Senior Meeting Lead, Event Management - Hybrid (CT/NYC) (Finance)

Role Summary

The Senior Meeting Lead has responsibility and accountability for the design, coordination, planning and execution of meetings, events and incentives - both live and virtual - for internal and external events for The Cigna Group and Evernorth Health Services. A successful candidate will form strong working relationships with colleagues, sales leaders, senior/executive management, matrix partners and others to create and deliver exceptional events that meet or exceed business objectives and create unique opportunities to further the work of the sales organization and Cigna.

Role Overview

This role requires a seasoned event manager who is driven, skilled in strategic planning, and organizing as well as executing all aspects of events, from initial concept to post-event evaluation. They are responsible for client communication, budget management, venue selection, vendor coordination, and ensuring smooth event execution. This role requires a strong understanding of event management principles, industry best practices, and the ability to pivot in a fast-paced environment.

S/he must be able to operate independently and effectively in a highly matrixed global organization and collaborate with a team of professionals establishing strong relationships, effectively communicating, and proactively executing project plans. Ability to work on multiple large-scale projects simultaneously, and travel to events as required.

They will also be responsible for supporting the development of long-term strategic and tactical outputs, developing integrated planning across several functional areas, and driving efficiencies in the event space. S/he will have the courage to make recommendations to improve long-standing practices in collaboration with Communications, Sales and Account Management.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Meeting Lead will:

• Originate, project manage and facilitate the strategic design, development and execution of assigned programs and events, both virtual and in-person. Scope of work includes project management and oversight, supporting program/agenda design and development, participation on/leadership of planning teams, executive/senior leader communications and budget oversight
• Assist in the development of the strategy and execution for some of The Cigna Group and Evernorth's Flagship events as well as the strategy and execution of non-traditional events in partnership with the CEO's office
• Exhibit strong executive presence, interact and partner with Enterprise leadership, sales leaders and senior management to drive the strategic development of program content and activities to assure program focus meets established business objectives
• Proactively recommend continuous improvement opportunities to senior leadership based on experience
• Support the development of executive-level reports, insights, impact and recommendations on events based on attendee feedback; This includes supporting the measurement of ROI/ROO
• Be actively involved in the development of tools, processes and best practices to continually raise the bar cross-department; track activities and provide comprehensive event evaluations, reports, budget and other information
• Ability to represent the company to executive leadership, and outside partners and agencies with a calm, professional, collaborative and flawless demeanor with a strong ability to pivot when necessary
• Work in tandem with other teams such as Communications, Sales, Business Marketing,Branding, Insights, Production, Operations, etc. to assure the successful implementation of strategic objectives for Evernorth and The Cigna Group as a whole, or specific lines of business as appropriate

Ideal Candidates Will Offer

• Bachelor's Degree or commensurate experience
• Minimum of 5-8+ years' experience in all facets of corporate event planning, including previous experience managing CEO, executive and senior leadership events
• Knowledge and understanding of events industry and virtual event platform best practices and trends, innovative content delivery methods, event production/technology, destinations/hotel operations, online registration systems, adult-learning concepts and related skills necessary for the successful planning and delivery of events
• Deep understanding and comfort level developing and managing program budgets
• Health care industry experience a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills and strategic mindset, with executive presentation skills
• Works independently as well as part of planning teams, possesses strong project management capabilities and uses critical thinking and problem-solving skills to achieve required results
• Must be flexible and able to prioritize projects in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines
• Team player with proven ability to develop strong working relationships within a matrix organization
• Ability to travel, including occasional nights and weekends (~25% annually)
• Ability to work from a Cigna Group office 3 days a week or travel to other Cigna Group offices based on event schedule, business needs, etc. Preferred home base locations are Bloomfield, CT or NYC (Midtown).

If you will be working at home occasionally or permanently, the internet connection must be obtained through a cable broadband or fiber optic internet service provider with speeds of at least 10Mbps download/5Mbps upload.

About The Cigna Group

Doing something meaningful starts with a simple decision, a commitment to changing lives. At The Cigna Group, we're dedicated to improving the health and vitality of those we serve. Through our divisions Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services, we are committed to enhancing the lives of our clients, customers and patients. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the online application process, please email: SeeYourself@cigna.com for support. Do not email SeeYourself@cigna.com for an update on your application or to provide your resume as you will not receive a response.

The Cigna Group has a tobacco-free policy and reserves the right not to hire tobacco/nicotine users in states where that is legally permissible. Candidates in such states who use tobacco/nicotine will not be considered for employment unless they enter a qualifying smoking cessation program prior to the start of their employment. These states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington State.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.