. Excellent interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with teams and with individuals at all levels of the client organization, including strong skills interacting with senior‑level management. Strong problem‑solving skills, including the ability to think creatively to contribute ideas that will drive value in a dynamic, client‑centered environment. Exceptional attention to detail, verbal & written communication, and organizational skills; able to effectively manage a high volume of demanding, concurrent projects. Outstanding customer service orientation including professional presence and superior client relationship skills. Strong initiative; able to identify actionable items and delegate them independently. Working Conditions While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Frequent use of a computer and other office equipment. Ability to lift 20 lbs. Frequent sitting, standing and walking. Ability and willingness to work extended workdays and possible weekends. Accessible during acceptable working hours identified per project/program. TRAVEL Up to 30% travel may be required for this position. Remote Working Requirements Reliable home internet connectivity. Ability to troubleshoot own devices & connectivity. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. These are not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities associated with the role. As with all positions, the responsibilities and duties of this position may change. The Company, in its discretion, may alter this job description at any time with or without notice. Creative Group is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer. Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level. Employment type: Full‑time. Job function: Management and Manufacturing. Industries: Travel Arrangements. #J-18808-Ljbffr