Senior Director of Events and Meetings

Mahler Private Staffing•Santa Monica, CA

About The Position

A prominent national medical research nonprofit is seeking a seasoned Senior Director of Events and Meetings to lead its signature scientific meetings and fundraising galas. This newly created senior role brings the organization’s major events under one accountable leader, setting strategy and standards, managing a multimillion-dollar budget, and directing execution from venue sourcing through on-site delivery. The organization’s convenings bring leading researchers together with the patients, donors, and partners who support its mission. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Senior Director will serve as the in-house meetings and events expert and a trusted advisor to the CEO and Chief Medical Officer. The role leads every signature meeting and event, from the first site visit through final reconciliation. It combines strategic planning, contract negotiation, budget ownership, operational oversight, and attentive service to speakers, researchers, patient participants, donors, sponsors, and VIP guests. The ideal candidate combines extensive conference-planning expertise with the polish of a high-end gala producer. They are comfortable managing large scientific meetings, negotiating seven-figure hotel contracts, hosting donor events, briefing senior leadership, and responding calmly and discreetly to on-site challenges. The role requires regular travel and evening and weekend work during event periods. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with flexibility for travel. The anticipated compensation range is $110,000 to $135,000, commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package. Applicants seeking compensation above this range are asked to explain why their experience and qualifications merit a higher salary in their application.

Requirements

Six or more years of experience planning large-scale meetings and events, including three or more years in a senior or lead role.
Demonstrated leadership of an annual conference with 500 to 1,000 attendees and multi-hotel room blocks.
Proven record negotiating seven-figure hotel and venue contracts and managing event budgets of $1 million or more.
Experience producing high-end fundraising galas or donor events for high-net-worth audiences.
Hands-on experience with registration platforms such as Cvent or Bizzabo.
Strong Excel skills.
Exceptional communication skills and comfort working with senior executives, scientists, board-level donors, and patients.
Ability to travel regularly and work evenings and weekends during event periods.

Nice To Haves

CMP or CSEP designation preferred.
Experience in scientific, medical, or association conference management; nonprofit special events and fundraising galas; luxury hotel and resort event sales or operations; event production or destination management agencies; corporate meetings and incentive travel; or director of events or head of meetings roles.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead a multi-year events strategy, annual events calendar, and goals and KPIs for each event.
Lead venue strategy, site visits, and hotel and venue contract negotiations, including attrition, food-and-beverage minimums, concessions, and AV exclusives.
Own event budgets across a multimillion-dollar portfolio, from annual forecasting through post-event reconciliation.
Oversee multi-hotel room blocks, registration, and event technology.
Ensure a seamless experience for speakers, researchers, and patient participants.
Direct production, audiovisual services, food and beverage, décor, transportation, and security, and serve as the on-site event lead.
Partner with Philanthropy to deliver polished, high-touch galas and donor weekends for major donors, sponsors, and VIP guests.
Select and manage vendors and agency partners with professionalism and accountability.
Build the processes, tools, and playbooks for the events function, including contingency and risk-management plans.
Serve as a trusted meetings and events advisor to the CEO and Chief Medical Officer.