Event Experience Planning Strategist

Events StrategistAre you energized by creating memorable event experiences that bring teams, clients, and partners together? Do you love managing details, building relationships, and delivering polished, high-impact programs that drive business results? We are looking for an experienced Events Strategist to support our Sales organization within Principal's Retirement & Income Solutions (RIS) business. In this role, you'll play a vital part in bringing our brand to life by planning and executing exceptional events that strengthen and support our sales strategy. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy owning projects from concept to completion, and are committed to flawless executionwe'd love to have you on our team. Event Design & Execution Partner with internal stakeholders to develop annual event strategies, ensuring alignment with brand, sales priorities, and compliance standards. Manage all logistical aspects of planning which may include speaker selection, technology management, communications, marketing activities, on-site coordination, budget forecasting/maintenance/reconciliation and return on investment analysis. Accountable for maintaining post conference success metrics, stakeholder feedback and delivery of overall conference evaluation results. Plan, coordinate, and execute small- to large-sized events that support our RIS Sales team and business goals. Manage all event logistics including: speaker coordination, agenda and scheduling, budgeting, activity planning, entertainment and rentals, transportation and on-site logistics and support. Execute event technology for in person, hybrid and virtual events. Utilize knowledge of all aspects of event technology to guide stakeholders to the most effective solutions. Pre- & Post-Event Workflow Drive comprehensive pre-event planning, including communications, materials, vendor coordination, and internal alignment. Manage post-event follow-through, including data tracking, reporting, and sales activation initiatives to translate events into measurable business outcomes. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with marketing, compliance, sales leadership, operations, finance, and external partners to support both event-related initiatives and non-event projects that enhance the client and sales experience. Who You Are Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience 6+ years of experience in event management, client partnership, marketing, or sales support Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Strong problem-solving, communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment Comfortable operating with a high sense of urgency Ability to lift up to 35 pounds Willingness to travel (up to 20%, including overnight travel) Preferred Skills That Help You Stand Out Experience partnering with or supporting a Sales organization Familiarity with financial services or retirement industry (nice to have, not required) Experience with Salesforce Strong data tracking and reporting capabilities to analyze event outcomes Ability to anticipate needs, problem-solve proactively, and build strong internal relationships Why You'll Love This Role You'll be a key contributor in shaping how Principal shows up to our clients, partners, and sales teams. You'll join a collaborative and dynamic team where your creativity, attention to detail, and strategic thinking truly matter. You'll have the autonomy to manage meaningful work while having the support of a strong team behind you. Salary Range Information Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly) $84600 - $125000 / year Salary Details The following levels and locations are examples of market-specific salary ranges across different job levels and geographies. Candidates will be evaluated to determine the appropriate job level based on their skills and experience. Grand Island, NE / Wichita, KS: $84,600 - $114,300 / year Des Moines, IA / Tampa, FL: $89,300 - $120,650 / year Charlotte, NC / Dallas, TX: $94,000 - $125,000 / year Chicago, IL / Denver, CO / Minneapolis, MN: $103,400 - $125,000 / year Time Off Program Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don't accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided. Pension Eligible Yes Work Authorization/Sponsorship At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links. Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants Investment Code of Ethics For Principal Asset Management positions, you'll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization. Principal At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we're imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits. Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.