Manager, Events (VV Headquarters)

Vital Voices Global Partnership is a leading international non-profit organization. We invest in women leaders who are tackling the world’s greatest challenges – from gender-based violence to the climate crisis, economic inequities, and more. We are “venture catalysts,” identifying leaders with a daring vision for change and partnering with them to make that vision a reality. What sets Vital Voices apart is that we make long-term, holistic investments in leaders with bold ideas for change — providing them connections, capacity, a network of their peers, financial support, and visibility for their work. We have provided early support for leaders who went on to become Nobel Peace Laureates, US Youth Poet Laureates, Prime Ministers, award winning innovators and breakthrough social entrepreneurs. Over the past 27 years, we have directly invested in more than 47,000 change-makers across 188 countries, who in turn have improved the lives of millions of people in their communities and countries.  

Vital Voices’ staff is headquartered in Washington, DC. In the coming years we have a bold vision to dramatically scale our impact. In early 2022, we opened the first ever Global Headquarters for Women’s Leadership, a 30,000+ sq. ft. historic building just blocks from the White House on 16th Street. It is a hub of activity, events, and collaborations — bringing together women leaders and their allies to tackle the world’s greatest challenges. 

Summary 

The Manager, VVHQ Events will work directly under the supervision and guidance of the Chief External Relations Officer. This position will be responsible for the strategic leadership, planning and execution of Vital Voices internal convenings and headquarters programming. The Manager will oversee the organization’s VVHQ event portfolio, manage operations for the Global HQ for Women’s Leadership event space, and ensure exceptional experiences for women leaders, partners, staff, Board members, and other key stakeholders. This position is based in Washington, DC with the option of a hybrid work schedule. We are not accepting remote candidates. 

Responsibilities: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

VVHQ Events:  

• Provide strategic leadership for the planning and execution of Vital Voices’ internal event portfolio including: VVHQ Festival, program launches, fellowship convenings, book talks, panel discussions, award ceremonies, staff engagement events, and other convenings as assigned 

• Partner closely with the Leadership and Social Impact and other program teams to deliver high-impact convenings that support leadership development and global programming 

• Provide strategic guidance for programmatic fellowship events, network convenings, regional gatherings, workshops, program graduations, and community engagement events 

• Provide strategic oversight for event logistics supporting Vital Voices’ podcast and multimedia programming including guest coordination, AV logistics, studio scheduling, production support, and the audience experience 

Operations:  

• Develop and oversee organization-wide event management systems and standards in partnership with Event colleagues and the broader team

• Develop and maintain event playbooks, SOPs, vendor management systems, run of show templates, production schedules, and emergency response plans for VVHQ events

• Develop and oversee budgets for VVHQ events, track expenses, document and submit contracts, process invoices and ensure timely vendor payment. Ensure all financial and procurement processes comply with organizational policies and procedures 

• Manage external building rental inquiries and develop annual venue utilization goals. Track rental revenue and performance metrics, while ensuring compliance with organizational policies.  

• Identify opportunities to maximize HQ utilization and visibility 

Leadership: 

• Serve as the primary VVHQ events partner across the organization, collaborating closely with all VV teams  

• Support integrated event strategies that support organizational priorities while ensuring consistency in branding, guest experience, and operational excellence 

• Other duties as assigned. 

 

Required Qualifications:   

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred, plus 4-8 years of experience leading complex event portfolios  

• Demonstrated success leading executive level conferences, leadership convenings, and events ranging from intimate gatherings to large scale  

• Experience managing event budgets and multiple concurrent projects  

• Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational leadership skills 

• Strong relationship building and stakeholder management skills 

• Advanced proficiency using MS Office, CRM systems, and/or event management platforms  

• Experience negotiating and managing vendor contracts 

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while managing competing priorities 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience working in an international non-profit or mission drive organization  

• Experience managing event venues or conference facilities  

• Knowledge of global women’s leadership, international development and human rights  

• Experience supporting executive leadership, Board meetings, and high-profile stakeholders  

This position is a full-time, exempt hybrid position based in Washington, DC with two days of minimum required in person attendance at the Vital Voices Headquarters. Given the events-focused nature of this role, in-person attendance beyond two days, including some evenings and weekends, will be regularly required. Domestic and international travel up to 10% may be required for the position.  

The anticipated starting salary for this role is $107,500 with flexibility to $120,000 for candidates who bring additional experience, skills or qualifications beyond the core requirements of the position. 

Benefits:  

At Vital Voices, we value our employees and their well-being. That's why we offer a competitive and comprehensive compensation package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k match, short and long-term disability, life insurance, HSA, EAP, and more. But that's not all. We believe in giving our employees the flexibility and support they need to thrive in their work and life. That's why we provide generous PTO including wellness flex Fridays, parental leave, and volunteer leave as well as a professional development stipend to support continuous improvement. Join us and be part of a global team that empowers women leaders to transform the world.   

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Vital Voices provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Vital Voices complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.   

Vital Voices expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Vital Voices’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.