The OpportunityThe The Events Manager leads a diverse portfolio of high-profile events, ranging from large-scale gatherings of 1,500+ attendees to training, leadership, and other specialized events. These events advance KIPP SoCal Public Schools' goals and create exceptional experiences for team members, partners, and other key audiences.
This is a manager-level individual contributor role for an experienced event professional who independently leads complex work from strategy through execution. We are looking for candidates who bring a strong attention to detail, a commitment to inclusivity, and a deep understanding of stakeholder needs to every event. The Events Manager is a skilled executor who takes pride in upholding KIPP SoCal's signature traditions and contributing to a strong organizational culture. Join us!
Priority application deadline: September 14, 2026
Location: On-site in our schools when needed, at our office needed, and wherever the event planning may take you
Planning & Execution- Lead the end-to-end planning and production of multiple high-profile events, including strategy, timelines, budgets, logistics, vendors, communications, staffing, run-of-show, and post-event follow-up.
- Develop and manage project plans, milestones, decision points, and deliverables to ensure events are on track and executed to a high standard.
- Manage relationships with event production companies and other external partners, setting clear expectations, overseeing deliverables, and ensuring all work is executed to KIPP SoCal's standard of excellence.
- Lead day-of event production, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees.
Anticipate risks and gaps, develop contingency plans, and proactively resolve issues before they affect the event. - Evaluate events, incorporate feedback, and identify improvements to strengthen future planning and execution.
Drive Execution and Accountability- Manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities, maintaining momentum as timelines, information, and organizational priorities evolve.
- Establish clear next steps, owners, and deadlines and consistently follow through to ensure commitments are met.
- Exercise sound judgment and manage up effectively - make decisions within scope, proactively identify risks and needs, and bring clear recommendations and timely requests for input when needed.
- Identify and implement improvements to event planning processes, tools, and systems that increase efficiency, consistency, and quality.
- Maintain meticulous attention to detail and a high bar for accuracy, professionalism, and execution across all aspects of event delivery.
Lead Through Partnerships- Build strong, trusted relationships with internal teams, school leaders, senior leaders, vendors, community partners, and other external stakeholders.
- Coordinate across teams with different priorities and areas of responsibility, creating clarity around roles, timelines, decisions, and dependencies.
- Communicate proactively and effectively throughout the planning process, particularly when navigating competing priorities, changes, or challenges.
- Represent KIPP SoCal professionally and foster partnerships that support successful events and the organization's broader goals.
Desired Outcomes in 1st year- Plan and execute KIPP SoCal's two signature org-wide events, Start Strong and KIPPStar, achieving a logistics rating of 4.0 or above on post-event surveys, ensuring attendees leave feeling celebrated, connected, and reflective of KIPP SoCal's values.
- Plan and execute two key development events, MOKA and the Fundraising Gala, ensuring all logistics are managed with precision and events run smoothly, leaving attendees with a positive and memorable experience that reflects the care and intentionality of KIPP SoCal.
- Plan and execute logistics for regional training events, including LIT Week, ensuring all event logistics are completed on time and within the established budget.
- Manage all event-related finances and vendor relationships with accuracy and accountability, ensuring all events are executed within the approved budget, contracts are secured and managed appropriately, invoices are processed in a timely manner, and external partners and vendors are coordinated effectively.
Role-Specific Competencies- Project Management. Strategically plans, creates, and manages initiatives by developing comprehensive action plans, allocating resources effectively, tracking milestones, and seeking support/adjusting as needed to ensure timely and successful completion.
- Event Quality & Execution Excellence. Holds a consistently high bar for quality in all aspects of event planning and execution; anticipates potential issues before they arise and takes proactive steps to address them; sweats the details so attendees do not have to, ensuring nothing is overlooked; brings recommendations alongside questions rather than problems alone; treats excellence as the standard, not the exception.
- Cross-Functional Teamwork. Engages effectively with other teams and departments to achieve goals; promotes open communication, leverages varied perspectives, and builds strong relationships to enhance collaboration and drive successful outcomes.
- Openness to Feedback. Often solicits feedback, is responsive/reacts calmly to constructive feedback, and is responsive to the potential for opportunities to improve.
Qualifications- 5+ years of relevant experience, with experience planning and executing high-profile events in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Demonstrated event production expertise, including experience managing event logistics, vendors, budgets, and guest experiences.
- Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with meticulous attention to detail and a high bar for quality and execution.
- Strong judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills, with a track record of navigating complex and unexpected challenges.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
- Strong relationship-building skills, with experience developing trusted partnerships across internal and external teams.
- Commitment to K-12 public education and alignment with KIPP SoCal's mission and values.
Physical Requirements- Prolonged periods of working at a computer and sitting at a desk.
- Prolonged periods of working on your feet at school sites (i.e. supporting tours and events) and external events in the community
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs (event set up, etc.)
- Travel to the regional office, various school locations, internal and external meeting/events within the Los Angeles and San Diego area
Benefits & Compensation- KIPP SoCal Public Schools offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The salary range for this position is $69,076 to $93,252 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint of $81,164 depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role.
- 100% of healthcare premium costs covered by employer, dependents added at 50% of the cost
- Employer-paid KIPP SoCal life insurance
- 401(k) plan with up to 6% match by KIPP SoCal
- Voluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.)
- Generous paid time off program includes 22 holidays, 10 sick days, and 10 vacation days per year
- Other great benefits (Flexible spending account, EAP, etc.)
