VP, Events and Sponsorships (LA Times Studios)

The Vice President of Events and Sponsorships leads the vision, strategy, and execution of high-impact events and sponsorship programs that elevate brand visibility, drive audience engagement, and generate revenue. This role oversees a diverse portfolio of corporate, industry, and consumer-facing events, while also building and managing strategic sponsorship partnerships.

A collaborative and results-driven leader, the VP works cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, and Executive teams to deliver exceptional brand experiences that align with business goals. This role blends creative innovation, operational excellence, and commercial strategy to maximize the value of every event and partnership.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement a comprehensive events strategy that aligns with the company's brand identity, business goals, and revenue targets. Ensure all event initiatives reinforce the company's positioning, engage priority audiences, and support overall growth objectives
• Design and implement custom branded events
• Direct the end-to-end production of a wide range of events including trade shows, industry conferences, client summits, consumer activations, internal events, executive forums, and custom-built experiences. Ensure consistency in branding, messaging, quality, and attendee experience across all formats
• Continually explore and apply new technologies, formats, and creative approaches to deliver memorable and impactful experiences. Integrate interactive elements, hybrid platforms, and audience engagement tools to optimize participation and satisfaction
• Develop a high-performing sponsorship strategy across all event types, positioning the company as a valuable partner to brands seeking meaningful exposure and alignment. Build tiered packages, engagement tools, and long-term partnership frameworks
• Cultivate relationships with potential sponsors, understanding their business goals and aligning opportunities with their brand objectives. Deliver persuasive pitches, tailor sponsor activations, and maintain a strong pipeline of premium sponsorship prospects
• Lead negotiations to secure favorable terms while ensuring value delivery and fulfillment of sponsor expectations. Manage activation timelines and outcomes to strengthen partnerships and encourage renewal
  
• Build, manage, and develop a high-performing internal team, including event producers, sponsorship sales professionals, project managers, and support staff. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability
• Oversee relationships with key vendors including AV providers, venues, creative agencies, event technology platforms, and logistics partners. Ensure high-quality execution, contract compliance, and cost control
• Partner with Sales, Product, Content, and Marketing teams to ensure all event and sponsorship initiatives reflect strategic messaging, feature relevant content, and support audience targeting and campaign goals
• Design and measure event outcomes to support lead generation, pipeline development, brand visibility, customer engagement, and retention. Align event metrics with departmental KPIs and business objectives
• Collect and analyze event and sponsorship data, attendee feedback, and post-event reports to evaluate success. Use insights to refine strategy, improve efficiency, and drive greater impact over time
• Represent the company at key events, partner meetings, and industry functions. Build and maintain senior-level relationships with partners, sponsors, and stakeholders
• Prepare executive-level presentations, dashboards, and post-event debriefs that clearly communicate performance, ROI, learnings, and future opportunities
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

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  Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Event Management and 12+ years of event marketing and management experience, including at least 7+years in a leadership role OR 15+ years of event marketing and management experience, including at least 7+years in a leadership role

  
  
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  Demonstrated success in leading large-scale, high-profile, multi-channel events that drive business results and brand engagement

  
  
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  Proven ability to build and manage multimillion-dollar sponsorship programs across diverse industries and event formats

  
  
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  Strong negotiation, sales, and relationship management skills with a deep understanding of sponsor needs and value delivery

  
  
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  Exceptional organizational and project management capabilities with a keen attention to detail and ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously

  
  
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  Effective team leadership and talent development experience, with a demonstrated ability to build, inspire, and scale high-performing teams

  
  
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  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including executive presence and the ability to influence senior stakeholders and external partners

  
  
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  Data-driven mindset with experience using analytics and KPIs to measure performance, guide decisions, and demonstrate ROI

  
  
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  Proficiency in event technology platforms (e.g., Cvent, Bizzabo, Splash), CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), and productivity tools (e.g., Asana, Smartsheet, or Monday.com)

  
  
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  Ability to thrive in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments with a high degree of adaptability and composure

  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent experience
• Experience in media, tech, nonprofit, or agency environments
• Strong network of industry contacts and vendors
• Familiarity with experiential marketing, sponsorship fulfillment, and audience engagement tactics