Senior Events Manager

Location: New York Schedule: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM FLSA: Exempt Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking a Senior Events Manager in the Marketing department, reporting to the Director of Events.

The role will reside in the New York office with hybrid work capabilities and will be responsible for planning, producing and executing quality events. This position works collaboratively with the firm’s business development and marketing teams, but also independently with firm lawyers to create and manage engaging events in support of firm objectives. Events include, but are not limited to, conferences (both firm-hosted and those with firm participation or sponsorship), client and internal retreats, roundtables, client receptions, social and sporting events, and webinars. This role requires the ability to successfully manage events both in-person and remotely. This role has high visibility within the firm and significant interaction with external contacts. The role requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. The Senior Events Manager is expected to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to providing superior service to the firm’s clients, attorneys, advisors and staff, efficient and effective departmental operations, and an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Lead the development and execution of high-profile, complex events and programs, applying advanced judgment and expertise to develop event strategies, define objectives, anticipate challenges, and deliver sophisticated experiences aligned with the organization’s business and client-development priorities.
• Serve as an advisor and trusted partner to firm leadership, senior stakeholders and event sponsors, providing strategic recommendations on event format, audience engagement, programming, budget, logistics, and overall experience while effectively navigating competing priorities and sensitive business considerations.
• Direct large-scale and highly visible events from concept through completion, including budgets, production requirements, vendor relationships, contracts, risk considerations, executive participation, and multi-location or multi-day programming, with a high degree of independence and accountability.
• Provide leadership support and subject-matter expertise to the broader events team, establishing best practices, improving processes, mentoring less-experienced team members, and serving as an escalation point for particularly complex, sensitive, or high-profile events.
• Lead client retreats and other large practice functions from event conception to post-event follow-up. This includes sourcing venues, negotiating contracts, acquiring proper approval, organizing all food and beverage, AV, activities, lodging and more.
• Work closely with the business development & marketing team, as well as with partners and lawyers.
• Collaborate with the business development teams to develop and continually refine best practices and standards across the firm for both in-person and virtual events.
• Develop and manage event budgets in collaboration with the Director of Events and other team members as appropriate.
• Identify, evaluate and implement technical tools to support and enhance events.
• Compile estimated cost models, submit final budgets, track budget statistics and prepare reports.
• Evaluate event effectiveness and continuously elevate the organization’s events strategy, using stakeholder feedback, attendance and engagement data, budget performance and industry best practices to identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen the attendee experience and maximize the business value of the events portfolio.
• Establish, monitor, manage and report on performance expectations for events and meetings.
• Handle multiple events/meetings simultaneously.
• Set up event schedules and plans, organize and ship materials, and develop transportation itineraries.
• Negotiate contracts and maintain relationships with vendors.
• Organize and streamline tickets events for client entertainment.
• Collaborate with office resources and internal support teams (e.g. facilities, audio/visual, travel, etc.).
• Coordinate with the business development leads on the creation and distribution of promotional pieces and other printed materials.
• Manage on-site staffing and registration.
• Maintain pleasant and productive demeanor in stressful situations and determine appropriate responses to problems and emergencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 8+ years of progressively responsible marketing or event management experience required, preferably in a law firm setting, including at least 3 years leading people or relevant functional areas.
• Advanced project management and organizational skills are essential, with experience simultaneously managing multiple complex events, priorities, timelines, stakeholders and workstreams while maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as an advisor to senior leaders and key stakeholders, with the judgment, professionalism, discretion and executive presence necessary to manage highly visible events and sensitive or rapidly changing circumstances.
• Ability to travel and work outside standard business hours when necessary, including evenings and occasional weekends, based on the requirements of major events and programs.
• Self-starter who works well in a fast-paced, team-oriented and deadline-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritize workload, work independently, and complete tasks under time pressure as necessary.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build credibility and work effectively with senior leadership, lawyers, clients, vendors and colleagues at all organizational levels.
• Strong work ethic with sound judgment, composure and a high degree of professionalism and poise including in high-pressure or sensitive situations.
• Flexibility and creativity to respond productively to individualized needs of lawyers and the ability to react to unexpected challenges and difficult situations appropriately.
• Strong computer skills including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; SalesForce experience is a plus.
• Commitment to the firm, as well as professional growth and development.

The anticipated base salary range for this position in New York is $150,000 to $190,000. The actual salary offered will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, years of relevant experience, certifications or other professional licenses held, job-related knowledge and skills, business needs, and the location from which the work will be performed. Additionally, salary or hourly wages may be only part of the total compensation package, which may also include a full range of health and other insurance benefits, financial and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility), a discretionary bonus, and various paid time off benefits. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here.

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