Conference Planner I

Conference Planner I About Crowned Grace International Crowned Grace International (CGINTL) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Woman-Owned, and Small Disadvantaged Business headquartered in Lanham, Maryland, with an office in San Antonio, Texas. We serve the Department of Defense, federal civilian agencies, and Fortune 1000 clients in workforce intelligence and transformation, modernization, and staff augmentation. CGINTL is ISO 9001:2015 certified and operates as a marketplace ministry, guided by our purpose: Accelerating Mission-Ready Capabilities. The Opportunity Crowned Grace International is seeking a Conference Planner I to plan and deliver workshops, meetings, and conferences that bring together Forest Service leaders, scientists, partners, and the public. The position supports the USDA Forest Service and is contingent upon contract award. This is an entry-level role for a detail-oriented professional who wants to grow, working under the close direction of a senior team member. Job Description Assists the project lead and senior planners in developing workshops, meetings, trainings, and conferences, including draft agendas, planning timelines, and logistics checklists. Coordinates assigned logistics elements, including room setup requirements, audiovisual needs, catering, materials, signage, and participant packets. Maintains registration and attendee lists, issues invitations and confirmations, and tracks responses and accommodation requests. Prepares and distributes event materials, name badges, and participant information. Provides on-site support during events, including check-in, room readiness, presenter support, and resolution of routine issues. Records event costs and assists in reconciling vendor invoices against the approved budget. Accompanies Center personnel to events outside normal hours of operation, including weekends, when assigned. Compiles post-event attendance records and participant feedback for the project lead. Qualifications Associate's degree in hospitality, event management, business, communications, or a related field; or a high school diploma plus two additional years of relevant experience. Minimum of one year of experience in event planning, meeting coordination, or hospitality. Active Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) designation from the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP). Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, protocols, and procedures within the event planning or hospitality field. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and with virtual meeting platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective written and oral communication and customer service skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting federal government meetings or conferences. Familiarity with the Federal Travel Regulation and federal conference spending requirements. Familiarity with the Forest Service, natural resource management, or wildland fire organizations. Work Environment Virtual position with travel to event sites. Assignments may require work outside the Center's normal hours of operation, including evenings and weekends, in the accompaniment of Center personnel. Event support may involve standing for extended periods and moving event materials. Our Culture At CGINTL, everyone is a Leader. We hire to, develop toward, and hold one another accountable to seven Core Values: Integrity & Trust; Credibility; Accountability ("No Excuses Here"); Continuous Improvement; Action Orientation; Caring for the Team, the Client, and the Business; and Marketplace Ministry. Must be able to pass government background investigation.