Director, Events

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society through litigation, education, and advocacy. Established in 1971, SPLC has grown into a national leader in social justice reform and civil rights protection with a steadfast commitment to advancing equity and inclusion. With headquarters and offices across multiple states, SPLC engages in a wide range of activities, from tracking hate groups to supporting marginalized communities, making it a critical force in shaping a more just and inclusive society.

The SPLC's culture is rooted in its mission-driven approach and values of diversity, equity, and community engagement. The organization strives to foster an inclusive workplace that supports professional growth, creativity, and innovation while driving systemic change through effective programs and partnerships.

The Director of Events at SPLC plays a pivotal role in furthering the organization's mission by providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all events programming. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this leadership role is responsible for setting the vision, standards, and execution strategy for a diverse portfolio of events that includes internal staff meetings, community-facing programs, and national high-profile gatherings. These events are central to SPLC’s efforts to cultivate meaningful community impact, strengthen organizational relationships, and advance SPLC's strategic priorities in social justice and civil rights advocacy.

In this executive capacity, the Director will lead a skilled team of events professionals, fostering cross-departmental collaboration among Development, Communications, Programs, Legal, Operations, Facilities, Security, and IT teams to ensure cohesive and mission-aligned event execution. The role requires building and maintaining strategic partnerships with vendors, venues, and mission-aligned allies to secure favorable rates and create impactful, inclusive event experiences. The Director will manage more than 200 annual events, including large-scale convenings such as Jubilee Week, Board Meetings, IP Convenings, Youth Summits, and Executive or C-suite events.

This role demands a strategic thinker who is adaptable, solutions-oriented, creative, calm under pressure, and deeply committed to social justice values. The Director will also oversee event budgeting, contract negotiations, compliance with legal and safety regulations, and the submission and approval processes for events across SPLC’s multiple office locations. Occasional nights, weekends, and domestic travel for events are expected.

The minimum starting salary is $131,400 annually, with compensation commensurate with experience. This exempt role offers various work designations, including local remote and telework options, providing flexibility while maintaining engagement with SPLC’s core teams and events. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated professional to contribute to a leading social justice organization through impactful and strategic event leadership, enhancing the SPLC’s capacity to advocate for equity and excellence across the nation.