Senior Events Manager

Job Details

Description

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the mission of IRI and demonstrating the organization’s core values in their daily work.

Excellence– We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom– We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy, and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion, and the power of global collaboration. Transparency– We believe in open communication and clear decision-making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

The global conversation around democracy is essential to gaining interest and support for IRI’s work. Upgrading the quality and strategic value of our events and increasing our presence at and execution of high-level events is a strategic priority for the organization. To lead and coordinate these efforts, IRI seeks an experienced, talented communications and events professional.

IRI runs dozens of in-person and virtual events annually, reaching thousands of people and elevating the incredible work of our programs around the world and the thought leadership of our experts on global democracy and a broad range of foreign policy and development topics. The newly created position of Senior Events Manager will work closely with the Director of Communications to develop an events strategy for IRI to guide the organization as it shifts to an audience growth strategy, integrates new digital platforms to host and market events, and sharpens its focus on building strategic networks. The new strategy will institutionalize consistent best practices in event production, marketing and optimization.

S/he will oversee the full lifecycle of IRI’s events, including event conception, communications and marketing, production, and vendor relations and logistics, with the goal of raising awareness of IRI’s story, work and mission around the world. This new teammate will develop and sustain high-level relationships with events vendors and organizational partners around IRI events.

This position reports to the Director of Communications and will work closely with all members of the team and others across IRI.

Position Requirements

• 6-8 years’ experience directly overseeing virtual and in-person events of all sizes with diverse stakeholders and audiences;
• Experience directly developing and implementing communications and/or marketing campaigns in support of events;
• Experience managing and coordinating staff, volunteers, vendors, and others contributing to the execution of large events;
• Experience coordinating with event co-hosts, sponsors, donors, and other events partners;
• Ability to think strategically while also focusing on and executing details;
• Ability to set priorities when multiple demands are present;
• Professional demeanor, diplomatic skills, and a desire to innovate and execute;
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required
• Demonstrated interest in international affairs/global development preferred
• Experience with popular CRM and virtual events platforms;
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated attention to detail;
• Strong oral and written communications skills;
• Strong project management and organizational skills

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Design strategic high-impact events to elevate IRI’s profile and advance our work, leading and coordinating the conception, coordination, promotion, and execution of IRI external events;
• Design and oversee the execution of IRI flagship events such as our annual gala dinner, Womens’ Democracy Network award luncheon, and other traditional annual events;
• Work across the Communications team to ensure the robust integration of events with social media, email, and direct outreach;
• Measure, track and report on event outcomes, including event surveys and attendance tracking;
• Work with the IRI IT team to identify, recommend and secure digital platforms for IRI events, including invitation and guest management software, platforms or venues for virtual events. Ensure the timely promotion, archiving, and livestreaming of events on IRI.org as the website undergoes a redesign currently in progress;
• Work with IRI program teams and Communications Team colleagues to develop strategic, segmented outreach lists;
• Coordinate with event co-hosts, sponsors or partners to ensure appropriate and robust branding and event collateral, and work across the Communications team to ensure that IRI event brand assets and guidelines are kept current and accessible;
• Oversee high-visibility appearances by the organization, its partners and senior staff at global events such as the Munich Security Conference, Copenhagen Democracy Summit, and others, including sponsor/funder outreach, developing and confirming panel sketches, and working with program teams to secure relevant, high-impact speakers;
• Assist with the planning and execution of large internal IRI gatherings like the annual Global Strategy Meeting;
• Work with IRI programs to craft events strategies around major publication launches;

• Conceptualize and support events related to partnership development and private sector outreach;

• Provide strategic advice and guidance to IRI program teams looking to incorporate or execute events as part of IRI’s programming.

• May require occasional work outside of normal working hours;

• May require attendance at meetings and events outside of the office, including occasional international travel;

• May take on additional management responsibilities as the IRI Communications team expands;