Director, Events

Southern Poverty Law Center•Atlanta, GA

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

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. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director sets the vision and standards for a diverse portfolio of events including internal convenings, community-facing programs and high-profile national gatherings in support of the advancement of SPLC’s short-term and long-term mission objectives. The Director leads a team of events professionals, drives cross-organizational collaboration, and stewards mission-aligned partnerships and vendor relationships to ensure events cultivate meaningful community impact, strengthen organizational relationships, and advance SPLC's strategic priorities. This position is expected to occasionally work nights and weekends and must have the ability to travel domestically for events and meetings, as needed.

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

Nice To Haves

Strategic Thinker. Ability to develop and execute an integrated events and venue strategy that advances organizational goals, strengthens community engagement and aligns event programming and facility operations with the organization's mission, values, and long-term objectives.
Adaptable & Solutions-Oriented. Demonstrated ability to anticipate challenges, respond effectively to changing circumstances, and develop practical, creative solutions that ensure successful event execution, operational efficiency, and alignment with organizational goals and values.
Creative & Innovative. Proven ability to design impactful event experiences, cultivate new opportunities for community engagement, and develop creative solutions that advance organizational objectives, deepen stakeholder relationships, and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
Calm & Resilient. Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in fast-paced and high-pressure environments, maintaining composure, sound judgment, and a solutions-focused approach while navigating challenges, managing competing priorities and ensuring successful outcomes.
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.

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.
Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.