Assistant Director of Firmwide Events & Sponsorships

Houston, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Paid holidays

Flexible working hours

Professional Development

Job Description

Reed Smith is a leading global law firm known for delivering innovative legal services across multiple industries and international markets. With a presence in major business centers around the world, Reed Smith emphasizes client-focused solutions and fosters a culture that embraces diversity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The firm is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and excellence, providing its clients with exceptional legal services that help them navigate complex challenges and succeed in their endeavors. Reed Smith employs professionals dedicated to driving results while supporting a vibrant workplace culture that values innovation, teamwork, and leadership development.

The Assistant Director of Firmwide Events and Sponsorships plays a pivotal role within Reed Smith's U.S.-based Marketing and Communications team. Reporting directly to the Global Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, this role leads the strategic planning, execution, and operational management of the firm's domestic events, sponsorships, and major firmwide programs. Managing a high-performing team of eight professionals—including six direct reports—the Assistant Director acts as a key liaison and partner with Marketing & Business Development leadership, firm management, attorneys, and administrative leaders. The primary focus is to deliver sophisticated, high-impact events and experiences that strengthen client relationships, reinforce firm culture, and elevate the Reed Smith brand.

This position advances a strategic, service-oriented operating model for the Events and Sponsorships team by modernizing event operations, implementing standardized production practices, and integrating cutting-edge event technology. The Assistant Director drives innovation by leveraging AI-enabled tools, automation, and data analytics to improve operational efficiency, attendee engagement, and post-event analysis. They lead complex, multi-day in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, including marquee client gatherings, alumni programs, firmwide conferences, retreats, executive leadership meetings, and the annual Partner Retreat.

The role also entails building a centralized strategic vendor and procurement model, forging firmwide preferred vendor relationships, and streamlining sourcing to optimize costs while maintaining service quality. The Assistant Director sets firmwide event production and brand experience standards that balance consistency with regional market customization, ensuring every event reflects Reed Smith's commitment to excellence. Financial stewardship is critical, with responsibility over multi-office budgets, sponsorship ROI, and cost-saving strategies.

In addition to event leadership, the Assistant Director champions technology integration by collaborating with Marketing Technology, CRM, Business Development, and IT teams to embed event platforms within firmwide data systems. They continuously evaluate emerging industry trends and technologies to keep Reed Smith at the forefront of event innovation. This hybrid role requires office presence four days per week, the capacity to lead extensive projects, and occasional travel to support events and meetings. Reed Smith fosters a collaborative environment where the Assistant Director can inspire their team to deliver remarkable client and firm experiences while driving transformational change within the firm's event operations structure.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
10+ years of progressive event management and leadership experience preferably within a law firm, professional services, or corporate environment
ability to travel for meetings and firm events as needed
ability to work extended hours to meet project, client, or business needs
flexibility to adjust working hours including early start times occasionally to support collaboration with international stakeholders
ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged computer use
ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools effectively
ability to communicate effectively and maintain attention to detail while analyzing complex information, managing multiple priorities, and applying sound judgment
ability to maintain executive presence when interacting with senior leadership and attorneys
ability to work in a hybrid environment working in the office four days per week

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree
10+ years of progressive event management and leadership experience preferably within a law firm, professional services, or corporate environment
significant experience managing large-scale, multi-day executive and client events with complex logistics and high-profile stakeholders
proven leadership experience managing high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment
strong vendor negotiation and contract management experience
experience leveraging AI-enabled platforms, event technologies, automation tools, CRM systems, and data analytics within professional services or corporate environment
demonstrated ability to lead operational transformation initiatives through technology and process innovation
exceptional project management, organizational, and communication skills
strong executive presence and ability to interact effectively with senior leadership and attorneys
experience managing large budgets and multiple concurrent priorities
skilled at building scalable processes and infrastructure
data-driven and focused on measurable business impact
calm under pressure and solutions-focused
detail-oriented while maintaining a big-picture perspective
passionate about delivering exceptional client and firm experiences

Job Duties

Lead and develop the firm’s U.S. Events and Sponsorship team including six direct reports and an overall team of eight professionals
set the strategic direction and professional tone for the firm’s global events function establishing firmwide standards, processes, policies, and presentation practices
oversee execution of all U.S.-based geographic events and sponsorship initiatives and direct the firm’s Major Events function including large-scale client events, alumni programs, firmwide conferences, retreats, executive leadership meetings, and the annual Partner Retreat
partner closely with senior leadership, Marketing and Business Development leadership, office leadership, and attorneys to align event strategy with firm priorities and client development goals
lead planning and execution of multi-day in-person, virtual, and hybrid events from concept through completion
oversee event strategy, production standards, attendee experience, budgeting, logistics, communications, and post-event analysis
manage event timelines, vendor coordination, registration systems, audiovisual production, catering, room setups, transportation, signage, and on-site execution
oversee invitation strategy, RSVP management, and attendee engagement using CRM and event technology platforms
analyze event outcomes and provide strategic recommendations for continuous improvement and ROI optimization
lead evaluation, implementation, and optimization of AI-enabled event technologies and automation tools
identify opportunities to leverage AI for attendee personalization, invitation targeting, RSVP forecasting, engagement analytics, sponsorship ROI analysis, post-event follow-up, and content generation
partner with Marketing Technology, CRM, Business Development, and IT teams to integrate event systems with firmwide platforms and data strategies
modernize event operations through automation, dashboards, workflow optimization, real-time reporting, and scalable processes
evaluate emerging technologies and industry best practices to enhance event strategy and guest experience
build a strategic vendor and procurement model establishing firmwide preferred vendor relationships and negotiated agreements across core event categories
transition firm away from inconsistent city-by-city procurement model to centralized sourcing approach
reduce overall event costs while improving consistency, service quality, and operational scalability
establish and maintain firmwide event production and service standards creating a consistent high-quality brand and attendee experience
develop scalable production standards addressing event design, room and stage presentation, signage, collateral, audiovisual requirements, event flow, and attendee experience
lead a strategic, service-oriented operating model where the team is a full-service partner to attorneys, Business Development professionals, and firm leadership
establish service expectations and success measures focused on quality, responsiveness, consistency, proactive leadership, and stakeholder experience
develop and oversee event sponsorship budgets across multiple offices and practice groups
ensure fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation while maintaining exceptional event quality
monitor vendor spend, event ROI, sponsorship effectiveness, and budget forecasting
identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost savings