Project Manager, Programs & Events

The Property Management Association (PMA) is seeking an experienced, highly organized, and proactive Project Manager, Programs & Events to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of assigned conferences, educational programs, networking events, awards programs, trade shows, and volunteer-led initiatives.

This is a hands-on position within a small, collaborative association team. The ideal candidate is a resourceful, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can independently manage multiple competing priorities, and takes ownership of projects from initial planning through successful execution and evaluation.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Project Manager will oversee event logistics, budgets, vendor relationships, event-specific marketing, registration, sponsor and exhibitor fulfillment, and assigned volunteer committees. The position requires someone who can anticipate challenges, develop practical solutions, maintain accurate project plans, and keep initiatives moving forward without continual supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage multiple events and programs simultaneously, developing comprehensive project plans, timelines, budgets, deliverables, and accountability measures.
• Coordinate all aspects of event planning and execution, including venue sourcing, vendor negotiations, contracts, catering, audiovisual production, registration, speakers, signage, and onsite operations.
• Develop and monitor event budgets, revenue projections, expenses, and financial performance.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to assigned committees and volunteer groups, preparing agendas, facilitating meetings, documenting decisions, and ensuring timely follow-through on action items.
• Develop and execute event-specific marketing and communications plans, including promotional emails, website content, social media messaging, and attendee communications.
• Oversee event registration processes, attendee communications, event materials, and accurate recordkeeping.
• Coordinate the operational fulfillment of event sponsorship and exhibitor benefits in collaboration with the Director of Membership, Sales & Engagement.
• Lead onsite event operations, coordinating staff, volunteers, vendors, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.
• Evaluate event outcomes, identify opportunities for improvement, and maintain organized documentation and procedures for future planning.
• Proactively communicate project progress, competing priorities, potential risks, and recommended solutions to the Executive Director.

Work Environment

This full-time, hybrid position is based in Bethesda, Maryland, with an expectation of working in the office two to three days per week. Local travel and occasional early-morning, evening, or weekend work are required in connection with PMA events and programs.

The position is employed by Cohn Communications , which provides association management services to the Property Management Association.

Required Qualifications

• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in event management, project management, conference planning, trade shows, or a closely related field; candidates with equivalent demonstrated experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple complex projects or events simultaneously, from planning through execution and evaluation.
• Strong project-management skills, including developing timelines, establishing priorities, managing deadlines, and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Experience managing event budgets, vendor relationships, contracts, and logistical arrangements.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records and project documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare professional correspondence, promotional content, agendas, reports, and event materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and ability to learn and effectively use event registration and project-management software.
• Demonstrated initiative, independent problem-solving, sound judgment, and the ability to anticipate needs and recommend solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, vendors, and other stakeholders while maintaining ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Availability to work onsite in Bethesda two to three days per week and attend occasional early-morning, evening, and weekend events throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with a trade association, professional membership organization, nonprofit, or association management company.
• Experience coordinating volunteer committees, advisory groups, or other stakeholder-led initiatives.
• Familiarity with association management systems (AMS), CRM platforms, email marketing software, website content management, and event registration platforms.
• Experience managing conferences, trade shows, awards programs, or other events involving multiple sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and vendors.
• Familiarity with banquet event orders (BEOs), venue contracts, floor plans, and audiovisual production requirements.