Senior Manager, Partner and Executive Events

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has approximately 2,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Chicago, Dallas, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Palo Alto, San Francisco, São Paulo, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe.

The Senior Manager, Partner and Executive Events serves as a trusted advisor to Firm leadership and key stakeholders, leading the strategy, planning and execution of some of the Firm’s most significant internal events and partner engagement programs. This high-impact role on the Client Development & Engagement (CDE) team in New York oversees high-profile experiences designed to strengthen partner connectivity, enhance Firm culture, celebrate achievements and advance strategic priorities.

The Senior Manager independently leads complex events from concept through execution, establishes and drives event planning best practices, and collaborates closely with Firm leadership, Practice Group Leaders, Management, Business Development, Talent, Recruiting and Administrative teams. With a focus on strategic thinking, exceptional execution and stakeholder experience, the Senior Manager delivers programs that reflect the Firm’s standards of excellence.

Responsibilities

Strategic Event Leadership

• Lead the planning and execution of the Firm’s highest-profile internal events, including, but not limited to: Global Partner Retreats, Executive Dinners, Lateral Partner Candidate Dinners, Leadership Meetings and Strategic Planning Sessions, Partner Recognition and Milestone Events, Partner Retirement Events, NY Office Holiday Parties.
• Serve as the primary event strategist and planning lead for senior Firm leadership and key stakeholders.
• Consult with Practice Group Leaders, Management and department leaders to establish event objectives, attendee experiences, meeting content and success metrics.
• Develop and execute event strategies that reinforce Firm culture, strengthen partner engagement and support talent attraction, integration and retention.

Program Management and Execution

• Oversee all phases of event planning and execution, including project plans, timelines, budgets, venue sourcing, contract negotiations, transportation, accommodations, dining experiences, entertainment, production requirements and onsite management.

• Lead the planning and execution of multi-day retreats and leadership meetings requiring sophisticated logistics and coordination across multiple stakeholder groups.

• Develop detailed run-of-show documents, executive briefing materials, communications plans, contingency plans and post-event analyses.

• Ensure flawless execution and consistently exceptional attendee experience across all Firm-sponsored events.

Stakeholder and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with partners, Firm leadership, Executive Assistants, Practice Group Administrators and business services leaders.
• Act as a strategic advisor regarding event design, hospitality standards, attendee engagement, protocols and experience management.
• Establish and maintain relationships with premier hotels, restaurants, retreat destinations, entertainment providers, transportation companies, caterers and other hospitality partners.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements to maximize value while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.

Budget and Financial Management

• Develop, manage and oversee significant event budgets and annual event planning expenditures.
• Monitor event expenses throughout the planning process and ensure budgets remain aligned with approved objectives.
• Liaise with the Office of the General Counsel for contract reviews, approve invoices, conduct event reconciliations and provide post-event financial reporting and analysis.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies without compromising attendee experience.

Process Leadership and Continuous Improvement

• Establish standards, policies and best practices.
• Evaluate and implement event technologies, attendee engagement solutions and operational enhancements.
• Develop tools, templates and processes that improve efficiency, consistency and stakeholder experience.
• Track and analyze event outcomes, participant feedback and engagement metrics to inform future planning.
• Support special projects and strategic Firm initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree

Preferred

• Major in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration or a related field.

Skills & Experience

Required

• Minimum 10 years of progressive event management experience with substantial responsibility for executive-level events, leadership meetings, retreats, or large-scale internal programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-day retreats, leadership offsites, partner meetings and complex hospitality-driven experiences.
• Significant experience managing budgets, negotiating contracts and overseeing external vendor relationships.
• Experience working directly with senior executives, partners or equivalent leadership stakeholders.
• Experience within a law firm, professional services firm, financial services organization, consulting firm, luxury hospitality environment or similar relationship-driven organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent planning, time management, and organizational skills.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple events and projects concurrently.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound decisions and escalate as appropriate.
• Ability to build professional relationships with vendors, partners, and clients while maintaining diplomacy and discretion.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and self-motivated to produce accurate, timely, and complete work product.
• Must be flexible and willing to work additional hours and travel to event locations as needed.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms, Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite and event technology tools.

Salary Information

NY Only: The estimated base salary range for this position is $220,000 to $250,000 at the time of posting.

The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.

Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

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About Us

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has approximately 2,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Chicago, Dallas, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Palo Alto, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe.