Senior Event Manager

Company Overview:

At Activate, we are renowned for crafting extraordinary experiences that make a lasting impact for some of the world's most influential brands. Our expertise spans the production of kits, mobile tours, and standout live events, enhancing brand visibility and strengthening customer loyalty. As a WBENC-certified company, we take pride in fostering an inclusive work environment that emphasizes growth, offers competitive benefits, and champions collaboration.

Position Summary

The Senior Event Manager is a senior leader on the Production Team, reporting to the Director of Production. This role is responsible for overseeing a portfolio of event programs and leading a team of event professionals—ranging from entry-level to senior—who will project manage and execute events from pre-production through on-site activation. The Senior Event Manager must be a strategic problem solver, a strong mentor, and an expert in client relationship management. They should possess a player/coach mentality, stepping in to support the team when needed while also guiding their development. Additionally, they must have a deep understanding of experiential marketing and be able to drive creative event ideation that aligns with client goals and Activate’s capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of event professionals, including Producers, Associate Producers, and Coordinators.
• Provide guidance and oversight to ensure flawless execution of events within the assigned portfolio.
• Offer hands-on support when necessary, stepping in to problem-solve or assist with deliverables when teams are under pressure.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and facilitate professional development for junior production staff.

Client & Account Management

• Maintain and grow relationships with key clients, ensuring high satisfaction and repeat business.
• Lead client communications, acting as the primary point of contact for high-level discussions, presentations, and strategy sessions.
• Effectively manage client expectations and ensure alignment between event execution and client goals.
• Navigate difficult conversations with clients and internal teams with professionalism and strategic thinking.

Event Strategy & Execution

• Oversee the pre-production, execution, and post-event processes for all programs within the assigned portfolio.
• Ensure that event professionals reporting into this role are delivering projects on time, within budget, and at the highest quality standard.
• Step in to assist with client presentations, production documents, or execution tasks when necessary.
• Drive the strategic creative development of experiential programs, ensuring events align with both client objectives and Activate’s capabilities.

Problem-Solving & Crisis Management

• Serve as an expert problem solver, ensuring events move forward despite challenges such as logistical issues, vendor delays, or last-minute changes.
• Take ownership of complex challenges, ensuring solutions are implemented efficiently to protect both client relationships and event success.
• Remain adaptable, making real-time decisions to pivot event plans when necessary.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10 years of experience in event production, experiential marketing, or agency account management.
• Proven experience managing large-scale experiential events and leading high-performing teams.
• Strong background in client relationship management, including business development and client retention.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to handle difficult conversations tactfully.
• Expertise in event budgeting, operations, logistics, and on-site execution.
• A creative mindset with the ability to translate brand objectives into impactful experiential activations.
• Proficiency in project management tools (Asana experience is a plus).
• Willingness to travel as needed to oversee event execution.