Strategic Engagements & Events Director

Job Purpose

The Director will participate in a comprehensive leadership role upholding a full breadth of responsibilities including strategic planning, event execution, stakeholder relations, financial/budget management, personnel oversight, and spearheading strategic initiatives.

Job Responsibilities & Duties

  • Strategic Planning & Oversight
    • Develop comprehensive annual global events/engagement strategy aligned with DCO mission.
    • Provide strategic input to shape DCO’s overall organizational vision and direction.
    • Ensure event initiatives and engagement tactics support and advance broader DCO goals.
    • Monitor industry/digital trends to anticipate challenges and proactively adapt strategies.
  • Event Management
    • For each major event: Develop detailed plans, manage logistics, oversee execution.
    • Select event formats, content, venues, vendors to deliver exceptional experiences.
    • Create engaging promotional materials, presentations, and marketing campaigns.
    • Establish KPIs to measure event success, ROI and analyze outcomes.
  • Stakeholder Engagement
    • Cultivate strategic relationships with government, industry, and policy stakeholders.
    • Implement engagement strategies to secure speakers, sponsors, participants.
    • Serve as primary DCO liaison, representing the organization professionally.
  • Financial Management
    • Oversee full P&L and budgeting for Events/Engagement department.
    • Conduct financial forecasting, variance analysis and expenditure optimization.
    • Explore new revenue generation avenues through events (e.g. sponsorships)
    • Ensure adherence to budgets and financial efficiency across all activities.
  • Team Leadership & Management
    • Hire, train, and manage all events/engagement staff and contract personnel.
    • Define roles, responsibilities, and organizational structure for the department.
    • Set goals, conduct performance reviews, and enable professional development.
    • Foster a culture of innovation, creative thinking and problem-solving.
  • Strategic Initiatives
    • Assess potential events for DCO participation based on alignment and impact.
    • Determine ideal level of DCO involvement and participant selection.
    • Develop strategies for DCO to lead and influence key global digital policy forums.

Key Deliverables

  • Annual Global Events/Engagement Strategy & Calendar
    • Aligned with DCO’s mission, goals and providing input into overall organizational strategy.
    • Includes strategic initiatives, marquee events, engagement tactics, success metrics.
  • Detailed Event Plans
    • For each major event, a plan covering format, content, logistics, marketing, budgets etc.
  • Event Execution & Analysis
    • End-to-end flawless execution of all events from planning through post-event analysis
    • Metrics reports evaluating event success, ROI, areas for improvement.
  • Stakeholder Engagement Plans
    • Stakeholder mapping, relationship building strategies.
    • Engagement plans to secure sponsors, speakers, participants, and partnerships.
  • Department Financial Management
    • Annual department budget and P&L oversight
    • Financial forecasting, variance analysis, expenditure optimization
    • Revenue generation through new opportunities like sponsorships
  • Staffing Plans & Organizational Structure
    • Hiring, training and management of all departmental staff/contractors
    • Define roles, responsibilities, and organizational design for optimal performance.
  • Strategic Assessments & Recommendations
    • Evaluation of events/forums for DCO participation and leadership
    • Recommendations on DCO’s strategic positioning in global digital policy landscape
  • Leadership & Team Development
    • Foster culture of innovation, creative thinking, problem-solving
    • Professional development plans, mentorship, and coaching for direct reports

Qualifications

  • Knowledge and Experience
    • 14+ years of professional experience, with at least 4 years of experience in a managerial position
  • Education and Certifications
    • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or equivalent is required
    • Master’s degree in Business Administration, or equivalent is preferred

Experience & Skills

  • Strong Relationship and vendor engagement skills
  • Availability to work on ground and support teams to successfully deliver events.
  • Proficiency in MS Office applications required
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Superlative and creative problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Thorough and current knowledge of sustainability practices, and applicable laws and regulations.
  • Ability to analyze and understand research and to identify relevant and valuable information.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to create, interpret, and execute a budget, fund or grant.
  • Presentation skills required to deliver proposals to varying groups of individuals.
  • Ability to lead the teams to deliver the desired outcomes