Sr. Specialist, Strategic & Brand Events

McGuireWoods LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking a Strategic & Brand Events Senior Specialist to plan, coordinate, and execute marquee conferences, regional events, and brand experiences. You will independently manage projects, coordinate with attorneys and internal teams, and ensure exceptional on-site execution and post-event evaluation.

The role requires a highly organized, proactive professional with strong communication and vendor management skills, capable of handling confidential information and traveling as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least six years of relevant event experience, preferably in an Am Law 100 law firm or professional services.
• Experience planning and executing corporate events, conferences, and client-facing programs.
• Experience with CRM, event registration, or event management platforms.
• Strong organizational, project management, multitasking, communication, and interpersonal skills with sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, collaborate, and maintain confidentiality.
• Interest in using innovative AI technology (e.g., Harvey, Copilot) to support high-impact work.
• Flexibility to travel and work extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute the firm’s marquee conferences, regional client events, and strategic brand experiences.
• Independently manage assigned events from planning through execution, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Partner with attorneys, Business Development, and internal stakeholders to align event programming with business objectives and audience needs.
• Oversee event logistics, including venues, accommodations, catering, audiovisual, registration, signage, and on-site operations.
• Manage multiple projects and competing priorities while proactively resolving challenges.

Skills

Event planning

Project management

Multitasking

Written & verbal communication

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM

Event registration platforms

Job description

Overview

McGuireWoods is searching for a Strategic & Brand Events Senior Specialist to play an important role in the planning, coordination and execution of the firm’s marquee conferences, regional events, and brand experiences. As a member of the Strategic & Brand Events team, this individual will support a portfolio of high-profile events designed to strengthen client relationships, enhance the firm’s brand presence, and advance business development objectives. This role requires an experienced event professional who can independently manage assigned projects while supporting the broader planning and execution of the firm’s signature events. The Senior Specialist will be involved in all phases of event planning, including logistics coordination, vendor management, registration, on-site execution and post-event reporting, ensuring a consistently high standard across the firm’s events. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive and resourceful, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This individual will work closely with the Strategic & Brand Events team, attorneys, Business Development, Marketing, and external partners to deliver successful events that reflect the firm’s brand and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute the firm’s marquee conferences, regional client events, and strategic brand experiences.
• Independently manage assigned events from planning through execution, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Partner with attorneys, Business Development, and internal stakeholders to align event programming with business objectives and audience needs.
• Oversee event logistics, including venues, accommodations, catering, audiovisual, registration, signage, and on-site operations.
• Manage multiple projects and competing priorities while proactively resolving challenges.

Brand Experience & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with Marketing, Communications, and Creative teams on event invitations, promotional materials, signage, and other branded collateral.
• Enhance attendee experiences through thoughtful programming, technology, and hospitality.
• Coordinate sponsorship commitments, deliverables, and activations.
• Build strong relationships with attorneys, internal teams, vendors, sponsors, and external partners.

Budget & Vendor Management

• Support event budgets, expense tracking, invoice processing, and financial reporting.
• Source and coordinate vendors, review proposals, monitor deliverables, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure vendor commitments and contractual obligations are met.

Event Operations & Evaluation

• Manage event registration, attendee communications, and event technology platforms.
• Develop and maintain event timelines, project trackers, planning documents, and operational checklists.
• Support on-site event operations and ensure a seamless attendee experience.
• Evaluate event success through attendance, feedback, and budget reporting; recommend improvements to future events.
• Maintain discretion when handling confidential firm, client, and financial information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six (6) years of relevant event experience, preferably in an Am Law 100 law firm or professional services environment.
• Experience planning and executing corporate events, conferences, and client-facing programs.
• Experience with CRM, event registration, or event management platforms preferred.
• Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, with sound judgment and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, collaborate effectively, and maintain 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 and weekends, as needed.