Meeting Manager

Meeting Manager

 Join our team, sharing the latest scientific advances in light-based technologies from around the world, including biomedical optics, astronomy, lasers, solar, nanotechnology, and more!  Make a difference by doing important work with a successful, international not-for-profit organization.

Full-time, 40 hours per week position available, with flexible work hours.

 Description of duties

The purpose of this position is to professionally manage the organization, planning, implementation, and documentation of assigned SPIE event logistics. The Meetings Manager will strive to meet the objectives, both financial and non-financial for the overall success of the event.

• This position receives general direction from management on the expected scope and budgetary outcomes for an event.  Much of the work in this position requires independent judgment and the ability to self-manage workload to accomplish projects on time and on budget.
• The main job activities of this position include coordinating all meeting logistics, working with various internal SPIE departments, vendors, and facilities to efficiently and effectively implement the logistical meeting needs of the event and to achieve the financial and non-financial goals of the event.

Core Competencies

• Able to competently manage large projects in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Excellent working knowledge of the standard practices of meeting planning, including understanding and using industry accepted practices and terminology.
• Ability to self-manage workload and time constraints to accomplish projects on time and on budget.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Competent with computers, Word, Excel, Dropbox, Outlook and Internet.
• Average, or above, skills in negotiation.
• Adept at coordinating, communicating, working with, and managing groups of people, employees, volunteers, supplier partners, temporary staff, leaders within and outside the organization. Able to manage a variety of personality types, especially under high-demand, short timeframe situations.
• Flexibility to react quickly to changes in plans.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to meeting logistics planning and implementation.
• Above average working knowledge of Audiovisual equipment.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years in meeting planning or equivalent, relevant professional meeting planning experience required.
• Minimum of 2 years direct leadership experience required (project manager, team lead, committee chair etc.)

Compensation and Benefits package include:

• Competitive wages, annual discretionary bonus. Pay range depending on experience is $68,852 to $103,332/yr. Exempt position.
• Medical, dental & vision benefits provided (100% employer paid premium for the employee, 75% employer paid premium for the dependents).
• Defined retirement contribution: SPIE provides an automatic 5% contribution PLUS SPIE offers UP to 5% matching contributions and 25% vesting each year, 100% vested after 4 years.
• Paid Time Off plan begins at 31 days per year.
• Health savings accounts are partially funded by SPIE.
• Flexible spending accounts for dependent care and dental/vision expenses available.
• Employee life & disability insurance provided, dependent life insurance & Long-Term Care insurance available through payroll deduction.
• Many learning & development opportunities including tuition reimbursement & leadership development.

Location: Physical work location in Bellingham, WA.  Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.  The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Culture: At SPIE, we believe innovation thrives when people feel valued, supported, and empowered. We cultivate a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous growth—where diverse perspectives are embraced, bold ideas are encouraged, and every voice matters.

Please apply online www.spie.jobs with a resume & cover letter, indicating how your experience & qualifications match the requirements & why you will be successful in this position.

All materials must be received by 5 p.m. 10/7/2026.

SPIE is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  SPIE provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information.