Sr. Manager, Events

Mcguirewoods; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking a Senior Manager of Events to oversee firm-wide event planning and execution. This pivotal role involves managing event logistics, mentoring a team, and contributing to business development strategies, all while providing exceptional client service and maintaining high operational standards.

Benefits

Hybrid remote work option

Excellent benefits package

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in event management or marketing.
• Experience preferably in a professional services environment.
• Strong background in vendor management and contract negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Lead event planning and manage logistics for multiple events.
• Supervise a small team and mentor on project management.
• Serve as liaison for clients and stakeholders to ensure seamless events.

Skills

Event Management

Budget Oversight

Vendor Management

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Overview

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.OurApplicant Disclosuresdescribe your rights. OurPrivacy Statementdescribes 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.

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