Manager of Events

About Ropes & Gray

Ropes & Gray is a preeminent global law firm. The firm has been ranked in the top three on The American Lawyer's prestigious A-List for eight consecutive years and #1 on Law.com's UK A-List twice in the past three years - rankings that honor the "best of the best" law firms. The firm has approximately 2,500 lawyers and professionals serving clients in major centers of business, finance, technology, and government in Boston, Chicago, Dublin, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, D.C.The firm has consistently been recognized for its leading practices in many areas, including asset management, private equity, M&A, finance, real estate, tax, antitrust, life sciences, health care, intellectual property, litigation & enforcement, privacy & cybersecurity, and business restructuring. Ropes & Gray is an equal opportunity employer.

Overview

The Manager of Events is responsible for the overall management and oversight of external and internal events, webinars and conferences on behalf of the firm.  In this role, the Manager of Events will work closely with the office managing partners (OMP), attorneys, senior support professionals, colleagues in practice development, business development, and outside vendors to deliver first-class events and help meet strategic business objectives.

Prior event planning experience is required. Essential capabilities include exceptional time management skills to run effective planning meetings and onsite execution, exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills. Strong interpersonal skills are critical and the ability to build strong relationships inside and outside the firm; providing superior client service is the hallmark of successful candidates in this position. 

Responsibilities

• Successfully plan and manage event logistics to ensure coordination and flawless execution activities amongst venues, vendors and teams. Responsible for event management from initial planning to day-of details, including (but not limited to) budget tracking, venue research, invitations, RSVP tracking, room set-up, catering, A/V, attendee experience.
• Works with the Office Managing Partner on office-wide events, community events and charitable projects specific to location. Manages the office budgets and makes appropriate recommendations to the OMP.
• Develop scalable event strategies, leverage best practices and processes, and propose initiatives that anticipate and reflect the changing needs of the practice groups over time.
• Fiscally responsible and must have experience preparing, maintaining and adhering to budgets, including budget tracking. Experience negotiating pricing and contracts, including revisions as necessary.
• Manages and advises team members in regard to best practices as related to event planning and marketing. Aligns team members to practice groups and monitors workload issues to ensure quality client service. Responsible for managing and mentoring members of events team and providing guidance in the course of day-to-day interactions.  Provides clear, direct and timely feedback and coaching. 
• Contributes to comprehensive marketing plans and makes strategic recommendations in relation to practice groups or firm committees/initiatives’ participation in events, webinars and sponsorships.
• Works with events team and business development colleagues to develop successful follow-up and evaluation of programs.
• Works with creative services team to develop appropriately branded materials on materials such as invitations, signage, and other firm branded mediums as necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of event planning, marketing, or communications experience, preferably in legal or services marketing.
• 2 years management experience is preferred.
• Proven project management skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in event management as well as other areas of marketing: business development, communications, creative design and research.

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES:

• Strategic thinker.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, set priorities and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment; the ability to follow-up and follow through.  
• Impeccable attention to detail, use of good judgment and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently independently, as well as collaboratively as part of a cross-functional team across multiple offices.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate/interact effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of the internal organization (attorneys and staff), as well as external points of contact.  
• Ability to be a proactive self-starter with an exceptionally strong work ethic while also understanding the details of a project within the larger context of the identified goals and objectives.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Internet research, InterAction, and other computer applications/skills.
• Must be flexible in order to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities; ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple, detailed tasks.
• Must exhibit high energy, enthusiasm, positive attitude and poise; be articulate and confident.

Compensation and Total Rewards Package

Ropes & Gray is proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our business support team members. The firm also offers comprehensive health and well-being benefits, personal and professional development, career growth opportunities and a collegial and supportive culture. The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below and represents our good faith and reasonable estimate of the starting salary range at the time of posting. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary bonus based on performance. The actual offered rate for this position will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data and consideration of internal equity.

San Francisco: $117,300 - $178,950

Working Conditions

This position requires hybrid on-site presence as an essential function of the role. Consistent and predictable on-site presence is required for ongoing business continuity, professional development and effective collaboration with colleagues and management.