Manager, West Coast Events

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has approximately 2,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Dallas, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Palo Alto, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe.

The Client Development & Engagement (CDE) function sits at the heart of the Firm’s growth strategy, bringing together business development, marketing, events and communications. Working closely with Partners, practice leaders, and cross functional teams, CDE supports high impact initiatives such as pitches and RFPs, strategic marketing and communications, and practice level business initiatives. The team leverages data, insights, and creative problem solving to help Partners drive sustained growth through repeatable excellence and differentiated client experience.

Job Summary & Objectives

The Manager, West Coast Events is responsible for supporting the Firm’s business development initiatives by executing high quality and engaging events and other assignments while providing outstanding client service in a fast-paced environment. This role reports to the Director, Client Development & Engagement (Los Angeles) with a dotted line to the Director of Events (New York) and supports multiple departments to ensure the Firm's high standards of excellence are consistently met.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, management and execution of all aspects of Firm-sponsored events, with a focus on regional events, of varying size, complexity and format, from concept through post-event analysis, working in collaboration with attorneys, CDE, Events, Los Angeles and Bay Area Administration, Legal Recruiting, Legal Talent other key stakeholders. These events may include, but are not limited to, practice and industry group events, office events, partner events, recruiting events and client-facing engagements.

• Keep abreast of industry trends and best practices and proactively introduce innovative ideas to contribute to the Firm’s strategic priorities.

• Develop, manage and reconcile event budgets; monitor expenses and approvals throughout the planning process; process invoices; and conduct post-event reconciliation and ROI.

• Provide end-to-end event management, including, but not limited to, venue and vendor sourcing, site inspections, contract negotiations, invitation strategy and design, guest list development, menu coordination, décor, staffing, promotional materials, transportation, onsite execution, etc.

• Establish and maintain event standards, protocols and service expectations that reflect the Firm’s commitment to excellence, professionalism and exceptional client service.

• Continuously identify opportunities to optimize event planning processes (e.g., leveraging new event technology, identifying ways to improve attendee experience, data analysis, operational efficiencies, etc.)

• Negotiate and manage contracts with venues, caterers, hotels and other service providers, working closely with the Firm’s internal contract review and risk management teams to ensure compliance with Firm policies and procedures.

• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across Events, CDE, Legal Talent and Legal Recruiting, and office administration, to ensure events progress smoothly, milestones are met and strategic objectives are achieved.

• Serve as the primary liaison between Office of General Counsel, internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure a seamless contracting process, including maintaining document version control, monitoring deadlines, coordinating communications and ensuring timely review and approval.

• Establish and cultivate strong relationships with restaurants, caterers, hotels, and other event-related service providers throughout the West Coast market, while remaining knowledgeable about new restaurant openings, closings and any industry developments.

• Maintain and ensure the integrity of the Firm’s CRM and event management systems by ensuring accurate and timely entry of event-related data.

• Coordinate and execute the Los Angeles-based client holiday gifting program in partnership with the Director of Administration and Events teams, including gift sourcing and selection, vendor management, budget oversight, delivery logistics, internal coordination, compliance tracking and CRM documentation.

• Support other special projects and Firm initiatives as needed.

• Collaborate with stakeholders across departments and offices.

• Perform additional duties as needed.

Education

Required :

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Preferred :

• Major in Advertising, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related fields.

Skills and Experience

Required :

• Minimum 6 years of relevant events management experience.

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.

• Excellent planning and time management skills along with outstanding organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a demanding environment.

• Attention to detail and self-motivated to produce accurate, timely and complete work product.

• Strong project management skills, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

• Strong problem solving and analytical skills to make sound decisions, provide solutions or recommendations and escalate as appropriate.

• Ability to interact well and build professional relationships through networking and collaboration while maintaining a high level of customer service, diplomacy, and discretion.

• Ability to effectively communicate and engage with Partners, clients, colleagues, and vendors as appropriate.

• Ability to anticipate requests for information that is needed meet internal and external client needs appropriate to role, providing exceptional customer service.

• Must have a positive can-do attitude and professional demeanor and demonstrate team-player behavior.

• Ability to quickly develop organizational astuteness and understand the Firm’s culture, vision, policies, and practices.

• Must be able to commute for in-office work a minimum of four days per week.

• Must be flexible and willing to work additional hours as needed.

• Ability to travel as needed.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud programs.

Preferred :

• Experience in a professional services office environment.

• Demonstrated experience using a Client Relationship Management (CRM) system preferred.

Salary Information

CA Only: The estimated base salary range for this position is $170,000 to $210,000 at the time of posting.

The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.

Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

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Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Firm prohibits discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other legally protected status. This Policy pertains to every aspect of an individual’s relationship with the Firm, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.