Director of Events

Position: Director of Events

Location: Remote

Reports to: Vice President, Communications

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

The Per Scholas team is seeking a strategic, driven, and detail-oriented Director of Events to join our team. The Director of Events will be responsible for leading the strategic planning and ensuring effective execution of a diverse portfolio of events, including national and local campus events, graduations, partner panels, fundraising events, and webinars. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in event planning, event execution, building and leading teams, vendor negotiation, problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate well with different stakeholders. The individual deeply values the importance of ensuring that all stakeholders have a consistent experience across campuses and events. 

The position will report to the Vice President of Communications and work collaboratively across Marketing and Communications, and other Per Scholas teams. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

1. Vision, Strategy and Planning: Set the overarching vision for Per Scholas' events, creating a flow that supports key organizational goals. Oversee event execution strategy and collaborate across teams on strategic approaches to events that align with our organizational goals, fundraising objectives, and the unique needs of each Per Scholas campus (20+ locations nationwide). Ensure flawless execution of events while conducting thorough market research to identify trends, target audiences, vendor pricing, and potential event sponsorships for both local and national events.
2. Plan, Execute, and Coordinate: Collaborate with relevant team(s) to plan and execute events including in-person, hybrid, and virtual events to meet each event's key objectives. Develop a framework that delivers a consistent thread through all events, from national to regional and local campuses, ensuring cohesive messaging and experience across all levels.
3. Stakeholder Management/Partnership: Lead holistic project planning and manage all aspects of event logistics for all event formats, including venue selection (both physical and virtual platforms), vendor contracts, and attendee registration. Work closely with internal teams, campus leaders, volunteers, and external partners to ensure successful event outcomes. Experience managing talent, and anticipating the needs of all speakers and participants of every event. Oversee stakeholder engagement from host committee formation to program planning and follow-up. Handle contract negotiation, vendor management, and on-site coordination for major events. Streamline events management processes and support relevant budget owners to ensure event budgets are within scope, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial sustainability. Lead signature events and create templates for sound event execution for local events.
4. Team Leadership: Oversee event staff (paid, volunteer, and contracted) across all locations and ensure exceptional guest experiences, regardless of event format. This is an essential role leading and mentoring the Sr. Associate of Events and also working across the MarCom Team, Organization, External Partners, etc.
5. Event Marketing and Promotion: Develop and implement effective marketing and promotional campaigns to generate excitement for events, considering the specific needs of each audience and event type. Collaborate with Marketing and Communication team colleagues to develop promotional strategies and materials that maximize event attendance and engagement.
6. Evaluation and Best Practices: Measure event success through data analysis and reporting, including ROI, attendee feedback, and fundraising metrics, for all event formats. Analyze event performance, gather feedback, and implement improvements for future events. Stay up-to-date on industry trends in event planning and fundraising, with a particular focus on best practices for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events. Ensure all events comply with Per Scholas’ mission, relevant regulations, and industry best practices.
7. Milestones: Play a key role in  planning and executing events related to Per Scholas’ 30th anniversary in 2025.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO US: 

Professional Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience in event planning and management, with a proven track record of success in executing a variety of event formats: in-person, hybrid, and virtual. Must have demonstrated experience in running successful non-profit fundraising events, specifically in building and executing annual events. Prior non-profit experience is required.
• Proficiency with Zoom Meetings and Webinars, Slack, Google Suite, Microsoft Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a geographically dispersed event portfolio.
• Strong understanding of event budgets, vendor management, and logistics for all event formats.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for the non-profit mission and a commitment to social impact.
• Experience with social media marketing and online event promotion is a plus.

Personal Characteristics

• You thrive in a creative, inventive, fast-paced environment with people who are passionate about their work and mission.
• You are detail-oriented, with exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• You are highly motivated and work independently while having a strong sense of ownership, and urgency.
• You are a team builder and motivator. You have the ability to manage projects from start to completion and manage team members along the way.
• You have a collaborative and flexible work style. You’re excited to work cross-functionally with other departments and independently.
• You are data-driven, result-oriented, and a forward-looking catalyst for social change.
• You are an effective communicator with strong oral and written skills, and a great listener who can connect human stories to broader organizational impact through events.

Compensation
For this role, we are targeting a salary of $70,000 to $85,000, depending on factors such as the candidate's location, qualifications, and experience.