Senior Manager, Partner and Executive Events

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett•New York, NY

13d

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Partner and Executive Events serves as a trusted advisor to Firm leadership and key stakeholders, leading strategy, planning and execution for significant internal events and partner engagement programs. This high-impact role on the Client Development & Engagement team in New York oversees experiences designed to strengthen partner connectivity, enhance Firm culture, celebrate achievements and advance strategic priorities. The Senior Manager independently leads complex events from concept through execution, establishes event-planning best practices, and collaborates with Firm leadership, Practice Group Leaders, Management, Business Development, Talent, Recruiting and Administrative teams. The role focuses on strategic thinking, exceptional execution and stakeholder experience, delivering programs that reflect the Firm’s standards of excellence. The role oversees high-profile events such as global partner retreats, executive dinners, lateral partner candidate dinners, leadership meetings, strategic planning sessions, partner recognition and milestone events, partner retirement events and New York office holiday parties. It manages all phases of event planning and execution, including project plans, budgets, venues, contracts, transportation, accommodations, dining, entertainment, production and onsite management. The Senior Manager also develops event standards and processes, manages stakeholder and vendor relationships, oversees financial reporting and uses event outcomes and feedback to improve future programs. The position requires a bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of progressive event management experience, including substantial responsibility for executive-level events, leadership meetings, retreats or large-scale internal programs. The role may require additional hours and travel to event locations. The estimated New York base salary range is $220,000 to $250,000. This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay. The Firm will not sponsor work visas for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 10 years of progressive event management experience, with substantial responsibility for executive-level events, leadership meetings, retreats or large-scale internal programs.
Demonstrated experience managing multi-day retreats, leadership offsites, partner meetings and complex hospitality-driven experiences.
Significant experience managing budgets, negotiating contracts and overseeing external vendor relationships.
Experience working directly with senior executives, partners or equivalent leadership stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent planning, time management and organizational skills.
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple events and projects concurrently.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound decisions and escalate as appropriate.
Ability to build professional relationships with vendors, partners and clients while maintaining diplomacy and discretion.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Strong attention to detail and self-motivation to produce accurate, timely and complete work.
Flexibility and willingness to work additional hours and travel to event locations as needed.
Proficiency with CRM platforms, Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite and event technology tools.

Nice To Haves

A major in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration or a related field.
Experience in a law firm, professional services firm, financial services organization, consulting firm, luxury hospitality environment or similar relationship-driven organization.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of the Firm’s highest-profile internal events, including global partner retreats, executive dinners, lateral partner candidate dinners, leadership meetings, strategic planning sessions, partner recognition and milestone events, partner retirement events and New York office holiday parties.
Serve as the primary event strategist and planning lead for senior Firm leadership and key stakeholders.
Consult with Practice Group Leaders, Management and department leaders to establish event objectives, attendee experiences, meeting content and success metrics.
Develop and execute event strategies that reinforce Firm culture, strengthen partner engagement, and support talent attraction, integration and retention.
Oversee all phases of event planning and execution, including project plans, timelines, budgets, venue sourcing, contract negotiations, transportation, accommodations, dining experiences, entertainment, production requirements and onsite management.
Lead planning and execution of multi-day retreats and leadership meetings involving sophisticated logistics and coordination across stakeholder groups.
Develop run-of-show documents, executive briefing materials, communications plans, contingency plans and post-event analyses.
Ensure high-quality execution and attendee experiences across Firm-sponsored events.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with partners, Firm leadership, Executive Assistants, Practice Group Administrators and business services leaders.
Advise stakeholders on event design, hospitality standards, attendee engagement, protocols and experience management.
Establish and maintain relationships with hospitality and event vendors, including hotels, restaurants, retreat destinations, entertainment providers, transportation companies and caterers.
Negotiate contracts and service agreements to maximize value while maintaining quality and service standards.
Develop, manage and oversee event budgets and annual event-planning expenditures.
Monitor event expenses, liaise with the Office of the General Counsel for contract reviews, approve invoices, conduct event reconciliations and provide post-event financial reporting and analysis.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies without compromising attendee experience.
Establish event standards, policies and best practices; evaluate and implement event technologies, attendee engagement solutions and operational enhancements.
Develop tools, templates and processes to improve efficiency, consistency and stakeholder experience.
Track and analyze event outcomes, participant feedback and engagement metrics to inform future planning.
Support special projects and strategic Firm initiatives as assigned.