Events Senior Manager (LA Times Studios)

Under general supervision, contributes to and supports the planning and execution of company events from end to end. This role is responsible for developing relationships and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional event experiences.

The Senior Manager, Events leads talent logistics and programming for major events, including editorial-driven initiatives. This role also oversees audience communication and engagement, collaborating closely with sales, marketing, audience development, and production teams. The Senior Manager manages relationships with technology and production partners, ensuring smooth execution across event platforms, while coordinating with PR, social media, and volunteer teams.

Responsibilities:

• General Event Management and Programming- lead planning, coordination and execution of various events to which includes program development with outreach to contacts, planning of panels and conversations.
• Maintains contact databases in Airtable for publishing contacts, booksellers, talent/authors.
• Managing marketing process and support on other events. Includes editing and proofing of all marketing materials and signage as well as ticketing pages, app, website.
• Overall management of EventApp, ticketing pages and website content and the relationship with the vendors (TIXR, Aloompa).
• Book Prizes Management - Includes working with 13 Book Prize categories (36 judges) to coordinate book requests with publishers and run general administration for each prize.
• Social Media Management - works with contractors on content, scheduling, posting across company events channels. This includes collaboration with the audience engagement team on the edit side.
• Studio Programming & Management at Film Festivals - working with editorial team to program appointments in advance of the festival dates as well as assist in the management of the studio onsite.
• Sales/sponsor support. Includes participating in sales calls, ideating sponsor programming and activation.
• Beyond programming, this role supports general project management on events broadly, from marketing input to ticket page management, and more internal partners including sales, marketing, audience engagement and production. Misc event assistance (B2B, culinary events, "one-off events" as required.
• Identify and recommend enhancements to existing event processes, workflows, and cross-functional collaboration to improve efficiency, maximize effectiveness, and support the successful execution of a wide range of events.
• Manage temporary staff and vendors during events, ensuring clear communication, timely execution, and alignment with event objectives and standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• 7+ years of experience in event management, production, or a related field.
• Strong background in planning and executing large-scale events, including festivals, conferences, and industry gatherings.
• Experience working with high-profile talent, speakers, chefs, or industry leaders.
• Proficiency in event management software, ticketing platforms, and scheduling tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills to handle last-minute changes and challenges effectively.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to work with internal teams, external partners, talent, and stakeholders.
• Strong relationship-building skills with vendors, sponsors, media, and industry professionals.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, sales, production, and editorial teams.
• Knowledge of social media, PR, and digital marketing strategies to drive attendance and engagement.
• Experience in audience development, engagement strategies, and event promotion.
• Experience leading teams, manage external contractors, and oversee volunteer coordination.
• Strong strategic mindset to align events with company objectives and audience needs.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines.
• Passion for storytelling, media, and creating immersive audience experiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Event Production, Hospitality, Communications, Marketing.
• Prior experience with publishers, booksellers, and/or literary programming or events.
• Valid driver's license.