Staff Events Manager

Illumina

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Events Manager is responsible for executing high-profile internal and executive events globally, ensuring seamless delivery of programs that support company priorities and leadership engagement. This role partners closely with senior stakeholders to translate event strategies into high-quality, flawlessly executed experiences. This individual owns the full event lifecycle—from planning through execution and post-event reporting—ensuring alignment with organizational goals, brand standards, and operational excellence. The role requires strong executional leadership, exceptional project management, and ability to deliver complex programs in fast-paced, high-visibility environments. Success in this role requires exceptional project management capabilities, discretion, and the ability to drive flawless execution across multiple concurrent programs involving senior leadership.

Requirements

Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree
Proven experience managing complex, high-visibility events with senior leadership participation
Extensive experience managing event logistics including venue sourcing, contracting, audiovisual production, and vendor management
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously
Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively with senior executives and leadership teams
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to operate with discretion and professionalism in executive environments
Ability to work in-office in San Diego on a hybrid schedule

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, or related field
Experience within life sciences, healthcare, technology, or other regulated industries
CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) certification
Experience with event technology platforms such as Cvent for registration and attendee management

Responsibilities

Execute global internal events that support executive engagement, leadership alignment, and strategic company initiatives
Deliver high-profile programs including executive meetings, leadership summits, and internal conferences
Ensure all events are delivered in alignment with brand standards, messaging priorities, and organizational expectations
Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of complex events including venue sourcing, contracting, registration, communications, and on-site management
Coordinate all event logistics including food & beverage, audiovisual production, transportation, lodging, and event technology platforms
Develop and manage detailed project plans, ensuring all milestones and deliverables are met
Lead on-site execution, managing real-time adjustments to ensure a seamless experience
Partner closely with executive leadership teams, executive assistants, marketing leadership, and corporate communications to align on event execution needs
Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver event content, presentations, and stakeholder participation
Serve as a primary point of contact for senior stakeholders, ensuring alignment and execution readiness
Support executive readiness through coordination of briefing materials, run-of-show documents, and speaker logistics
Manage event budgets, ensuring alignment with approved plans and disciplined resource allocation
Track expenses, manage forecasting, and reconcile final event costs with a high degree of accuracy
Oversee multiple event workstreams including logistics, production, content coordination, and stakeholder engagement
Ensure all deliverables are executed on time and within budget across internal teams and external partners
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and optimize spend across programs
Prepare RFPs, source venues, and negotiate contracts with hotels and event suppliers
Manage relationships with external vendors including production partners, venues, and technology providers
Lead external agency engagement, ensuring alignment on scope, timelines, and quality for complex programs
Provide oversight and direction to agencies supporting large-scale or commercial programs to ensure seamless integration with internal teams and standards
Ensure procurement and vendor governance guidelines are followed
Track event performance metrics and gather stakeholder feedback to inform improvements
Manage event data and reporting, documenting outcomes and recommendations
Identify opportunities to improve operational execution, attendee experience, and program delivery
Define and track success metrics aligned to business and leadership objectives