Manager / Senior Manager, Strategic Events

Lila Sciences is a pioneering company dedicated to building Scientific Superintelligence to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. They specialize in integrating advanced artificial intelligence with proprietary AI Science Factory instruments to create an autonomous operating system for science. This system is capable of executing the entire scientific method independently, accelerating discoveries across multiple fields such as medicine, materials, and energy. Committed to core values such as truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity, Lila Sciences operates with the agility and innovation mindset typical of a startup, yet focuses on problems of historic significance. As a global leader in AI-powered scientific research, Lila Science offers a dynamic and inspiring environment for those passionate about pushing the boundaries of AI and science.

The role of Director, Strategic Events at Lila Sciences is an influential and senior leadership position responsible for building and leading the company's global external events function. Unlike traditional logistics roles, this position focuses on strategic planning and execution of high-profile events that drive critical business outcomes such as pipeline growth, relationship building, talent acquisition, and brand development. The Director will own a portfolio of impactful programs including flagship Lila events, executive summits, investor and partner gatherings, policymaker conventions, and major third-party conferences. These events serve multiple senior audiences including investors, commercial partners and customers, policymakers, and AI and science talent.

This position requires a visionary leader who can define the strategic "why" and "how" of events—determining which audiences to prioritize, the messaging approach, and the ways each event moment advances Lila's overall goals. The Director will develop a 12 to 18 month strategic events roadmap aligned with company priorities and go-to-market motions such as SLAS, JPM, NVIDIA GTC, and Lila-hosted summits and hackathons. They will set clear objectives and key performance indicators for each event, tracking influences on pipeline, revenue, investor and partner meetings, policy relationships, and brand reach.

Responsibilities include owning the strategy and execution of flagship and executive-level events, including developing relevant programming, formats, and engaging audience journeys tailored for Lila's diverse stakeholders. The role demands strong cross-functional leadership, working closely with teams from Marketing Communications, Commercial, Business Operations, Federal/Policy, Talent, and Science/AI/Robotics to ensure events integrate seamlessly with product launches, PR initiatives, content marketing, and recruitment efforts. Effective management of budgets, agencies, and vendors with clear forecasting and return on investment tracking is a key component.

Furthermore, the Director will design immersive event experiences and demos that vividly showcase Lila’s AI platform and scientific breakthroughs, creating memorable encounters that resonate with all audiences. To support scalability, the Director will build playbooks and processes enabling regional and functional teams to consistently deliver high-quality events across geographies.

Candidates for this role should bring 10 to 15 plus years of experience in strategic events, event marketing, or experiential marketing, ideally in B2B technology, life sciences, or AI sectors. A proven track record managing a global events portfolio serving multiple senior audiences including investors, enterprise customers, policymakers, and technical communities is essential. Strong program management skills and experience working in fast-paced, highly cross-functional environments are crucial. Proficiency in defining and tracking event ROI using tools such as Salesforce or equivalents is expected. Excellent storytelling and communication skills are vital, allowing the Director to effectively engage with investors, scientists, engineers, policymakers, and job candidates alike. Experience managing vendors and influencing C-suite leaders complements the qualifications. The role requires willingness to travel between 25 to 40 percent for events and onsite execution.

Lila Sciences offers a competitive base salary ranging from $140,000 to $186,667 USD, with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity packages. Full-time US employees enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer-paid life and disability insurance, flexible time off, paid parental leave, education assistance, commuter benefits such as bike share memberships, and a subsidized lunch program. International employees receive benefits tailored to their regions, with compensation set according to local markets.

Lila Sciences is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or other protected statuses. They encourage candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about their mission to apply even if all qualifications are not fully met. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead strategic event initiatives at the forefront of AI-driven scientific innovation, contributing directly to Lila's mission to change the world through advanced technology and science.