Event Manager

ABOUT CIS

The Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) is Australia's leading independent public policy think tank. For 50 years we've been making the case for individual liberty, free markets and limited government. From intimate policy roundtables to major public lectures and multi-day conferences, our program showcases talent from across academia, public policy, politics and business.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Event Director, the Event Manager is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of a diverse and high-profile events program. You will manage logistics across 50+ events annually, working across a range of formats and audiences including members, donors, media, politicians, public figures and the general public.

We are looking for someone with a strong professional background in events who takes ownership of their work, manages competing priorities with composure, and brings both rigour and initiative to every engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop run sheets, production schedules, itineraries and bump-in plans
• Coordinate venues, suppliers and contractors from brief through to post-event billing
• Manage on-the-day logistics and hold contractors to account on-site
• Identify and get ahead of event risks
• Build strong relationships across internal teams, suppliers, speakers and stakeholders
• Support interstate event delivery as required
• Drive email marketing campaigns through Salesforce Account Engagement
• Monitor performance and use data to sharpen future activity
• Coordinate event content distribution across online channels
• Own registrations, ticketing and delegate data across EventsAir, Humanatix and Salesforce
• Maintain data accuracy and ensure manual bookings are handled consistently
• Collate supplier quotes for Event Director sign-off
• Raise draft bills and purchase orders in Xero and track event expenditure
• Coordinate capture, editing and publishing of event video, audio and podcast content
• Assist with online event productions as required

ABOUT YOU

Essential

• 5+ years in a professional events environment
• Tertiary qualification in event management or equivalent experience
• Experience with EventsAir or a similar event registration platform
• Exceptionally high attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proven experience managing contractors and stakeholders under pressure
• Experience running email marketing campaigns
• Proficient across Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint and Teams
• Experience with Salesforce or a comparable CRM
• Practical experience using AI and LLM tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or similar) to streamline workflows
• Available to work from our Sydney CBD office five days a week
• Flexible for evening work at short notice, plus occasional interstate travel and weekend events
• Current driver's licence and full working rights in Australia

Desirable

• Experience with Humanatix or a similar event ticketing platform
• Experience in a policy, research or think tank environment
• AV knowledge including lighting, video, sound and livestreaming
• Current NSW RSA or First Aid qualifications

WORKING AT CIS

We're a small team that punches well above its weight. You'll work across a varied program, one week a policy lunch, the next a multi-day student residential conference, then a book launch. The pace is fast and the work is interesting.

The work is embedded in policy, ideas and intellectual debate. You'll need to be comfortable with CIS's classical liberal philosophy, and an interest in public policy and politics would serve you well.

This role involves manual handling tasks and occasional interstate travel. Core hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm in our Sydney CBD office, with flexibility required beyond that for events.

HOW TO APPLY

For questions, contact hiring manager Max Hawke-Weaver at ***email_hidden***. Rolling interviews will take place from Monday June 15, 2026. Please submit your cover letter addressing the essential and desirable criteria, along with your CV, via the application portal.