Director, Events

Position Title: Director, Events


Department: Operations


Classification: Temporary, Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives & Operations


Location: Burbank, CA and Costa Mesa, CA (Hybrid)

Compensation: $100,000-$110,000/ Annually


About PBS SoCal

PBS SoCal tells stories that matter through original programs that reflect the diversity of the region and the full schedule of trusted PBS and PBS SoCal programs. Our content channels are available for free on internet-connected screens through the PBS and PBS KIDS App, as well as seven local broadcast channels including PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus.

A donor-supported community institution, PBS SoCal sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations as well as delivers social impact through services that prepare our most vulnerable children for school.

Job Overview

PBS SoCal is seeking a Temporary, Director, Events to lead the planning, production, and execution of donor, community, marketing, and programming events. This hands-on role partners with leaders across the organization to deliver high-quality events that advance PBS SoCal's mission and organizational priorities. Serving as the central point of coordination for the organization's event portfolio, the Director ensures seamless execution, effective cross-functional collaboration, and exceptional experiences for donors, audiences, partners, and the community.


Primary Duties/Responsibilities

45% Event Leadership, Production & Execution

• Lead the planning and execution of PBS SoCal's portfolio of donor, community, marketing, and programming events, ensuring successful delivery from concept through post-event wrap-up.
• Manage end-to-end event logistics, production schedules, budgets, vendors, contracts, and event operations to deliver a consistent, high-quality attendee experience.
• Provide hands-on leadership and onsite management for events, serving as the primary point of coordination during event execution.
• Develop event production timelines, run-of-shows, staffing plans, and contingency plans to support successful event delivery.
• Manage relationships with venues, caterers, production companies, rental vendors, security providers, and other external service partners.
• Prepare post-event reporting, budget reconciliation, and recommendations to support continuous improvement.

40% Cross-Functional Collaboration & Portfolio Management

• Coordinate the organization-wide events calendar, helping prioritize event requests and resources in partnership with department leaders.
• Partner closely with Fundraising leadership to plan and execute donor and member engagement events, including salons, dinners, screenings, receptions, cultivation events, and other stewardship activities.
• Partner with Advancement Services and other internal teams to ensure appropriate donor and prospect tracking, documentation, and post-event follow-up.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications, Content, Early Education, Impact, and other internal teams to produce screenings, premieres, panel discussions, community events, press activities, and other mission-driven experiences.
• Coordinate event priorities across departments, balancing organizational needs and available resources while ensuring clear communication and alignment among stakeholders.
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration, guiding internal teams and external partners toward shared event goals and successful outcomes.
• Develop and manage event communications in partnership with internal stakeholders, including invitations, RSVP management, guest lists, event materials, and attendee communications.
• Resolve issues, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

15% Event Support & Continuous Improvement

• Manage relationships with talent, speakers, moderators, VIP guests, elected officials, media representatives, and other special guests, as appropriate.
• Coordinate Ambassadors (part-time event staff) during event preparation and onsite execution.
• Evaluate existing event processes, tools, and vendor relationships, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and consistency across the organization's event portfolio.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience leading the planning and execution of complex events, including managing budgets, vendors, logistics, and onsite production.
• Demonstrated success partnering with multiple internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver high-quality events while effectively managing shifting priorities and competing deadlines.
• Excellent project management, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, donors, board members, vendors, talent, and staff at all levels.
• Familiarity with event registration platforms, virtual event technologies, and attendee management systems.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends in-person (as required) and travel throughout Southern California for event planning and onsite execution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is also required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The working conditions are primarily in a general office, event space, or home office setting. However, the position will require off-site travel to local vendors and community partners as necessary. Depending on the position, job duties, and subject to the discretion of the company, the position may be telecommuting eligible in whole or part.

Equal Opportunity Employer

PBS SoCal provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.