Senior Manager of Events - Ropes & Gray LLP

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 seven years and is ranked #1 on Law.com International's "A-List" in the U.K. - rankings that honor the "Best of the Best" 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, 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 Senior Manager of Events is responsible for the creation, execution and tracking of events on behalf of the firm.  In this role, the Senior Manager of Events will serve as a trusted advisor to attorneys and support professionals, providing strategic, commercial, and practical marketing, business development and client development support in alignment with the implementation of the firm’s strategic and commercial priorities.  

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:

1. Successfully plan and manage a diverse portfolio of events, including clients, networking events, conferences and internal events. Oversee event logistics to ensure coordination and flawless execution activities amongst venues, vendors and teams.
2. Authority on sourcing and selecting hotels, venues, caterers, restaurants, transportation, audio/visual and technology professionals, event decor and florals, social activities and other external vendors/service providers. Ability to makes appropriate recommendations to assist in building practice group and firm brand.
3. Contribute to comprehensive marketing plans and makes strategic recommendations in relation to practice groups or firm committees/initiatives’ participation for events.
4. Create and oversee events budgets, ensuring cost-effective practices while maintaining high standards. Experience negotiating pricing and contracts, including revisions as necessary.
5. Work with the marketing team to promote events through various channels, including social media, email campaigns and the firm’s website. Develop promotional materials and manage registration process.
6. Regularly conduct market/competitive research and related analysis to develop creative, innovative events. Keep up with current event technology and trends.
7. Lead and mentor a team of event planners. Foster a collaborative environment and provide opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 10 plus years of event planning, preferably in legal or professional services marketing.
• A minimum of 5 years of management experience required.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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 $140,000 - $211,000, which 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.

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.