Manager of Strategic & Brand Events

McGuireWoods LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking a Strategic & Brand Events Manager to plan, develop, and execute marquee conferences, client programs, and brand experiences. This role balances strategic thinking with hands-on execution and requires delivering high-caliber events that strengthen client relationships and the firm's brand.

The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional teams, manage complex programs, and work closely with leadership, attorneys, business development, marketing, and external partners to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and eight+ years of relevant event management experience, preferably within Am Law 100 law firm or professional services.
• Experience leading end-to-end planning for marquee conferences, client programs, regional events, and brand experiences.
• Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities; excellent written/verbal/interpersonal communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of marquee conferences, client programs, regional events and brand experiences.
• Collaborate with attorneys and Business Development teams to develop event strategies, programming, and audience engagement.
• Oversee venues, accommodations, catering, AV, registration, signage and on-site operations.
• Manage budgets, vendor sourcing, negotiations, cost reconciliation, and financial reporting.
• Evaluate event success through attendance, stakeholder feedback and budget performance.

Skills

Event management

Project management

Budgeting

Vendor management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Harvey

Copilot

Job description

McGuireWoods is seeking an Strategic & Brand Events Manager to play a key role in the planning, development and execution of the firm’s marquee conferences, regional events and brand experiences. As a member of the Events team, this individual will manage a portfolio of strategic events designed to strengthen client relationships, elevate the firm's brand presence, and support business development objectives. This role requires an experienced event professional who can balance strategic thinking and planning with hands‑on execution. The Manager will oversee all phases of event planning, from concept development and budgeting to vendor management, on‑site execution, and post‑event evaluation, ensuring a consistently high standard across the firm's marquee events.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail‑oriented, resourceful and comfortable managing multiple complex projects in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. This individual will work closely with leadership, attorneys, business development, marketing and external partners to deliver sophisticated events that align with the firm's priorities.

Strategic Event Planning & Execution

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of the firm's marquee conferences, client programs, regional events, and strategic brand experiences.
• Partner with attorneys and Business Development teams to develop event strategies, programming, and audience engagement that support client relationships and business objectives.
• Oversee all event logistics, including venues, accommodations, catering, audiovisual production, registration, signage, and on‑site operations.
• Manage multiple events simultaneously, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met while proactively resolving challenges.

Brand Experience & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications teams to develop event invitations, promotional materials, digital communications, and branded collateral.
• Identify opportunities to elevate the attendee experience through programming, technology, and hospitality.
• Oversee sponsorship deliverables and activations, ensuring commitments are fulfilled.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with attorneys, internal stakeholders, vendors, sponsors, and external partners.

Financial & Vendor Management

• Develop and manage event budgets, including expense tracking, contract negotiations, cost reconciliation, and financial reporting.
• Lead vendor sourcing and relationship management, evaluating proposals and negotiating services to ensure quality and cost efficiency.
• Monitor vendor performance, contractual obligations, deliverables, and deadlines.

Event Operations & Evaluation

• Oversee registration, attendee communications, event technology, and on‑site operations.
• Develop and maintain event timelines, project trackers, planning documents, and operational procedures.
• Evaluate event success through attendance, stakeholder feedback, and budget performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance efficiency, and strengthen future event programming.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential firm, client, and proprietary information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant event management experience, preferably within an Am Law 100 law firm or professional services organization.
• Demonstrated experience managing events from concept through execution and post-event evaluation.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with attorneys, senior leadership, and external partners.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and crisis‑management skills, with sound judgment, composure under pressure, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining confidentiality.
• Interest in using innovative AI technology, including Harvey and Copilot, to support efficient high‑impact work.
• Flexibility to travel and work extended hours, including evenings, as needed.