Legal Talent Events Manager

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP•New York, NY

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Talent Events Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of high-quality internal events and programs that support the Firm’s Legal Talent functions including Legal Recruiting, Training & Development and Inclusion. This role is focused on internal-facing programming and is central to delivering exceptional experiences across practice group initiatives, attorney training programs, recruiting events, summer program activities, connectivity initiatives, and other talent-focused events. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, service-oriented event professional with strong judgment, operational excellence, and a polished, client-focused approach to managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Minimum of 6 years of relevant event planning and management experience, preferably in a law firm, professional services, or similarly fast-paced environment
Proven success planning and executing complex events involving multiple stakeholders, competing deadlines, and high service expectations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and drive projects to completion
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a demanding, deadline-driven environment
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, timely, and high-quality work product
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with sound judgment and the ability to identify issues, recommend solutions, and escalate as appropriate
Ability to build strong working relationships with attorneys, business professionals, and vendors while maintaining a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion
Ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders regarding priorities, logistics, and event expectations
Ability to anticipate needs, respond effectively to stakeholder requests, and provide a high level of internal client service
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion
Positive, proactive, and service-oriented approach, with a strong commitment to teamwork
Ability to quickly develop organizational awareness and understand the Firm’s culture, priorities, policies, and practices
Experience developing and managing budgets and monitoring event-related expenses
Experience using event registration platforms, survey tools, and related event technology
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite
Flexibility to work additional hours as needed, including early mornings and evenings in connection with events
Ability to travel as needed.
Bachelor’s degree

Nice To Haves

Degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Communications, Public Relations, Human Resources, Education, or a related field
Experience supporting attorney recruiting, attorney development, professional development, training, or internal engagement programming
Experience using event management systems, learning management systems, or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end planning and execution of Firm-sponsored internal events of varying size, complexity, and format, partnering with relevant stakeholders from concept development through post-event evaluation
Plan and execute a broad range of internal events, including practice group social events, attorney training programs, professional development events, recruiting receptions, summer associate events, mentoring, integration and inclusion social events, and other Legal Talent initiatives
Collaborate with Legal Talent, Legal Recruiting, Professional Development and Inclusion leads in each practice group, Legal Training team, and other stakeholders to define event objectives, establish project plans, and ensure seamless execution
Serve as a lead project manager for large-scale recruiting and talent events, including annual Summer Family Event, Partner/Summer Dinner, STBReady (first-year orientation programming) and STBAdvance (class year specific training conference), ensuring that timelines, deliverables, approvals, communications, and logistics are managed effectively
Develop and manage event budgets; track expenses and approvals throughout the planning process; review and process invoices; and complete post-event budget reconciliation and reporting
Oversee all event logistics, including venue and vendor sourcing, site visits, contract coordination, registration management, attendee tracking, catering, audiovisual needs, transportation, rooming lists, production of materials, staffing, and on-site execution
Draft and coordinate event communications, including save-the-dates, invitations, reminders, agendas, logistical instructions, and post-event follow-up materials in partnership with stakeholder teams
Establish and maintain event protocols, planning standards, and operational best practices to ensure a high level of service, consistency, and attention to detail
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance event planning, execution, and participant experience, including the effective use of event technology and feedback tools
Track attendance, participation, and other event metrics; prepare post-event summaries; and provide recommendations to improve future programming
Support training and development programs by coordinating schedules, materials, speaker logistics, room set-up, catering, and participant communications
Partner with internal contract review and procurement teams, as applicable, to support vendor engagement and ensure compliance with Firm policies
Build and maintain strong relationships with hotels, conference facilities, restaurants, caterers, transportation providers, and other event-related vendors
Stay informed on event industry trends, tools, and best practices and recommend innovative approaches that support Legal Talent priorities
Maintain accurate event records, calendars, planning documents, attendee information, and other event-related data in relevant Firm systems
Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, particularly in connection with recruiting, attorney personnel, and internal programming matters
Contribute to additional Legal Talent and Firm initiatives as assigned.