Director, Events

Director, Events

Atlanta, GA; Montgomery, AL

The SPLC is seeking a Director of Events who is committed to social justice!

The Director of Events provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all events programming across SPLC. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director sets the vision and standards for a diverse portfolio of events including internal convenings, community-facing programs and high-profile national gatherings in support of the advancement of SPLC's short-term and long-term mission objectives. The Director leads a team of events professionals, drives cross-organizational collaboration, and stewards mission-aligned partnerships and vendor relationships to ensure events cultivate meaningful community impact, strengthen organizational relationships, and advance SPLC's strategic priorities. This position is expected to occasionally work nights and weekends and must have the ability to travel domestically for events and meetings, as needed.

Who You Are

Strategic Thinker. Ability to develop and execute an integrated events and venue strategy that advances organizational goals, strengthens community engagement and aligns event programming and facility operations with the organization's mission, values, and long-term objectives.

Adaptable & Solutions-Oriented. Demonstrated ability to anticipate challenges, respond effectively to changing circumstances, and develop practical, creative solutions that ensure successful event execution, operational efficiency, and alignment with organizational goals and values.

Creative & Innovative. Proven ability to design impactful event experiences, cultivate new opportunities for community engagement, and develop creative solutions that advance organizational objectives, deepen stakeholder relationships, and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.

Calm & Resilient. Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in fast-paced and high-pressure environments, maintaining composure, sound judgment, and a solutions-focused approach while navigating challenges, managing competing priorities and ensuring successful outcomes.

Mission-Focused & Values-Aligned. Demonstrated commitment to advancing the organization's mission through strategic event programming, community engagement, and venue operations that reflect organizational values, promote equity and inclusion, and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.

What You'll Do

Establish center-wide event standards, policies, and integrated event platforms and procedures used across all SPLC offices.

Contribute to organizational planning and budgeting processes by advising senior leadership on event strategy and resource needs.

Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, including concept development, logistics, budgeting, production, programmatic support, registration, and post-event evaluation across 200+ annual events.

Manage , mentor, and develop a team by hiring, training, assigning responsibilities, setting and monitoring performance and development goals, providing ongoing coaching, and conducting performance evaluations.

Lead planning committees and serve as the senior events liaison for high-priority convenings including (but not limited to) Jubilee Week, Board Meetings, IP Convenings, Youth Summits, and Executive/C-suite events.

Manage the Events & Meetings submission process (Airtable), approval workflows, and room assignments across all office locations.

Ensure all events are inclusive, accessible, and representative of the communities SPLC serves.

Lead cross-functional collaboration with Development, Communications, Programs, Legal, and Operations teams to ensure cohesive and integrated event planning and execution.

Partner with Facilities, Security, and IT to develop and maintain event procedures for SPLC meeting and event spaces.

Serve as a senior liaison between the events function and executive leadership, department heads, and external partners.

Build and maintain strategic global partnerships with vendors and venues to secure non-profit and preferred rates (e.g., IHG, Marriott, LYFT).

Review , negotiate, and execute event-related contracts on behalf of departments.

Cultivate relationships with mission-aligned partners and community allies for collaborative events.

Remain current with trends in event planning, design, production, and technology; proactively identify and resolve operational challenges.

Ensure compliance with legal, insurance, health, and safety regulations across all events.

Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Minimum Qualifications

We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore, you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for role.

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in event planning, design, and strategy, including large-scale, multi-site, and high-profile events in a nonprofit or social justice context;
• At least 5 years of proven managerial experience of a team of professionals, managing performance, encouraging professional development and setting high standards; and
• High school diploma or GED.

Compensation & Benefits

This is an exempt role and the minimum starting salary is $131,400 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Where & How You'll Work

This role has the following work designations options:

• Local Remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
• This position will report to the Chief Financial Officer.

Other Special Considerations

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

This position is expected to occasionally work nights and weekends and must have the ability to travel domestically for events and meetings, as needed.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.