Director, Events

Montgomery, AL, USA|Remote

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Exact $131,400.00

Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Employee assistance program

Job Description

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to social justice, civil rights advocacy, and the fight against hate and bigotry. Established with the mission to monitor hate groups and other extremists in the U.S. and expose their activities to the public, SPLC also promotes tolerance and education to strengthen communities. With a history steeped in impactful legal work, advocacy, and community engagement, SPLC has grown into a pivotal voice fighting systemic injustice and promoting equity across the nation. The organization operates various programs and initiatives that include educational projects, legal advocacy, and community outreach, all designed to uphold human dignity and protect the rights of marginalized groups. SPLC values equity, inclusion, and the power of community connection, making it a respected leader in nonprofit social justice work.

The role of Director of Events at SPLC is a senior leadership position offering a unique opportunity to shape and elevate the organization's events strategy in alignment with its broader mission. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director leads a diverse team of events professionals responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive portfolio of events. These events range from internal organizational convenings and community-facing programs to large-scale national gatherings. The purpose of these events is to advance SPLC’s short- and long-term mission objectives, foster meaningful community impact, and strengthen relationships within the social justice landscape.

This role demands a strategic thinker with the ability to design and implement integrated event platforms and operational standards that ensure every event is mission-aligned, inclusive, and accessible. The Director plays a vital role in cross-organizational collaboration, working closely with teams across Development, Communications, Programs, Legal, and Operations to create cohesive and impactful events. A significant component of this role also includes establishing and maintaining partnerships with vendors and venues to secure favorable terms while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.

Beyond operational oversight, the Director of Events is an innovator who anticipates challenges, responds creatively to changing circumstances, and maintains calm leadership in high-pressure environments. The position requires adaptability, resilience, and a strong commitment to the SPLC’s values and mission. Given the nature of the role, occasional evening and weekend work is expected, as well as domestic travel to support event execution.

The starting salary for this exempt role is $131,400 annually, with compensation commensurate with experience. Candidates have flexible work options, including local remote work with attendance at SPLC locations or teleworking primarily from SPLC offices. The position represents an opportunity for a seasoned event professional to lead with purpose and make a measurable impact through exceptional event programming at an organization devoted to social justice and community empowerment.

Job Requirements

Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in event planning, design, and strategy, including large-scale, multi-site, and high-profile events in a nonprofit or social justice context
At least 5 years of proven managerial experience of a team of professionals, managing performance, encouraging professional development and setting high standards
High school diploma or GED
Ability to occasionally work nights and weekends
Ability to travel domestically for events and meetings as needed

Job Qualifications

Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in event planning, design, and strategy, including large-scale, multi-site, and high-profile events in a nonprofit or social justice context
At least 5 years of proven managerial experience of a team of professionals, managing performance, encouraging professional development and setting high standards
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute integrated events and venue strategy that advances organizational goals
Proven ability to adapt to changing circumstances and solve challenges creatively
Strong leadership skills with ability to maintain composure and judgment in high-pressure environments
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills across diverse teams and stakeholders
Commitment to social justice and values alignment with mission-focused event planning

Job Duties

Establish center-wide event standards, policies, and integrated event platforms and procedures used across all SPLC offices
Contribute to organizational planning and budgeting processes by advising senior leadership on event strategy and resource needs
Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, including concept development, logistics, budgeting, production, programmatic support, registration, and post-event evaluation across 200+ annual events
Manage, mentor, and develop a team by hiring, training, assigning responsibilities, setting and monitoring performance and development goals, providing ongoing coaching, and conducting performance evaluations
Lead planning committees and serve as the senior events liaison for high-priority convenings including Jubilee Week, Board Meetings, IP Convenings, Youth Summits, and Executive/C-suite events
Manage the Events & Meetings submission process (Airtable), approval workflows, and room assignments across all office locations
Ensure all events are inclusive, accessible, and representative of the communities SPLC serves
Lead cross-functional collaboration with Development, Communications, Programs, Legal, and Operations teams to ensure cohesive and integrated event planning and execution
Partner with Facilities, Security, and IT to develop and maintain event procedures for SPLC meeting and event spaces
Serve as a senior liaison between the events function and executive leadership, department heads, and external partners
Build and maintain strategic global partnerships with vendors and venues to secure non-profit and preferred rates (e.g., IHG, Marriott, LYFT)
Review, negotiate, and execute event-related contracts on behalf of departments
Cultivate relationships with mission-aligned partners and community allies for collaborative events
Remain current with trends in event planning, design, production, and technology
proactively identify and resolve operational challenges
Ensure compliance with legal, insurance, health, and safety regulations across all events
Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification