Senior Director, Events

POSITION SUMMARY

Eligible for hybrid/3 days in office at United Way Worldwide in Alexandria, VA.

United Way Worldwide (UWW) is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to lead our events strategy and manage the events team.

The Senior Director of Events will report to the EVP/Chief Marketing Officer and is responsible for the strategy, planning, execution, and management of high-quality events designed to drive organizational goals including but not limited to fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and brand-building. This position is essential in connecting the United Way network and key stakeholders with live programs and content that engage, educate, and inspire participants from around the world. The Senior Director is responsible for ensuring seamless delivery of events, managing a high-performance team, maintaining UWW’s professional standards, and building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The successful applicant must be solutions-oriented, and proactive with client and executive leadership team requests, anticipating issues, integrating ideas, and creative strategies. Success in the role includes developing compelling, innovative, and cohesive world-class experiences that advance UWW’s mission and impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Develop and implement a comprehensive global strategy for external and internal events that aligns with the organization's overarching objectives and growth goals.

• Plan, manage, and execute a portfolio of events, including client-facing experiences, industry conferences, and internal initiatives.
• Develop events that have a clear creative narrative, that align and drive strategy; secure plenary speakers and plenary experiences that give lift to the event narrative; support script development/process to fully connect the event experience and inspire participants.
• Create production flows and schedules; provide onsite management for general sessions at events to include set up, technical direction, rehearsals, tear down, and other oversight as needed.
• Identify key opportunities for global engagement through events, conferences, and partnerships.
• Act as a brand ambassador, ensuring all events reflect UWW’s identity and strategic priorities.
• Oversee all aspects of event production, including venue selection, vendor management, logistics, and on-site coordination.
• A keen eye for detail and a flare for creating meaningful and memorable professional experiences that drive business impact.
• Collaborate with senior leaders (at United Way Worldwide and across the United Way network) to identify and amplify key stories and messaging.
• Manage flawless execution of complex events.
• Plan and produce the worldwide events calendar.
• Define and track event KPIs to measure success, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide post-event analysis, reports, and recommendations to stakeholders.

Budget Management & Resource Allocation:

• Develop, manage, and optimize budgets for global events, negotiate contracts, ensure financial sustainability, high-quality event delivery and adherence to organizational standards.
• Analyze cost-effectiveness and ROI of events, making strategic recommendations for improvements.
• Deliver transparency reporting on financial excellence.

Compliance And Risk Management

• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure that all activities are conducted in compliance with policies, procedures, and local regulatory/legal requirements, company policies, and code of conduct
• Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with large-scale events.
• Oversee the development and management of an organizational event crisis plan in partnership with internal teams.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and project management software.
• Experience with digital communications and CRM tools and databases.
• Comfortable with online webinar platforms for event production.

EDUCATION/REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or business preferred
• A minimum of seven (7) years of meeting and convention planning experience, including leadership role(s) in strategic planning and execution of domestic and international meetings.
• Minimum of five (5) years as a team leader responsible for managing staff.
• Demonstrated experience in bringing events to life from concept to completion.
• Experience working with production companies on the development and execution of medium-to-large-scale conferences (1,000+ participants).
• Experience in developing and managing budgets.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, managing, and implementing an event/conference project plan.
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence others, and work effectively with individuals internally and externally at all levels.
• Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) | Continuing Education hours must be up to date.
• Nonprofit experience at a global organization is preferred.

Conditions of Employment:

• Eligible candidates must live in the US and be able to work in the US without need for work visa or residency sponsorship (relocation is not available).
• Available for occasional teleconferences outside of usual working hours, to help ensure company-level global coverage of executive needs.
• Travel may be required based on business needs (domestically and internationally) and attend virtual programs outside of working hours as needed.
• Available to travel as needed when required (up to 20-25%).
• Satisfactory complete of a background check.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Current passport and Real ID.

SALARY STATEMENT

The budgeted lifespan salary range for this position is currently $125,000 to $140,000 per year. Salary is determined by several factors including applicant’s knowledge, ­­­skills, experience, position, equity, and market.

ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE

United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.

United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail recruitment@uww.unitedway.org and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

We are a charter member of Employers of National Service and encourage AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni to apply.

United Way Worldwide is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including: health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability, employee assistance program, 403(b) plan, tuition assistance, paid time off, family sick leave, medical appointment leave, parental/adoption leave, dress for your day, free parking, onsite gym, monthly volunteering opportunities, and more.