Director, Events

Public Media Group of Southern California•Burbank, CA

10d•$100,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

PBS SoCal tells stories that matter through original programs that reflect the diversity of the region and the full schedule of trusted PBS and PBS SoCal programs. Our content channels are available for free on internet-connected screens through the PBS and PBS KIDS App, as well as seven local broadcast channels including PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus. A donor-supported community institution, PBS SoCal sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations as well as delivers social impact through services that prepare our most vulnerable children for school.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience leading the planning and execution of complex events, including managing budgets, vendors, logistics, and onsite production.
Demonstrated success partnering with multiple internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver high-quality events while effectively managing shifting priorities and competing deadlines.
Excellent project management, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, donors, board members, vendors, talent, and staff at all levels.
Familiarity with event registration platforms, virtual event technologies, and attendee management systems.
Ability to work evenings and weekends in-person (as required) and travel throughout Southern California for event planning and onsite execution.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of PBS SoCal's portfolio of donor, community, marketing, and programming events, ensuring successful delivery from concept through post-event wrap-up.
Manage end-to-end event logistics, production schedules, budgets, vendors, contracts, and event operations to deliver a consistent, high-quality attendee experience.
Provide hands-on leadership and onsite management for events, serving as the primary point of coordination during event execution.
Develop event production timelines, run-of-shows, staffing plans, and contingency plans to support successful event delivery.
Manage relationships with venues, caterers, production companies, rental vendors, security providers, and other external service partners.
Prepare post-event reporting, budget reconciliation, and recommendations to support continuous improvement.
Coordinate the organization-wide events calendar, helping prioritize event requests and resources in partnership with department leaders.
Partner closely with Fundraising leadership to plan and execute donor and member engagement events, including salons, dinners, screenings, receptions, cultivation events, and other stewardship activities.
Partner with Advancement Services and other internal teams to ensure appropriate donor and prospect tracking, documentation, and post-event follow-up.
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications, Content, Early Education, Impact, and other internal teams to produce screenings, premieres, panel discussions, community events, press activities, and other mission-driven experiences.
Coordinate event priorities across departments, balancing organizational needs and available resources while ensuring clear communication and alignment among stakeholders.
Foster strong cross-functional collaboration, guiding internal teams and external partners toward shared event goals and successful outcomes.
Develop and manage event communications in partnership with internal stakeholders, including invitations, RSVP management, guest lists, event materials, and attendee communications.
Resolve issues, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Manage relationships with talent, speakers, moderators, VIP guests, elected officials, media representatives, and other special guests, as appropriate.
Coordinate Ambassadors (part-time event staff) during event preparation and onsite execution.
Evaluate existing event processes, tools, and vendor relationships, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and consistency across the organization's event portfolio.
Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.