Head of Events and Conferences

Northern Trust • Chicago, IL

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889. Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world’s most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service. Role/ Department: Head of Events and Conferences/Corporate Marketing, Events and Conferences The Head of Events and Conferences is a pivotal senior leadership position responsible for the strategic design, management, and evaluation of marquee events and sponsorships. Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer, this role interfaces with executive leadership, employees at senior levels and clients. The successful candidate will drive the conception and execution of a diverse portfolio of events—including bespoke client engagements, large-scale conferences, sponsorship activations, and internal employee functions—to foster meaningful stakeholder relationships, elevate the organization's brand, and demonstrate subject matter expertise.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of senior event leadership experience, with demonstrated success in managing large-scale, multi day and track events and conferences.
• Established people leader with a track record of coaching talent, managing performance, and aligning team outcomes to strategic priorities.
• Proven strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into impactful event experiences.
• Exceptional executive communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and clients.
• Strong project management skills, including experience with cross-functional teams and complex event logistics.
• Robust budget oversight and financial management experience.
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and negotiation.
• Proficiency with event technology platforms, analytics, and reporting tools.
• Ability to assess event outcomes, analyze data, and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Innovative: Consistently seeks creative solutions and new approaches to event design and execution.
• Relationship Builder: Establishes trust and rapport with executives, clients, and internal teams.
• Results-Driven: Focused on delivering measurable outcomes and exceeding expectations.
• Adaptable: Thrives in dynamic environments and responds effectively to changing priorities.
• Detail-Oriented: Maintains a high standard of accuracy and quality across all event components.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Event Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive event strategy aligned with business objectives, focusing on stakeholder engagement and brand positioning.
• Event Conception and Planning: Conceive, plan, and oversee a range of events, including customized client gatherings, major conferences, sponsorship activations, and employee events.
• Stakeholder Management: Engage and collaborate with executive leadership, clients, and internal teams to ensure events meet strategic goals and deliver measurable impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, communications, sales, and other departments to ensure seamless event integration and consistent messaging.
• Event Execution: Lead teams in the delivery of high-quality events, ensuring operational excellence, innovation, and adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Assessment and Reporting: Evaluate event outcomes, analyze stakeholder feedback, and report key metrics to the CMO and executive leadership; use insights to refine future event strategies.
• Vendor and Partner Management: Select, negotiate, and manage relationships with external vendors, venues, sponsors, and partners.
• Budget Oversight: Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring financial prudence while maximizing event effectiveness.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop contingency plans to safeguard event success.
• Brand and Expertise Showcase: Position the organization as an industry leader through expertly curated events that highlight subject matter expertise and brand values.

Benefits

• Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits.
• Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees