Event Director

NYC, NY, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $105,000.00 - $135,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Employee assistance program

Life insurance

Job Description

FIRST is a premier global brand experience agency renowned for delivering comprehensive Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, FIRST has expertly managed more than 37,000 events and projects annually across 110 countries, supporting the unique needs of over 130 brands, predominantly Fortune 500 companies. Specializing in key sectors such as Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Media, and Professional Services, FIRST operates with flexible delivery models including embedded teams, corporate campus operations, and full-service agency offerings. As part of the wider Encore family of companies, a global leader in event production and technology, FIRST consistently earns accolades for excellence, evident by recent honors such as the 2026 Chief Marketer Agency of the Year and the Ad Net Zero Award for sustainability.

The role of Event Director at FIRST offers a unique opportunity to lead strategic global client accounts and foster long-term collaborations that drive account growth and client satisfaction. This pivotal position serves as the operational and strategic linchpin for a large, strategic global client while managing a small additional portfolio of accounts. The Event Director will oversee critical aspects such as budget management, supplier and partner relationship optimization, and new client request intake. The role demands an ability to balance financial accountability with delivering exceptional client experiences, ensuring alignment with FIRST’s high standards.

Moreover, the Event Director will guide cross-functional teams across regions, mentor members to elevate their skills, and collaborate with client services to create and maintain robust account plans. While this position currently does not involve direct people management, it actively supports professional development and may evolve to managerial responsibilities as the client portfolio grows. Responsibilities also include serving as the senior project presence during global onsite executions and travel to key event locations, which can account for 40-60% travel of the time. This role is tailored for an experienced event manager with deep expertise in agency environments, operational leadership, and strategic client engagement. Candidates with diverse backgrounds who believe they fit this role are encouraged to apply.

Compensation for this position ranges from $105,000 to $135,000 annually in the United States and includes eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus. FIRST is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment, and welcoming candidates from all backgrounds. FIRST offers extensive benefits designed to support both personal and professional growth.

Job Requirements

Minimum eight years of combined managerial and event management experience
experience delivering digital and in-person events
ability to manage and train teams
experience working with senior clients
knowledge of event logistics and supplier networks
strong organizational and communication skills
willingness to travel 40 to 60 percent of the time
proficiency in budget management and contract negotiation

Job Qualifications

Eight to ten plus years of event and project management experience preferably in an agency environment
extensive experience managing digital and in-person events with team leadership
experience working with and managing senior clients
people management experience preferred
in-depth knowledge of venues, destinations, and suppliers with a strong regional network
expertise in event logistics including registration, conferences, meetings, F and B, and production management
skilled in venue selection, contract negotiation, and budget management
familiarity with event technology and software and ability to analyze event data and metrics
strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present ideas clearly
effective communicator with clients, vendors and internal teams
demonstrated leadership in team-oriented environments
creative, proactive, adaptable and resourceful with focus on delivering exceptional event experiences

Job Duties

Build and maintain trusted client relationships with a global strategic account
serve as primary operational liaison for strategic client and up to 1-4 additional accounts
provide overall project direction aligning workflows and communication styles to client preferences
act as main point of intake for new business requests from clients
engage with senior clients demonstrating industry expertise
oversee account budget management including revenue tracking and forecasting
identify and develop new business opportunities through proposals and pitches
create and maintain account plans collaborating with stakeholders
monitor client contracts, SLAs, and KPIs providing performance insights
assess and enhance service offerings through feedback and process improvements
optimize efficiency by streamlining processes and applying best practices
lead event delivery on complex or high-visibility projects
manage multiple key events from brief to reconciliation
capture intelligence to drive performance improvements
guide teams to adapt delivery strategies for client expectations
conduct global site visits and onsite execution
manage global travel logistics
collaborate with Client Services on project briefs and teams
act as escalation point for clients and internal teams
maintain accurate financial records and communicate budget updates
regularly report budget status ensuring timely reconciliations
identify opportunities for added value ensuring profitability
foster relationships with suppliers and venues
provide day-to-day direction to team members
partner with global delivery leads to onboard and guide team members
foster global team collaboration and mentorship
lead by example maintaining team motivation and professionalism
support capacity awareness and advocate for staffing needs
contribute to organizational strategy and promote best practices
ensure value for money to clients
act as liaison between clients and management regarding team issues