Events Specialist

General Catalyst•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Event Specialist to join our team. This role will primarily focus on planning, organizing, and executing events, including dinners, happy hours, networking events, etc., across a variety of sectors and stages, with a primary focus on supporting the General Catalyst Institute (GCI). This role will also assist in the planning and execution of large-scale summits and activations at third-party events. This is an exciting opportunity to develop event management skills in a fast-paced and collaborative environment while working with a global investment and transformation company.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience in event planning, operations, marketing, or related fields.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a willingness to learn.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Comfortable working in-office (3 days/week), supporting evening events, with occasional travel.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with event management software and tools (Gatsby, Affinity, Google Sheets, Canva, Figma).
Experience in or passion for the venture capital or startup/tech ecosystem.
Previous hospitality and/or marketing experience is not required, but is a bonus.
Experience in community building or management is not required, but is a bonus.
Experience working in or with the federal government, Capitol Hill, or executive branch agencies
Background working at a think tank, policy institute, trade association, or advocacy organization
Familiarity with the DC event venue landscape (e.g., private clubs, embassy spaces, Capitol Hill venues)
Experience managing high-security or credentialed events with government officials or senior officials requiring special protocols

Responsibilities

Partner with GCI leadership and the policy team to plan and execute intimate, high-impact gatherings, including policy dinners, government roundtables, and founder-policymaker networking events.
Support end-to-end execution of GCI events, including briefings, receptions, and convenings with senior government officials, NGOs, academics, and industry leaders.
Manage all logistics, including venue selection, vendor management, menu planning, audience curation, guest communications, event setup, breakdown, and on-site support and troubleshooting.
Ensure all events align with GCI's brand, mission, and strategic goals around global resilience and public policy.
Manage all event documents, including timelines, budgets, and run-of-show materials.
Manage post-event surveys, reporting, and data management.
Provide on-site support for all GCI-led events.
Partner with investors to plan and execute small, intimate gatherings such as dinners, roundtables, and networking events.
Support end-to-end execution of investor events, including dinners, happy hours, roundtables, and networking events.
Manage logistics, including venue selection, vendor selection, menu planning, audience management, guest communications, event setup, breakdown, and on-site support and troubleshooting.
Ensure all events align with GC’s brand, quality, and strategic goals.
Manage all event documents (timelines, budgets, run of show, etc.).
Manage post-event surveys, reporting, and data management.
Provide on-site support for all investor-led events.
Assist the broader events team with GC's participation in major third-party conferences, policy forums, and industry gatherings.
Manage registration, travel logistics, and materials preparation for team members as needed.
Collaborate on planning and executing GCI's major annual flagship event, as well as large-scale summits bringing together portfolio founders, operators, policymakers, and global leaders.
Support pre-event research, attendee communications, and on-site execution.
Assist with guest management, creative programming, vendor management, and post-event evaluation.
Act as project manager for all investor events.
Maintain detailed briefs, timelines, budgets, and project plans for events.
Develop and track post-event feedback to improve future events.
Build relationships with vendors, venues, and other external partners.
Help manage all event materials, inventory, and storage unit.
Manage event platforms and ensure guest lists are being kept up to date.