Director, Events

About the role

The SPLC is seeking a Director of Events who is committed to social justice. The Director of Events provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all events programming across SPLC.

Responsibilities

• Establish center-wide event standards, policies, and integrated event platforms and procedures used across all SPLC offices.
• Contribute to organizational planning and budgeting processes by advising senior leadership on event strategy and resource needs.
• Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, including concept development, logistics, budgeting, production, programmatic support, registration, and post-event evaluation across 200+ annual events.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team by hiring, training, assigning responsibilities, setting and monitoring performance and development goals, providing ongoing coaching, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Lead planning committees and serve as the senior events liaison for high-priority convenings including (but not limited to) Jubilee Week, Board Meetings, IP Convenings, Youth Summits, and Executive/C-suite events.
• Manage the Events & Meetings submission process (Airtable), approval workflows, and room assignments across all office locations.
• Ensure all events are inclusive, accessible, and representative of the communities SPLC serves.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Development, Communications, Programs, Legal, and Operations teams to ensure cohesive and integrated event planning and execution.
• Partner with Facilities, Security, and IT to develop and maintain event procedures for SPLC meeting and event spaces.
• Serve as a senior liaison between the events function and executive leadership, department heads, and external partners.
• Build and maintain strategic global partnerships with vendors and venues to secure non-profit and preferred rates (e.g., IHG, Marriott, LYFT).
• Review, negotiate, and execute event-related contracts on behalf of departments.
• Cultivate relationships with mission-aligned partners and community allies for collaborative events.
• Remain current with trends in event planning, design, production, and technology; proactively identify and resolve operational challenges.
• Ensure compliance with legal, insurance, health, and safety regulations across all events.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in event planning, design, and strategy, including large-scale, multi-site, and high-profile events in a nonprofit or social justice context.
• At least 5 years of proven managerial experience of a team of professionals, managing performance, encouraging professional development and setting high standards.
• High school diploma or GED.

Qualifications

• Mission-Focused & Values-Aligned. Demonstrated commitment to advancing the organization's mission through strategic event programming, community engagement, and venue operations that reflect organizational values, promote equity and inclusion, and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.

Skills

• Strategic Thinker.
• Adaptable & Solutions-Oriented.
• Creative & Innovative.
• Calm & Resilient.

Benefits

Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Pay

This is an exempt role and the minimum starting salary is $131,400 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Schedule

This position will report to the Chief Financial Officer. Other Special Considerations This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions. This position is expected to occasionally work nights and weekends and must have the ability to travel domestically for events and meetings, as needed.