Event Planner

Portland, OR

The Math Learning Center (MLC) is a non-profit education organization with a track record of developing high-quality mathematics materials, including Bridges in Mathematics curriculum. We create programs that engage students, promote classroom community and discourse, and help more than 80,000 elementary teachers across the country deliver effective mathematics instruction.

Are you the person who can see the big picture and keep track of every last detail? Do you enjoy bringing people together, creating memorable experiences, and making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes?

If so, this position might be right for you. 

As our Event Planner, you’ll bring MLC’s events to life, from conferences and trade shows to internal gatherings. You’ll be the person who turns an event plan into a well-executed experience, partnering with colleagues across the organization to connect MLC with educators, customers, and the broader mathematics education community.

This position is based in Oregon. In this hybrid or onsite role, office days are split in our Portland and Salem offices. 

Occasional travel is a fun part of this role, with a few national trips throughout the year to support events giving you the opportunity to represent MLC, connect with educators and customers, and see your planning come together in real time.

What you will do:

Plan and execute great events.

  • Manage planning and logistics of internal and external events, conferences, trade shows, industry meetings, and other events that allow MLC to interact with current and potential customers.
  • Build strong relationships with colleagues and external partners so that everyone knows what’s happening, what’s needed, and what success looks like.
  • Partner across teams to develop and implement plans for increasing awareness, generating productive leads, and conducting effective outreach through event opportunities. 
  • Coordinate a collaborative process for evaluating trade shows, conferences, and events based on target audience reach and strategic alignment.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand the purpose and audience of each event, identify MLC’s goals for the event, and ensure those goals are met.
  • Research site locations for suitability. Prepare bid comparisons and manage contracts. Negotiate hotel blocks and venue rates. 
  • Coordinate with facilities, lodging, food and beverage vendors, and event sponsors to ensure seamless logistics for event attendees.
  • Purchase, pack, and ship event and trade show materials, including organizing and tracking inventory of materials in our Salem office/warehouse.
  • For events you attend in person, act as the primary on-site manager, overseeing booth set-up, coordinating staff activities, managing run-of-show schedules, and troubleshooting operational issues in real time.
  • Keep event spending on track and manage expenses within budget.

What you bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • At least two years of experience planning and coordinating events; trade show experience is a plus. 
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • A genuine enthusiasm for customer service and creating great experiences for others.
  • Comfort juggling multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and adapting when plans inevitably change.
  • A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and the good judgment to know when to take the lead, when to ask questions, and when to call in help.

We offer our employees an excellent work environment that includes:

  • An emphasis on collaboration, with all staff expected to participate in achieving organizational goals.
  • A dedicated team of mission-driven professionals passionate about math education.
  • Competitive pay and benefits.
  • Paid Time-Off: 12 holidays, 24 additional days PTO, and a wellness week.
  • Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision): Premiums paid at 100% for employees.
  • Retirement: 401(k) plan with 3% employer contribution and 2% match.
  • Disability and Life Insurance: Employer-paid short-term, long-term, and group life.

The Math Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer. We provide fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. The Math Learning Center hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.