Program Manager, Meetings and Event Planning

Humacyte, Inc. is bringing to market a once in a generation scientific technology platform, bioengineering readily available and universally implantable product opportunities focused on improving lives of patients and transforming the practice of medicine. Located in Durham, NC, the company develops and manufactures acellular tissues for the treatment of diseases and conditions across a wide range of therapeutic areas. The company’s innovative technology supports tissue repair, reconstruction, and replacement while overcoming limitations in existing standards of care. Initially developing a portfolio of human acellular vessels (HAVs), to target multiple vascular markets including trauma, arteriovenous access for hemodialysis, peripheral arterial disease, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Humacyte is focused on the development of future markets such as pediatric heart surgery, delivery of cellular therapies, and multiple other novel cell and tissue systems.

We are looking for additional colleagues to continue to build our expanding team.  Candidates will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively as part of the Humacyte organization. Applicants must be highly self-motivated, with solid communication skills, and demonstrate the ability to work in a team environment and lead other professionals and peers.

Position Background:

The Program Manager, Meetings and Event Planning will play a role in driving the execution of Humacyte’s meetings and event planning strategy. This includes driving innovation through input into strategy, management, and implementation of products across the global portfolio and being a conduit between business teams, key stakeholders, and suppliers. As the program manager, you will create the conference and events strategic plan, manage all associated program administrative tasks, budgets, travel, meetings and events technology and asset deployment, maintenance, updates, and communications.

Remote Work Designation: Not Remote

Major Accountabilities:

•    Create conference and events strategic plan including meeting selection and level of investment/ engagement to achieve commercial objectives.

•    Plan and execute national, regional and/or international conferences, symposiums, and annual meetings

•    Plan, organize, and execute corporate meetings and events, customer advisory board meetings and Medical Education dinner presentations and events; Research and select event venues, negotiate rates and benefits as directed

•    Collaborate with business leaders and Marketing to develop exhibit/meeting budget, theme, messaging, exhibit and equipment graphics, and support material requirements – providing timelines to ensure materials and graphics are delivered according to event deadlines

•    Commercial team project management to keep projects on track and ensure on time deliverables

•    Work with Corporate selected vendors to create exhibit floor plans, set-up drawings, manage and track trade show properties; arrange transportation of properties (when needed)

•    Manage show services including flooring, lead retrieval systems, electrical, furnishings, cleaning, drayage, etc. and coordinate schedules for show property detailing and move in/out logistics

•    Provide onsite support during events and act as primary contact for event staff, vendors, and attendees

•    Work with travel department and internal business partners to manage hotel arrangements, show registrations, exhibit staff attire, and any required promotional items

•    Analyze, compile, and summarize results from surveys and other feedback to develop post-event reports and identify areas for improvement

•    Assist in managing trade show budgeting process, including estimating, tracking to budget, invoice tracking, and reconciliation of final expenses

•    Provide administrative support for marketing programs, conferences, events, and other projects as needed

PROBLEM SOLVING:

•    Perform full range of standard professional level work that typically requires processing and interpreting, more complex, less clearly defined issues. Identifies problems and possible solutions and takes appropriate action to resolve

•    Demonstrate skill in data analysis techniques by resolving missing/incomplete information, inconsistencies/anomalies in more complex research/data

DECISION MAKING/SCOPE OF AUTHORITY:

•    Nature of work requires increasing independence; receives guidance on unusual complex problems or issues

•    Work review typically involves periodic review of output by supervisor and/or direct "customers" of the process

SPAN OF CONTROL/COMPLEXITY:

•    Fully competent and productive professional contributor, working independently on larger, moderately complex projects/assignments that have direct impact on department results

Special Competencies:

•    Ability to build strong relationships with excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

•    Flexible/adaptable; able to work under short deadlines and adapt to changing priorities and plans

•    Exceptional planning and organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy; resourcefulness

•    Proficient in MS Office

•    Proficient in multi-tasking, prioritizing several simultaneous projects, and meeting deadlines

•    Ability to work well with executive leadership and a wide variety of cross-functional areas and outside vendors in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

•    Ability to influence colleagues throughout the organization as well as external collaborators

•    Ability to prioritize and respond with a sense of urgency to all inquiries and requests

General Competencies:

•    Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing

•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

•    Possess a positive roll-up-the-sleeves attitude and optimistic outlook

•    Strong ability to work in a fast-paced team environment with fluctuating priorities, and collaborate effectively with others

•    Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to set own priorities in a timely manner

•    High degree of flexibility and adaptability

•    Basic computer skills required, such as knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

•    Must be able to work as needed to meet tight deadlines and at peak periods

•    Self-motivated and organized critical thinker with solid interpersonal and business communication skills

•    Demonstrated ability to work in a cross functional team

•    Adheres to company and facility specific policies and procedures, including SOP, training and meeting requirements

•    Always observe safety precautions and regulations in all areas where duties are performed

•    Responsible for reporting all safety hazards and potential unsafe working conditions

•    Ensures Humacyte or other required trainings/certifications are up to date

•    Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner

•    Reports to work on time and as scheduled

•    Ability to travel for conference/ event set-up and management, site visits, and vendor meetings.

Qualifications:

•    BS/BA in related discipline

•    MS/MA or Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation is preferred

•    A minimum of 5years of event and meeting planning experience in a corporate environment, ideally with healthcare experience

•    A minimum of 3 years of travel planning experience in a corporate environment

•    Domestic trade show planning and management experience, international show experience a plus

•    An understanding of marketing and promotion, with ability to ensure the success, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of events with constructive follow-up evaluation

•    Ability to manage complex projects and problem solve as needed

•    Strong written and verbal communication skills

•    Experience with travel and meeting data analytics is a plus

•    Ability to collaborate with cross-functional team members across all levels

•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites

Perks:

•    Stock Options

•    401k Plan with 4% Match and no Vesting Schedule

•    Medical, Vision and Dental Plans

•    Company Paid Long Term/Short Term Disability

•    Company Paid Life Insurance

•    23 Days Paid Time Off (PTO)

•    10 Company Designated Holidays + 2 Floating Holidays

•    Paid Parental Leave Policies