Events Specialist

Events Specialist

Washington, DC Metro Area

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Event Specialist to join our team. This role will primarily focus on planning, organizing, and executing events, including dinners, happy hours, networking events, etc., across a variety of sectors and stages, with a primary focus on supporting the General Catalyst Institute (GCI). This role will also assist in the planning and execution of large-scale summits and activations at third-party events. This is an exciting opportunity to develop event management skills in a fast-paced and collaborative environment while working with a global investment and transformation company.

Responsibilities

• Partner with GCI leadership and the policy team to plan and execute intimate, high-impact gatherings, including policy dinners, government roundtables, and founder-policymaker networking events.
• Support end-to-end execution of GCI events, including briefings, receptions, and convenings with senior government officials, NGOs, academics, and industry leaders.
• Manage all logistics, including venue selection, vendor management, menu planning, audience curation, guest communications, event setup, breakdown, and on-site support and troubleshooting.
• Ensure all events align with GCI's brand, mission, and strategic goals around global resilience and public policy.
• Manage all event documents, including timelines, budgets, and run-of-show materials.
• Manage post-event surveys, reporting, and data management.
• Provide on-site support for all GCI-led events.
• Partner with investors to plan and execute small, intimate gatherings such as dinners, roundtables, and networking events.
• Support end-to-end execution of investor events, including dinners, happy hours, roundtables, and networking events.
• Manage logistics, including venue selection, vendor selection, menu planning, audience management, guest communications, event setup, breakdown, and on-site support and troubleshooting.
• Ensure all events align with GC's brand, quality, and strategic goals.
• Manage all event documents (timelines, budgets, run of show, etc).
• Manage post-event surveys, reporting, and data management.
• Provide on-site support for all investor-led events.
• Assist the broader events team with GC's participation in major third-party conferences, policy forums, and industry gatherings.
• Manage registration, travel logistics, and materials preparation for team members as needed.
• Collaborate on planning and executing GCI's major annual flagship event, as well as large-scale summits bringing together portfolio founders, operators, policymakers, and global leaders.
• Support pre-event research, attendee communications, and on-site execution.
• Assist with guest management, creative programming, vendor management, and post-event evaluation.
• Act as project manager for all investor events.
• Maintain detailed briefs, timelines, budgets, and project plans for events.
• Develop and track post-event feedback to improve future events.
• Build relationships with vendors, venues, and other external partners.
• Help manage all event materials, inventory, and storage unit.
• Manage event platforms and ensure guest lists are being kept up to date.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in event planning, operations, marketing, or related fields.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a willingness to learn.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable working in-office (3 days/week), supporting evening events, with occasional travel.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with event management software and tools (Gatsby, Affinity, Google Sheets, Canva, Figma).
• Experience in or passion for the venture capital or startup/tech ecosystem.
• Previous hospitality and/or marketing experience is not required, but is a bonus.
• Experience in community building or management is not required, but is a bonus
• Experience working in or with the federal government, Capitol Hill, or executive branch agencies
• Background working at a think tank, policy institute, trade association, or advocacy organization
• Familiarity with the DC event venue landscape (e.g., private clubs, embassy spaces, Capitol Hill venues)
• Experience managing high-security or credentialed events with government officials or senior officials requiring special protocols

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic, mission-driven team.
• Exposure to a global network of innovative founders and companies.
• Career development and mentorship in event management.

If you're excited about building exceptional experiences and learning from a world-class team, we'd love to hear from you!

General Catalyst is an equal-opportunity employer. General Catalyst embraces our responsibility to create a sense of belonging for all races, identities, genders, and backgrounds across our industry. We are committed to diversifying our industry in terms of both investors and the founders we back.