Sr. Events & Engagement Manager

Ilitch Holdings•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Senior Events and Engagement Manager provides strategic oversight and coordination of all internal and external engagements for organizational leadership. Acting as the primary advance and coordination lead, this role ensures every engagement is purposeful, well-prepared, and executed seamlessly. Serving as the central point of alignment, the Senior Events and Engagement Manager anticipates needs, sets structure, maintains quality control, mitigates risk, and ensures each interaction reflects leadership priorities, organizational values, and brand standards. This role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and relationship management in a high-trust environment.

Requirements

5+ years of experience coordinating or overseeing executive- or leadership-level engagements, events, internal or external communications, or stakeholder relations
Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate complex logistics
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills
High level of discretion and comfort working in a closely held, family-owned business environment

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting senior leadership in high-profile or high-stakes environments
Familiarity with VIP and stakeholder engagement protocols, including corporate, community, or private enterprise settings
Exposure to complex organizational structures and cross-functional collaboration, with the ability to navigate diverse internal and external stakeholders

Responsibilities

Engagement Oversight & Planning Oversee all internal and external engagements involving organizational leadership, including business meetings, community involvement, partner events, industry functions, and internal gatherings
Provide high-level planning and coordination to ensure engagements are purposeful, well-prepared, and aligned with organizational priorities
Develop and maintain engagement frameworks, timelines, and expectations for internal and external partners
Logistics Management (Oversight) Provide oversight to ensure all logistical elements are appropriately planned, resourced, and assigned, including transportation, parking, security, credentials, media support, photography, and venue coordination
Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors responsible for on-site execution to confirm readiness, alignment, and adherence to engagement standards
Anticipate requirements and proactively identify and mitigate potential risks, issues, or gaps in planning
Cross-Functional & External Coordination Serve as the primary liaison between organizational leadership and internal teams, including Communications, Security, Facilities, Marketing, and Executive Administration - ensuring alignment, accountability, and clarity of expectations
Lead collaboration with external stakeholders such as venues, community organizations, vendors, and partners to support seamless, high-quality engagements
Establish and reinforce clear roles, responsibilities, timelines, and expectations across all parties
Communications & Preparation Partner with Communications and other internal teams to oversee the development of briefing materials, agendas, background information, and talking points for engagements
Ensure calendars, itineraries, and engagement records are accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with organizational priorities
Ensure leadership is fully briefed, comfortable, and prepared for each engagement, with clear objectives, context, and expectations
Capture key outcomes, notes, and follow-ups to maintain continuity, inform decision-making, and preserve institutional knowledge
Stewardship, Discretion & Professionalism Manage sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality and care
Represent organizational leadership with professionalism, tact, and sound judgment
Support long-term relationship building and trust with internal teams and external partners
Maintain a calm, solutions-oriented presence in dynamic or high-pressure environments