Marketing Events Director

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Marketing Events Director 🔹 Company: Ookla 🔹 Location: United States (Multiple Locations) 🔹 Job Type: Full-Time 🔹 Category: Marketing 🔹 Date Posted: May 28, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years of experience, with 5+ years in a leadership role 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Strategic leadership to define and execute global events strategy - Team management and development of high-performing event marketing team - End-to-end event ownership, from concept to post-event analysis - Cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and external partners - Budget oversight and ROI-driven decision-making - Innovation and experience design to drive attendee satisfaction and sales growth - Performance measurement and continuous improvement based on data and feedback - Executive communication and reporting to guide future planning and investment ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with deep event marketing expertise, a sharp operational mindset, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for delivering high-impact, memorable experiences. 📋 Key Responsibilities 🌟 Strategic Planning and Execution: - Develop and execute global events strategy aligned with overall sales, marketing, and business objectives - Plan and deliver exceptional in-person, virtual, and hybrid events that engage audiences and elevate the brand 📈 Team Leadership and Management: - Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering collaboration, creativity, and operational excellence - Manage relationships with external agencies, event production partners, venues, and technology vendors to deliver high-quality experiences 📅 Event Lifecycle Management: - Oversee the full lifecycle of event planning and execution, from concept through post-event analysis, for company-hosted and third-party events 🤝 Cross-Functional Collaboration: - Partner with product marketing, sales, brand and design, public relations, marketing and sales operations, customer success, and other teams to align messaging, objectives, and outcomes 💰 Budget Management: - Develop and manage global event budgets, ensuring ROI-driven decision-making and fiscal responsibility 💡 Innovation and Experience Design: - Champion innovative formats, emerging technologies, and fresh engagement strategies to drive both attendee satisfaction and measurable sales growth - Uncover new channels to connect with core customer segments and translate these insights into actionable, high-impact event strategies 📊 Performance Measurement: - Define KPIs and success metrics; lead post-event reporting and continuous improvement initiatives based on data and feedback 🗣 Executive Communication and Reporting: - Present event strategies, engagement plans, and post-event performance reporting to executive leadership, providing clear insights, key learnings, and strategic recommendations to guide future planning and investment ASSUMPTION: Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs and may include additional tasks as required. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field Experience: - 10+ years of experience in event marketing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a technology or B2B organization - Proven track record of developing and delivering large-scale global events with measurable business impact Required Skills: - Strong leadership and team-building skills, with experience managing and scaling global teams - Excellent project management and organizational abilities; thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments - Deep understanding of event marketing trends, virtual/hybrid platforms, and audience engagement strategies - Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable influencing at all levels of the organization - Willingness to travel globally (as required) Preferred Skills: - Experience in enterprise technology marketing - Familiarity with event and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Cvent, ON24, Bizzabo), marketing platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Marketo, HubSpot), and Google Suite tools - Background in experiential design, brand storytelling, or content development a plus 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience requirements) Benefits: - Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance - 401(k) with company match - Generous paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays) - Flexible work arrangements (remote, hybrid, or on-site) - Employee stock purchase plan - Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement - Wellness programs and gym membership reimbursement - Employee discounts and perks Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, but may require flexibility to accommodate event schedules ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience requirements. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as candidate's experience, skills, and market conditions. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Ookla operates in the connectivity solutions industry, focusing on Wi-Fi performance testing, network analytics, and internet connectivity insights. Company Size: Mid-sized company with 229 employees, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment. Founded: 2000, with headquarters in Seattle, Washington, and additional offices worldwide. Company Description: Ookla is the company behind Speedtest, Downdetector, Ekahau, RootMetrics, and an ever-expanding suite of connectivity solutions. Our team is passionate about solving complex problems, motivated by challenges, and inspired by possibility. We are looking for team members who enjoy turning clever ideas into unique products and are driven by our mission to improve connectivity for all. Company Specialties: - Wi-Fi performance testing and optimization - Network analytics and insights - Internet connectivity monitoring and troubleshooting - Enterprise-grade connectivity solutions - Global connectivity data and trends Company Website: ASSUMPTION: Working at Ookla offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge connectivity solutions and make a real impact on global internet performance. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: This role is at the senior leadership level, reporting directly to the Vice President of Marketing or a similar executive role. Reporting Structure: The Marketing Events Director will oversee a team of event marketing professionals and may collaborate with other marketing team members, sales teams, and external partners. Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with flexibility for remote work as needed to accommodate event schedules and team collaboration. Growth Opportunities: - Lead and manage a high-performing team, fostering professional development and career growth - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to expand event portfolio and drive business growth - Contribute to strategic decision-making and influence overall marketing strategy - Pursue external speaking engagements and networking opportunities to enhance personal brand and industry visibility ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the marketing department or explore other leadership roles within the organization. