Event Manager

** This position is remote/work from home. You need to reside within the Central or Eastern Time Zones. If near our Carmel, IN or Atlanta, GA offices, the role will be hybrid.

Cox Automotive is looking for a dynamic, strategic and experienced marketing professional to take on the role of Event Manager. This role leads the strategic development and execution of immersive and bold, national, regional and local brand experiences that drive impactful engagement with target audiences, elevate brand narratives and align with our overarching business objectives and goals.

This role goes beyond event planning and execution; the Inventory Solutions, NextGear Capital and EV Battery Solutions Event Manager crafts compelling cross-brand stories through events in a way that resonates across multiple platforms, generates leads and reinforces our leadership position in the industry.   

What You’ll Do 

Strategic Planning & Execution 

• Lead the end-to-end development and execution of the annual Event Strategy aligned to brand and business goals. This includes major industry events like NADA, NIADA, IADAs, CAR, UCW etc. as well as smaller events aligned to individual go-to-market brand business strategies. 

• Serve as strategic lead for NADA event workstreams including creative, booth development, go-to-market strategy, staffing, team training and others.   

• Partner with cross-functional teams including Brand, Product Marketing, Field Marketing, Communications, Enterprise and agency partners to develop and manage the execution of go-to-market event strategies. 

• Develop and implement strategic event approaches that drive consistency and efficiency across annual event efforts. 

• Serve as the on-site Marketing lead for Inventory, NextGear Capital and EV Battery Solutions events, ensuring events are executed as planned and team members and staff are prepared and executing their roles as planned. 

• Lead internal stakeholders in conducting in-depth post-event analysis and development of comprehensive recaps and reports to review with senior marketing and sales leaders to better optimize future events.  

Cross-Brand Storytelling & Content Development 

• Partner with stakeholder teams (Brand, Product Marketing, Field Marketing and agency partners and others) to develop campaign messages that reflect cohesive and compelling messaging aligned to brand guidelines/messaging and translate into experiential formats that engage target audiences and drive achievement of event and business goals. 

• Integrate cohesive messaging into every phase of the event lifecycle – from concept to campaign executions, through post-event content and wrap-ups.  

• Support the development and submission of sponsored speaking opportunities and thought leadership content for key events.  

Campaign & Content Management 

• Oversee agency partners and internal team members in the creation, deployment and continuous tracking of campaign assets including but not limited to, social, email, print, templates, signage etc.  

• Ensure consistent brand messaging across all creative assets and channels, adhering to individual brand guidelines as well as Enterprise Marketing guidelines.  

• Leverage campaign results and reporting to make real-time pivots to event plans, to develop post-campaign recaps and to inform future events.  

Project & Budget Management 

• Oversee Event budgets, timelines and resource allocation to ensure efficient and effective execution without going over budget.  

• Leverage project management platforms to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and creativity.  

• Execute regular-standing project update meetings for major events, ensuring stakeholders are informed, aligned and held accountable to deliver on their portions of the projects.  

Integrated Team Collaboration  

• Work with cross-functional teams daily to successfully plan and execute across all event activities.  

• Collaborate with senior leadership on the development of event strategies as well as continuous updates to ensure they are fully informed on event/campaign progress.  

• Travel: 25%

What’s in It for You? 

Here’s a sneak peek at the benefits you could experience as a Cox employee:

• A competitive salary and top-notch bonus/incentive plans. 

• Exceptional work-life balance, flexible time-off policies and accommodating work schedules. 

• Comprehensive healthcare, with multiple options for individuals and families. 

• Generous 401(k) retirement plans with company match. 

• Professional development and continuing education opportunities. 

• Inclusive parental leave policies, plus comprehensive fertility coverage and adoption assistance. 

• Extra perks like pet insurance, employee discounts and much more.

Check out all our benefits. 

Who You Are 

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline and 6 years’ experience in event marketing, brand strategy or related field. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master’s degree and 4 years’ experience; a Ph.D. and 1 year of experience; or 10 years’ experience in a related field.

• Proven success in complex project management, working within aggressive timelines and in a rapidly changing environment. 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to successfully lead work across cross-functional teams. 

• A self-starter spirit is critical to succeed in this role – the ability to work independently, set strategies, remain aligned to those strategies and keep projects moving with little oversight. 

• Experience working with and managing creative agencies and internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality event experiences. 

• Ability to showcase a high-energy and motivating demeanor to drive enthusiasm and excitement across internal and external stakeholders.  

• Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills.  

• Strong storytelling, communication and presentation (building and presenting) skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead teams indirectly.   

• Exceptional attention to detail.  

• Travel: 25%

Join the Cox family of businesses and make your mark today!