Chicago - Executive & Special Events Manager

About Us At Winston Taylor, we set the standard, together. Winston Taylor is a transatlantic law firm built for the businesses, people, and markets driving capital and innovation. Here, you're in the room. In the action. Sleeves rolled up. At Winston Taylor, we set the standard, together. Winston Taylor is a transatlantic law firm built for the businesses, people, and markets driving capital and innovation. Here, you're in the room. In the action. Sleeves rolled up. Position Summary The Manager, Executive and Special Events will lead day-to-day planning and execution support for firmwide internal events, celebrations, and initiatives that strengthen brand, culture, belonging, and connection across all Winston offices. The Manager will help uphold and operationalize Winston's internal events standards and best practices. This role will support execution of Winston's Executive and Special internal events strategy, aligning engagement programming, cultural traditions, and internal gatherings with the firm's values, brand, and business priorities. The Manager will collaborate closely with Office Managing Partners, Talent, O&I, Marketing, Internal Communications and others to ensure that firmwide events and experiences reinforce shared purpose, inclusion, community and inspiration exchange. The Manager will support select partner and executive events, providing hands‑on coordination and execution for high‑priority programs and experiences. This individual will help execute internal events strategies and priorities, while ensuring operational excellence in planning, logistics, and communication across offices and stakeholder groups. This role may oversee vendors, interns, or project-based support resources as needed. Position Responsibilities Support implementation of internal events and engagement initiatives that foster belonging, engagement, and firm culture across all Winston offices. Manage and coordinate planning and execution of flagship internal events, including firm retreats, milestone celebrations, leadership meetings, employee recognition events, and office-level gatherings. Partner with firm leadership and the Internal Communications team to ensure events align with firm messaging, tone, and strategic priorities. Support development and maintenance of an annual firmwide events calendar with consistent themes, standards, and templates to support local execution. Track and help manage event budgets, KPls, and post-event feedback to assess impact and continuously enhance programming. Office & Regional Affiliation Serve as a central resource and thought partner to local offices for internal event planning and affiliation activities. Support Office Managing Partners and Office Administrators in designing local events that reflect Winston's shared culture while celebrating regional uniqueness. Help develop and maintain toolkits, templates, and best‑practice guides to ensure consistency and quality across offices. Facilitate coordination and communication between offices to share ideas, vendors, and success stories. Executive Events Coordinate and support high‑end executive and partner events, ensuring exceptional service, logistics, and attendee experience. Collaboration & Communication Work in close partnership with Internal Communications to develop communication plans and inspiration decks that amplify internal events, recognition programs, and cultural initiatives. Collaborate with HR, DEi, and Marketing on engagement campaigns, firm traditions, and community‑building programs. Partner with IT and local Facilities teams to ensure workplace spaces and technology support successful in‑office events and hybrid participation. Maintain a consistent, inclusive, and on‑brand tone and experience across all internal events and touchpoints. Leadership & Execution Manage vendors and external partners responsible for event logistics, production, and execution, and provide guidance to project-based support resources as needed. Manage firmwide vendor relationships (e.g., event production firms, venues, travel partners, gifting providers). Contribute to the development of an internal events planning community by sharing best practices, ideas, and resources across offices. Help maintain scalable processes for event planning, approvals, communications, and evaluation. Prepare post‑event reports and recommendations for leadership review, highlighting participation, feedback, and ROI. Experience, Skills, And Qualifications Bachelor's degree required; degree in Communications, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred. 7+ years of experience in internal events, employee engagement, or corporate communications, ideally within a professional services or global firm. This is an in‑office role and will be expected to be in the office 5 days per week. Proven success supporting and executing large‑scale event programs and employee engagement initiatives. Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively across functions and seniority levels. Experience managing budgets, vendors, and event technology platforms. Expectation to travel as needed to support internal events. Ability to work before/after normal business hours as needed; in‑office presence required for events and team collaboration. Creative thinker with strong attention to detail and a passion for creating memorable, meaningful experiences and "surprise and delight" moments. Exceptional collaborator who thrives in a matrixed environment. Hands‑on, detail‑oriented planner with strong execution skills and a proactive approach to problem‑solving. Calm, polished professional who handles high‑visibility events with discretion, flexibility, and composure. Energized by connecting people, building belonging, and making the firm’s culture tangible through experiences. Project management discipline, with the ability to prioritize, pivot, and deliver under pressure. Relationship builder with credibility across levels and functions. Collaborative and service‑oriented, including strong ability to work independently and as part of a team. Proactive, confident attitude and approach. Benefits Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full‑time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here . Salary Illinois applicants only : The target annual salary range for this role is currently $113,000-$147,000 based on a regular, full‑time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. #J-18808-Ljbffr Winston Taylor