Manager, Events

Events ManagerLocation: Sacramento, CADepartment: Marketing & ProgramsReports to: Senior Director of Marketing & ProgramsStatus: Full-Time, ExemptWork Arrangement: Hybrid Salary Range: $75,000-$95,000Travel: 25%-35�out the RoleCalifornia Life Sciences (CLS) is seeking an experienced Events Manager to oversee the end-to-end planning and execution of a diverse, high-impact events portfolio that delivers meaningful value to our members and advances California’s life sciences ecosystem.This role is execution-focused and highly visible, responsible for managing the logistics, coordination, and delivery of approximately 45 events annually ranging from large-scale signature programs to smaller, high-touch policy and member engagements. The Events Manager will work closely with the Senior Director of Marketing & Programs, who leads overall event strategy and sponsorship, while taking primary ownership of logistics, onsite execution, and cross-functional coordination.This position requires exceptional organization, sound judgment, strong communication skills, and comfort working directly with senior executives, legislators, sponsors, and board members.Key ResponsibilitiesEvent Planning & ExecutionManage end-to-end logistics for a portfolio of ~15 signature events and ~30 smaller programs annually, including:Policy and advocacy events (fly-in days, legislative briefings, elected official receptions, industry fundraisers, issue education events, various industry meet and greets)Innovation and entrepreneurship programs (symposiums, pitch events, showcases, webinars)Member engagement events (networking receptions, executive dinners, happy hours)Awards receptions and galasOwn detailed event planning, including AV proposals and coordination, food and beverage planning, timelines, run-of-show development, speaker coordination, staffing plans, registration flow, and onsite executionLead day-of event operations, including registration and check-in, staff/volunteer coordination, speaker support, and real-time problem solvingEvents may require evening or occasional weekend [EB4] availability depending on program needs.Stakeholder & Relationship ManagementServe as a primary point of contact for internal stakeholders including:Policy & AdvocacyMembership and Business DevelopmentInnovation & EntrepreneurshipWork directly with legislators, Members of Congress, legislative staff, sponsors, senior leadership, and board membersManage sponsor deliverables in coordination with the Senior Director, ensuring commitments are executed accurately and professionallyIndependently manage relationships with venues, vendors, and production partnersBudget Management & ReportingTrack event expenses and manage execution within approved budgetsFlag budget risks, scope changes, or cost concerns early to the Senior DirectorSupport contract coordination and reconciliation as neededReport on basic event performance metrics, including attendance, no-shows, budget vs. revenue, and attendee demographics/titlesFor legislator-facing events, manage gift reporting and compliance in coordination with legal counsel; experience with state reporting is highly desirableMarketing, Communications & RegistrationCollaborate closely with the marketing and communications team on event promotion and messagingCollaborate with policy and advocacy team on any communications/content development that is tied to an event involving policymaking stakeholders in California and Washington, DC.Build and manage event registration pages (Eventbrite)Draft high-quality written materials, including invitations, run-of-show documents, speaker briefs, and sponsor instructionsManage attendee lists, check-in data, and post-event list reconciliationSystems, Processes & Continuous ImprovementUtilize Eventbrite, FormAssembly (with Salesforce integration), and Asana to manage event workflowsFollow established event processes and templates while proactively identifying opportunities for improvementEnsure accurate data tracking and reporting across all eventsQualifications & Experience Required:Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience will be consideredMinimum 3-5 years of professional-level experience managing end-to-end event logisticsTravel to and support in-person events, including some overnight travel, across California (primarily in Sacramento, but also the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles) and occasionally in Washington, DC, requiring reliable personal transportation and availability to travel by planeDemonstrated experience working with legislators, elected officials, or government officesStrong organizational skills and attention to details with the ability to manage multiple events and competing deadlines while maintaining high quality of workExcellent written and verbal communication skillsProven ability to remain professional, calm, and solutions-oriented under pressureHigh emotional intelligence and comfort working with senior stakeholdersExperience making independent, time-sensitive decisions during live eventsAbility to work occasional late evenings, early mornings, and weekendsKnowledge of MS Office applications; experience preparing name badges and place cards utilizing Microsoft mail mergeThis role requires standing for extended periods during events and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for event setup and handling materialsPreferred:Experience in a trade association, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizationFamiliarity with policy or advocacy-focused eventsExperience working with Eventbrite, Salesforce, FormAssembly, and AsanaBackground in life sciences, healthcare, or a related industryExisting relationships with legislative officesFinal compensation will be based on experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational budget.CLS is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.

Salary : $75,000 - $95,000