Senior Event Planning Specialist - Government & Community Relations

Great benefits. Competitive pay. We know these are some of the things people look for in a job.

If you're the kind of person who believes that honoring and empowering our nation's veterans is more than just a cause - that it's a calling - then we're ready to meet you.

When you join Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), you're committing to making a difference. We make a commitment to you, too - helping you to find that spark, ignite your passion to serve, and embark on a career with meaning and purpose.

At WWP, we recognize our mission cannot be accomplished without our talented teammates, which is why we're proud to offer benefits such as:

• A flexible hybrid work schedule (three days in the office, two days' work from home)
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for both teammates AND family members
• Competitive pay and performance incentives
• A fun, mission-focused, and collaborative team environment

A mission that matters is just the beginning, so if you're ready to get started, we're ready for you.

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Senior Government & Community Relations Event Planning Specialist leads the end-to-end planning and execution of strategic conferences, corporate meetings, and high-profile events for the Government and Community Relations (GCR) team. Reporting to the Vice President of GCR, this role ensures events reflect WWP's mission, values, and strategic goals, while maximizing donor impact through cost-effective logistics, financial stewardship, and exceptional on-site coordination.

The Senior Specialist coordinates multiple concurrent events, facilitates vendor and cross-department collaboration, and ensures seamless stakeholder engagement, fundraising efforts, and public awareness.

• Lead the planning and execution of large-scale, high-profile WWP GCR events for internal and external stakeholders, including conceptualization, attendee targeting, site selection, rate negotiation, catering, and on-site coordination.
• Prepare WWP senior leaders for major GCR-led conferences, meetings, and engagements, providing support before and during events.
• Manage event budgets and staffing, ensuring coordination of vendors, lodging, transportation, and AV needs, while exercising fiscal responsibility to safeguard donor funds.
• Oversee the development and review of promotional materials (e.g., signage, briefing documents, media collateral) to enhance event visibility and awareness.
• Create and maintain event schedules, timelines, agendas, and activity plans while communicating risks and updates to senior leadership.
• Provide on-the-ground support and coordinate teammates and contract personnel during GCR events, ensuring day-of needs are met.
• Coordinate vendor management and serve as liaison for VIP guests, vendors, and program participants.
• Utilize event registration software (e.g., Cvent, Salesforce, Survey Monkey) and emerging technologies to manage registration, budgeting, venue sourcing, and reporting.
• Collaborate with Travel & Events and other WWP departments to coordinate logistics, travel, and lodging for warriors and teammates.
• Manage multiple concurrent GCR events, adapting to challenges by identifying alternatives and consulting internal teams for support.
• Lead GCR event planning meetings and participate in relevant events and briefings.
• Maintain accurate records using registration and data management tools.
• Perform financial reconciliations, process invoices and receipts, verify billing, and prepare financial reports.
• Review contracts and invoices for compliance, including tax exemptions and banquet event orders (BEOs).
• Conduct post-event closeouts, including budget reviews, survey distribution, and process improvement recommendations.
• Attend and actively participate in required training and/or meetings, including but not limited to New Teammate Orientation, WWP Cares, ASIST Suicide Prevention training, Leadership training, culture/team based training, or departmental huddles.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Expert knowledge of event management, with a demonstrated ability to lead complex, high-profile events from planning through execution.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines under pressure, and adapt to fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with demonstrated flexibility to adjust to shifting priorities and make effective independent decisions in alignment with WWP core values.
• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across diverse internal teams, leadership, and external vendors.
• Deep understanding of key stakeholders, including the military and veteran community, WWP warriors, donors, strategic partners, and elected officials who influence WWP's mission.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with high emotional intelligence and the ability to handle sensitive matters with diplomacy and empathy.
• Strong written and verbal…