Description

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.  

Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work.  Our team members and leaders are expected to foster connection and teamwork by being present in the Kansas City, MO office at least 2 days per week.

The opportunity:  

The Events Manager leads an exciting portfolio of in-person, virtual, and hybrid internal and external events for Sun Life U.S., providing expert guidance to achieve business objectives, quality standards, and engagement goals through the effective use of digital platforms, emerging event technologies, and data-driven insights. A creative solutions expert, the Events Manager ensures the seamless delivery of program components and event logistics while embracing new technologies—including AI-enabled tools—to streamline planning, enhance attendee engagement, and continuously improve outcomes. Taking a hands-on leadership role, the Events Manager produces signature events for a wide range of business partners and collaborates closely with stakeholders, team members, and vendors. This role works in partnership with Marketing, Distribution, Human Resources, Communications, AV Services, and Multimedia teams to deliver impactful, innovative experiences that make Sun Life a valued partner to our clients and a great place to work.

How you will contribute: 

• For assigned events, manage all aspects of event and project execution for conferences, multi-day meetings, receptions, and incentive travel, including event itineraries, show flows, rehearsals, programming and entertainment, budgets and expenses, content and presentation coordination, vendor contracts, attendee registration and communications, travel, gifting, food and beverage, staffing, safety planning, and post-event reporting.

• Manage event websites, attendee platforms, and digital event marketing platforms (e.g., ON24 or similar tools), ensuring a cohesive, engaging, and data-informed attendee experience.

• Lead the hands-on planning and execution of high-complexity events, both virtual and on-site, directing internal teams, external partners, and talent to ensure flawless agenda delivery, including show calling and floor management.

• Advise business partners on event agendas that inspire, connect, and engage audiences; leverage industry networks to recommend speakers, bureaus, and creative talent that drive business results through compelling content and experiences.

• Incorporate innovative, technology-enabled ways to involve and interact with audiences, including interactive virtual and hybrid experiences, digital engagement tools, and platform-driven personalization.

• Leverage AI-enabled tools (such as Microsoft Copilot and related technologies) to support event planning, communications, content development, reporting, and operational efficiency.

• Manage and contract event vendors in accordance with Sun Life guidelines, including destination management companies, venues, keynote speakers, promotional items, and spousal or family programs; research and recommend new vendors and services to enhance offerings.

• Ensure accurate administration of event expenses and billing, including approvals, forecasting, reconciliation, and reporting; identify opportunities for cost efficiencies and savings.

• Adhere to company policies and industry best practices throughout the event lifecycle—pre, during, and post-event.

• Lead or contribute to team initiatives that improve tools, processes, resources, and ways of working for the broader events team.

What you will bring with you: 

• 10+ years of advanced expertise in a meetings and events production environment, delivering exceptional experiences for in-person and virtual corporate audiences.

• A proven track record of collaborating closely with production, technical, multimedia, and marketing partners, using a wide range of platforms, media, and venues.

• Advanced technological abilities, including Excel and the Microsoft Office Suite, with experience using AI-enabled productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) and the ability to quickly learn and adopt new technologies and platforms.

• Experience leveraging databases, CRM systems, event and marketing platforms, website tools, and digital engagement technologies to support event strategy and execution.

• A proactive, self-directed mindset with strong judgment, initiative, and confidence in decision-making.

• A passion for developing creative, innovative experiences, with an eye toward emerging trends, tools, and techniques.

• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced, deadline-driven, high-volume, live production environments.

• Extensive budget management experience, including forecasting, expense tracking, reconciliation, and reporting.

• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with internal stakeholders, vendors, and partners.

Preferred skills

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation

• Knowledge of Cvent, Wrike, ON24, and other virtual or hybrid event and digital marketing platforms

• Experience applying data insights and emerging technologies to improve event strategy, engagement, and efficiency.

• Deep knowledge of industry-related contracts and terminology

• Involvement in industry-related associations

• Up to 20% travel may be required

Salary Range: $81,000 - $121,500

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

Not ready to apply yet but want to stay in touch?   Join our talent community to stay connected until the time is right for you! 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive.  We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate.  We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program.  Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account.  Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth.  We're proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer.  Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we've also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row.  Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email thebrightside@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.