Senior Program Manager, Conference & Events
Salary Range: $80-90,000 annually
Work Location: Hybrid, 2 days per week in office
Vacancy/Timeline: Immediate, Posted June 2, 2026
Role Overview
The Senior Program Manager, Conference & Events is responsible for leading the planning and execution of large-scale, multi-day conferences, events, and client programs. This role serves as a trusted advisor to clients, oversees complex project portfolios, and provides leadership to internal teams while ensuring exceptional delivery, profitability, and client satisfaction.
You will manage multiple high-profile programs simultaneously, drive operational excellence, mentor junior team members, and contribute to business growth through strategic thinking, innovation, and client partnership.
What You'll Do:
Program Leadership & Execution
- Lead the planning and execution of complex conferences, events, and experiential programs from concept through completion
- Oversee multiple programs simultaneously, ensuring timelines, budgets, deliverables, and client expectations are met
- Direct all aspects of event logistics, production, staffing, technology, and vendor management
- Lead on-site execution for high-profile programs, managing risk, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring exceptional attendee experiences
- Develop and oversee project plans, workback schedules, run-of-shows, and project trackers
- Ensure programs are delivered on time, on budget, and at the highest quality standards
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying efficiencies, best practices, and process enhancements
Financial & Business Management
- Own program budgets, forecasting, profitability, and financial reporting
- Monitor program performance and proactively identify risks and opportunities
- Manage invoicing, expense tracking, reconciliations, and account monitoring
- Support profit and loss management across assigned programs
- Partner with Directors and senior leadership on financial planning and business performance
- Mentor team members on budget management and financial accountability
Client Leadership & Strategic Partnership
- Serve as the primary client contact on assigned programs
- Build and maintain strong client relationships based on trust, responsiveness, and strategic thinking
- Provide recommendations that help clients achieve business objectives and maximize program impact
- Lead client communications throughout planning, execution, and post-event reporting
- Develop meaningful reporting, insights, and recommendations that demonstrate program value and ROI
- Identify opportunities for program innovation, growth, and long-term partnership
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and mentor Program Managers, Coordinators, Interns, and event staff
- Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development support
- Delegate work effectively while maintaining accountability for outcomes
- Foster collaboration, inclusion, and knowledge sharing across teams
- Support succession planning and team capability development
- Set standards for quality, professionalism, and client service excellence
Business Development & Innovation
- Contribute to proposals, budgets, presentations, and business development initiatives
- Support RFP responses, concept development, and strategic recommendations
- Identify organic growth opportunities within existing client portfolios
- Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and innovative event practices
- Champion the adoption of tools, systems, and new ways of working that improve efficiency and client outcomes
Who You Are:
- You are a highly organized leader who can successfully manage multiple complex programs simultaneously
- You are a strategic thinker who understands both the operational and business sides of event delivery
- You build strong relationships and earn trust with clients, vendors, and teammates alike
- You anticipate challenges before they arise and proactively develop solutions
- You are confident leading teams, making decisions, and navigating ambiguity
- You combine attention to detail with a big-picture perspective
- You are comfortable managing budgets, financial performance, and profitability
- You communicate clearly, professionally, and with influence
- You are curious, innovative, and always looking for better ways to deliver results
- You thrive in fast-paced environments and maintain composure under pressure
- You enjoy coaching and developing others
- You embody and respect our values of Excellence, Collaboration, Integrity, Commitment, Empathy, and Trust
Please note that Canadian experience is not required as a qualification.
What You've Done:
The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:
- 5–8 years of experience in conference management, event management, experiential marketing, or a related agency environment
- Proven experience leading large-scale, multi-day programs and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong experience managing budgets, forecasting, profitability, and financial reporting
- Demonstrated success leading client relationships and managing stakeholder expectations
- Experience coaching, mentoring, or leading team members
- Exceptional project management, communication, and presentation skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Experience using project management and collaboration tools such as Scoro, critical path planning software, or similar platforms
- Professional certifications such as CMP, CSEP, PMP, DES, or equivalent are considered assets
- Ability to travel and work evenings or weekends as required to support event execution
Why Work With Us:
Proof Experiences is committed to designing and executing insights-led and measurement-based brand experiences that deliver results. We strongly believe our people are the drivers of our success and we work hard every day to create an inspiring and engaging work culture. We have a reputation for fostering professional development, collaboration, and pride in everything we do. At Proof Experiences, you’ll join a passionate, award-winning team shaping the future of brand experiences in Canada.
We’re proud to share that Proof Experiences was recognized by The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies 2025, and is ranked #15 on The Globe and Mail’s 2025 Fastest Growing Women-Led Businesses in Canada. This recognition is a testament to the consistent excellence, innovation, and commitment of our entire team – and to the trust our clients place in us to deliver business results through meaningful Experiential Marketing campaigns, Conferences & Events, and Experiential Education programs.
By joining Proof, you’ll:
- Collaborate with leading brands and purpose-driven organizations
- Work alongside passionate, curious teammates who care deeply about their craft
- Contribute to campaigns that inspire connection, awareness, and positive change
- Enjoy a flexible, hybrid work environment with room to grow and lead
Follow Proof Experiences at proofexperiences.com and on Instagram @proofexperiences.
Apply Here
Accessibility & Inclusion
Proof Experiences is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and others who may contribute to diversity of thought and experience.
If you require accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting joinus@proofexperiences.com.
Legal Disclosure: Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Hiring
At Proof Experiences we use AI-assisted tools to help organize, summarize, and manage candidate application materials. These tools are used only to support the recruitment process. All hiring decisions are made by human team members at Proof Experiences. Your personal information is handled in accordance with PIPEDA and applicable Ontario privacy laws.
