Director, Events and Experiences - Hybrid (Los Angeles)

Los Angeles, CA
Full Time
Manager/Supervisor

XPRIZE Overview
XPRIZE is an established global leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. As a 501(c)3, our unique model democratizes innovation by incentivizing crowd-sourced, scientifically viable solutions to create a more equitable and abundant future for all.  Since our founding in 1994, we’ve launched $519 million in prize competitions that are driving more than $31 billion in social and economic impact — a 60x return on philanthropic investment. These competitions not only de-risk early-stage breakthrough ideas but also mobilize capital, talent, and momentum to accelerate solutions from concept to real-world scale.

We operate across 5 areas of impact, including: 

  • Deep Tech + Exploration
  • Energy + Climate + Nature
  • Food + Water + Waste
  • Health
  • Learning + Society

Join XPRIZE to help create meaningful impact as we strive to empower humanity to achieve breakthroughs and architect a more equitable and abundant future for all.

Position Description

The Director of Events will lead a strategic, holistic approach to how XPRIZE ideates and executes events and experiences. The Director oversees all production, logistic, and operational aspects of these events and experiences. This includes a robust annual calendar of internally hosted events such as, prize launches, prize awards, networking events,, and fundraising dinners. In addition, the Director will collaborate with integrated marketing on XPRIZE’s participation in global conferences and summits as well as owned B2B summits (general sessions + breakouts). The portfolio of events includes a range of sizes from intimate networking events to 500-person summits both virtual The  Director of Events is a key role within the Marketing organization and must be highly nimble, organized, efficient, and able to communicate effectively to both event staff and the XPRIZE leadership. Being able to work cross-functionally and collaboratively is key to the success of this position. 

This role will manage an event manager, as well as  vendors and freelancers, in line with event and  Foundation business needs.  The Director is charged with maintaining a strong organizational event planning process and calendar to ensure that major events do not overlap or compete with one another.

This is a critical role that helps drive both fundraising and engagement for XPRIZE and is charged with ensuring our attendees have a strong and positive brand experience.

Responsibilities:

Logistics / Operational

  • Oversee annual planning and calendaring to effectively and efficiently plan and manage resources for the organization
  • Leverage event production experience to strategically and efficiently lead event strategy, implementation, project management to successfully execute events
  • Maintain industry knowledge of the most up to date technology and tools and leverage in event execution
  • Strategize and collaborate with key stakeholders and departments across XPRIZE and externally. Provide feedback for new and existing events by liaising with Executives and Leadership Team 
  • Oversee and develop the operational process required to execute strategic vision for XPRIZE events including event templates, checklists and processes. Create tools to help staff create smaller events including a branded event-in-a-box resource
  • Act as key liaison between internal partners, event staff, in-house creative and any third party vendors leading up to the event, ensuring that event deliverables/goals are met
  • Leverage, select and negotiate effectively with event vendors and partners to meet company goals
  • Lead, conceptualize, plan, and execute overall attendee experience from start to finish
  • Manage overall budget, stay accountable to budget and reconcile with key budget owners; regular reporting and financial tracking to key organizational groups and leadership

Impact Evaluation

  • Lead event planning meetings and debriefs for each event; compile post-event wrap-ups and presentations, including collaborating with Advancement to assess the ROI for events
  • Summarize key learnings and takeaways that can improve the overall outcome of the event and process system and incorporate lessons learned into future events 
  • Collect post-event attendee feedback; review and analyze  data; and communicate learnings to key stakeholders

Management

  • Recruit, manage and mentor event team staff including setting goals and objectives and clear roles and responsibilities across the team
  • Coach team and drive for excellence so that together the team is able to:
    • Plan in advance, anticipate needs and create timelines and project trackers to proactively and effectively manage events 
    • Oversee aspects of event administration and logistics, including budgets, timelines, print materials, staff memos, guest outreach, and staff/volunteer direction
    • Manage relationships with external vendors including audio visual, photography, design, copy, caterers, and print teams
    • Coordinate services such as accommodations and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing, and event security
    • Negotiate contracts with such service providers and suppliers as hotels, venues, and production agencies. 

Requirements:

  • 10+ years of event planning and experiences, covering all aspects of event planning and execution
  • Agency or non-profit experience preferred
  • Experience in fast-paced environments, planning multiple events/campaigns simultaneously 
  • Proficiency in CVENT, Crowd Compass, and other event management tools
  • Experience managing staff, vendors, and third-party support 
  • Exceptional organizational, multi-tasking, and planning skills
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to partner with diverse stakeholders.
  • Able to work well under pressure to meet various production and creative deadlines
  • Demonstrated agility and flexibility, given internal shifts or evolving goals 
  • Exceptional work ethic and strong integrity
  • Effective communicator both verbally and in writing. Respects the notion of over-communicating to guarantee thorough execution of all event details.
  • Ability to financially manage large-scale events, with non-profit budgets in mind
  • Exceptional vendor management and relationship building
  • Established network of outside vendors and external resources
  • Experience leading creative, content, and production strategy internally, along with outside vendors
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally to attend various internal and external events.
 

Competencies required for this role:

  • Organized
  • Action Oriented
  • Resourceful
  • Collaborative
  • Communicates effectively and professionally
  • Global Perspective
  • Growth Mindset
  • Builds Networks
  • Drives Results
  • Situational Adaptability
  • Accountable 
  • Drives Vision and Purpose
  • Curious and Creative
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity

The anticipated base salary for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 and may also qualify for an annual incentive. This role is eligible for our extensive benefits package and generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, and holidays. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant, years of relevant experience for the role, level of education attained, and certifications and/or other licenses held. XPRIZE is a remote-first environment; however, in-person work in Playa Vista is often preferred during the lead-up to major tentpole events. 

XPRIZE is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. Equal access to employment, services, and programs are available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization.

Please note: Though submitting a resume to the XPRIZE FOUNDATION implies that you are interested in a position(s), it does not imply that you are an applicant. You are not considered an applicant until you have been contacted directly by a Talent Acquisitions representative requesting that you begin the designated application process, which may involve phone and/or in-person interview(s), job-related testing, and background checks.

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