Senior Events Specialist - California

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP•San Francisco, CA

10d•$115,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

Cleary Gottlieb is a pioneer in globalizing the legal profession. We have 14 offices in major financial centers around the world, but we operate as a single, integrated global partnership and not as a U.S. firm with a network of overseas locations. The firm employs approximately 1,100 lawyers from more than 50 countries. Since 1946 our lawyers and staff have worked across practices, industries, jurisdictions, and continents to provide clients with simple, actionable approaches to their most complex legal and business challenges, whether domestic or international. We support every client relationship with intellectual agility, commercial acumen, and a human touch. The Events Team is responsible for the strategic development, production, and execution of a comprehensive portfolio of premium client experiences, including high-profile conferences, webinars, distinguished client entertainment programs, and exclusive hospitality events that exemplify and elevate the Cleary brand and deepen client relationships.. The team also provides coordination support for large-scale internal events including partner events, firm retreats, and holiday parties that reinforce our culture of excellence. The Senior Events Specialist will serve as an integral member of the Global BDMC team, collaborating with the local office and Practice Group support teams and other relevant functions across the firm. This role will work closely with the lawyers and professional staff in California and report to the firm's Senior Events Manager based in New York. The role requires the ability to work on-site on a frequent basis in each of the Northern California offices, with one office (either the Peninsula or San Francisco) designated as the “home base office” for this position.

Requirements

5+years of event management experience, preferably within a professional services firm, law firm, or corporate environment.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Ability to work on-site on a frequent basis in each of the Northern California offices (the Peninsula or San Francisco), with one office designed as the “home base office.”
Proven track record of successfully managing complex, multi-stakeholder events from conception through execution.
Strong computer proficiency with expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Exceptional project management skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent events and competing priorities.
Team-oriented approach with superior client service mindset and high attention to detail and quality.
In-depth knowledge of the Bay Area events landscape, including premier venues, restaurants, caterers, and key vendors.
Ability to monitor emails outside of regular business hours.
Flexibility to work outside standard office hours as needed to facilitate events and complete time-sensitive deliverables.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and solve problems creatively in fast-paced environments.
Strong organizational skills with ability to anticipate needs and proactively address challenges.
Experience working independently and within cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with CRM platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics and event management software such as Cvent preferred.
Proficient in virtual event platforms including Zoom webinar and meeting functionalities.

Responsibilities

Lead the comprehensive management of assigned events from initial concept development through post-event evaluation and reporting.
Develop and maintain detailed project timelines with clear milestones, deliverables, and accountability measures.
Work on a collaborative basis with relevant stakeholders and internal departments to drive 360 degree strategy across events.
Manage and maintain the California Events Calendar.
Develop event budgets, monitor expenses throughout event lifecycles and conduct post-event budget reconciliation.
Work closely with BDMC colleagues, lawyers and other relevant stakeholders to develop targeted, strategic mailing lists so that the right clients attend the right events.
Manage RSVP tracking and event attendee reports.
Manage the creation, production, and publication of premium event materials, including invitations, programs, signage, name badges, and promotional materials that consistently reflect Cleary’s distinguished brand identity and attention to detail.
Coordinate logistical elements including venues, F&B, security, registration management, attendee communications, on-site coordination, and contingency planning etc.
Conduct thorough venue research, site visits, and selection processes to identify optimal locations that align with event objectives and budget parameters.
Negotiate contracts with vendors, venues, and service providers to secure favorable terms and pricing while ensuring quality standards.