Job DescriptionThe
Senior Director, Events Strategy & Business Operations will serve as
Chief of Staff to the Head of North America Events and lead the operating infrastructure for a complex portfolio of client, executive, sponsorship, employee, and industry programs. With visibility across the portfolio and executive priorities, this role will surface risks, align resources, and enable timely, effective decisions.
This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for building and running the portfolio, financial, governance, reporting, invitation, and technology capabilities that strengthen consistency, efficiency, and business rigor. The Senior Director will manage and develop a team of two while working directly with Event Leads and cross-functional partners to advance delivery.
Key Responsibilities:Chief of Staff & Operational Strategy- Support the Head of North America Events across portfolio planning, prioritization, executive reporting, strategic communications, operating reviews, and leadership requests.
- Design and continuously improve the operating models, governance frameworks, tools, and ways of working that support delivery across the portfolio.
- Establish event tiering standards and corresponding planning, budget, governance, and reporting requirements.
- Partner with Event Leads to resolve complex operational challenges, remove barriers, and accelerate delivery.
- Identify operational friction and implement practical solutions that improve efficiency, consistency, and team effectiveness.
- Prepare materials and manage the cadence of executive and team operating meetings.
Business Operations & Financial Management- Directly manage portfolio budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and reporting across North America Events.
- Build financial tracking, governance, and executive reporting that provide clear visibility into investments, forecasts, and outcomes.
- Partner with Finance and Event Leads on annual planning, accruals, budget optimization, and executive reporting.
- Translate financial and operational data into concise insights and recommendations for Events leadership.
- Lead post-event reviews and scale lessons learned across the portfolio.
Event Technology, Measurement & Innovation- Own the event technology ecosystem, including platform strategy, implementation, optimization, adoption, and enhancement.
- Identify and scale technology, automation, and AI solutions that improve planning, delivery, reporting, and attendee experience.
- Establish practical processes and resources that strengthen consistent technology adoption.
- Build scorecards, dashboards, and measurement frameworks that connect operational performance and investment to business objectives.
- Use data to inform decisions, resource allocation, and continuous improvement.
Invitation & Sponsorship Asset Governance- Own invitation-management governance, including attendee selection, tracking, compliance, historical data, and executive reporting.
- Establish a centralized view of attendee history and invitation patterns to support proactive, data-informed decisions.
- Govern sponsorship ticket and asset allocation, connecting inventory, usage, compliance, and reporting to maximize client and business value.
Vendor, Procurement & Compliance Leadership- Lead key vendor and strategic supplier relationships, establishing standards and governance that strengthen quality and accountability.
- Partner with Procurement, Legal, Finance, Compliance, and Risk on contracts, policies, and complex operational decisions.
- Resolve vendor, contracting, and compliance issues with Event Leads throughout the event lifecycle.
Team Leadership- Manage and develop a team of two, setting priorities, providing direct coaching, and building individual capability.
- Operate as a player-coach, remaining closely engaged in delivery while enabling the team to take ownership and grow.
- Foster accountability, collaboration, practical problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.
QualificationsBasic Qualifications:- 12 or more years of work experience with a Bachelor's Degree or at least 10 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters/MBA /JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years of work experience with a PhD
Preferred Qualifications:- 15 or more years of experience with a Bachelor's Degree or 12 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, or MD), PhD with 9+ years of experience
- 10+ years of experience in event operations, business operations, portfolio management, program management, marketing operations, consulting, or a related field.
- 5+ years of people leadership experience, including experience leading small, high-impact teams.
- Proven success building and running portfolio operating models, governance frameworks, executive reporting, and scalable processes.
- Experience managing event investment portfolios, budgets, forecasting, resource allocation, contracts, and financial governance.
- Strong understanding of event technology, invitation and attendee operations, data and reporting, automation, and process optimization.
- Demonstrated ability to balance strategic leadership, people management, and hands-on delivery.
- Executive presence and demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cross-functional decisions.
- Exceptional business judgment, analytical capability, and practical problem-solving skills.
- Experience leading operations across large-scale event portfolios, conferences, sponsorships, hospitality programs, or executive events preferred.
Information for US ApplicantsFor roles located in the US, the estimated salary range for this position is $200,000.00 to $ 320,000.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity.Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.
Work HoursVaries upon the needs of the department.
Travel RequirementsThis position requires travel 5-10% of the time.
Mental/Physical RequirementsThis position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.
