Sr. Manager, Events

McGuireWoods; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

McGuireWoods is seeking a Senior Manager of Events to steer firm-wide event planning and execution in Chicago. This essential role involves managing logistics, budgets, and vendor contracts while leading a team to ensure events support broader business strategies. An ideal candidate will have extensive experience in event management, particularly within a professional services environment like a law firm.

Benefits

Hybrid remote work option

Excellent benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in event management or marketing.
• Experience in a law firm preferred.
• Excellent administrative skills with sharp attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead event planning and execution for a firm-wide calendar.
• Oversee contracts, budgets, and logistics.
• Manage a small team and mentor junior members.

Skills

Event Management

Vendor Management

Budget Oversight

Client Relationship Management

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

McGuireWoods is looking for a Senior Manager of Events to join our collaborative marketing team and lead the charge on firm-wide event planning, execution, and strategy. In this high-impact role, you’ll take ownership of internal and external events from concept to completion—managing everything from budgets, contracts, and vendors to reporting, logistics, and post-event analysis. You'll also play a key leadership role in supervising a small team, refining operational procedures, and ensuring our events support the firm’s broader business development goals. This position is available in our Richmond, Charlotte, DC, and Chicago offices.

McGuireWoods, one of the world’s leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Diversity and inclusion are essential to how we do business, informing how we recruit, retain and promote lawyers and staff to serve clients. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of a robust calendar of events throughout the year.
• Oversee all event logistics: venue selection, vendor negotiation, contracts, budgets, and day-of execution.
• Manage the production of event collateral with an eye for brand consistency and attention to detail.
• Mentor a team, providing guidance on project management, performance, and professional development.
• Maintain event calendars and systems, track RSVPs and attendee data, manage transactions, and report on event performance.
• Serve as a liaison to internal stakeholders, external partners, and clients to ensure seamless experiences and strong client service delivery.
• Help refine and enforce standardized processes and best practices across event operations.
• Provide strategic input on how events can support and advance business development efforts.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of progressive experience in event management, marketing, or a related field.
• Experience in a professional services environment—particularly within a law firm—is strongly preferred.
• Strong background in vendor management, contract negotiation, and budget oversight.
• Demonstrated experience managing workload across a team.
• Excellent administrative and reporting skills; highly organized with a sharp attention to detail.
• A client-first mindset and excellent interpersonal skills for working with attorneys, executives, vendors, and colleagues at all levels.
• The ability to juggle multiple events simultaneously and make smart, on-the-spot decisions.
• Familiarity with industry best practices in event planning, food and beverage service, and contract compliance.
• Ability to travel as needed (~50%) and willingness to occasionally manage events outside of normal work hours.

Have more questions? Connect with a recruiter directl y.

About the company

McGuireWoods LLP is a law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers in 21 offices worldwide.

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