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Ookla's offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster creativity and productivity. Office Location(s): - Seattle, Washington (Headquarters) - Helsinki, Finland - Additional offices worldwide (check company website for a complete list) Geographic Context: - Seattle, Washington: Known for its vibrant tech industry, diverse culture, and natural beauty, Seattle offers a unique blend of urban and outdoor living. - Helsinki, Finland: A modern, innovative city with a strong tech industry, Helsinki is known for its high quality of life, education, and work-life balance. Work Schedule: Standard business hours with flexibility to accommodate event schedules and team collaboration. ASSUMPTION: Ookla's work environment encourages a healthy work-life balance, with flexible scheduling and remote work options to support employee well-being and productivity. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application review 2. Phone or video screen with the hiring manager 3. In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with the hiring manager and other team members 4. Final interview with the Vice President of Marketing or another executive team member Key Assessment Areas: - Strategic thinking and event planning skills - Leadership and team management abilities - Budget management and ROI-driven decision-making - Cross-functional collaboration and communication skills - Adaptability and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role - Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills, leadership experiences, and event marketing achievements - Research Ookla's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role - Practice your presentation skills, as you may be asked to present on an event strategy or marketing campaign during the interview process ATS Keywords: Event Marketing, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, Budget Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Performance Measurement, Innovation, Experience Design, Global Events, Virtual/Hybrid Events ASSUMPTION: The interview process may vary based on the specific needs of the team and the candidate's background. Be prepared to adapt your approach and tailor your responses to each interview round. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Event management platforms (e.g., Cvent, Bizzabo, ON24) - Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot, Pardot) - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) - Collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace) - Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) - Virtual event platforms (e.g., Zoom, Webex, GoToWebinar) ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may evolve based on the team's needs and the candidate's expertise. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Innovation: We embrace change and continuously seek new ways to improve our products and services. - Collaboration: We work together to achieve our goals and support each other's success. - Integrity: We act with honesty and transparency in all our interactions. - Customer Focus: We prioritize our customers' needs and strive to exceed their expectations. - Accountability: We take ownership of our responsibilities and deliver on our commitments. Work Style: - Dynamic: Our work environment is fast-paced, with a strong focus on results and continuous improvement. - Creative: We encourage innovation and out-of-the-box thinking to drive business growth. - Data-Driven: We make informed decisions based on data analysis and insights. - Global: Our team is diverse and collaborative, with a strong focus on international events and customer engagement. Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do your personal values align with Ookla's company values, specifically in the context of this role? 2. Describe a time when you had to adapt your event strategy due to unexpected challenges or changes. How did you approach the situation, and what was the outcome? 3. How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines, especially when working with remote or distributed teams? ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong fit with Ookla's company culture and values, with a proven track record of delivering high-impact events and driving business growth. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Global Event Coordination: Managing events across multiple time zones and cultures can present unique logistical and communication challenges. 2. Budget Constraints: Balancing event quality and ROI-driven decision-making can be challenging, especially in a dynamic market. 3. Virtual and Hybrid Event Evolution: Keeping up with the latest trends and technologies in virtual and hybrid events requires continuous learning and adaptation. 4. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working with multiple teams and stakeholders can present coordination and communication challenges. ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have experience navigating these challenges and demonstrate a proactive approach to problem-solving and risk mitigation. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Event Marketing Manager vs. Marketing Events Director: - Event Marketing Manager: Focuses on tactical event planning and execution, often reporting to a senior marketing leader. - Marketing Events Director: Leads the global events strategy, oversees event marketing teams, and collaborates with executive leadership. 2. Industry-Specific Context: - Technology and B2B events often require a strong focus on thought leadership, content marketing, and lead generation. - Connectivity solutions events may involve specialized topics, such as Wi-Fi performance, network analytics, and internet connectivity. 3. Career Path Comparison: - Event Marketing Manager: Typically progresses to Marketing Events Director or other senior marketing roles. - Marketing Events Director: May advance to Vice President of Marketing, Chief Marketing Officer, or other executive roles within the organization or industry. ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between similar roles and the specific requirements of the connectivity solutions industry is crucial for successful career progression. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Global Event Strategy Development: Develop and execute a comprehensive global events strategy, aligning with overall marketing and business objectives. 2. Virtual Event Platform Migration: Lead the migration from an existing virtual event platform to a new, more robust platform, ensuring minimal disruption to event schedules and attendee experience. 3. Event Data Analysis and Reporting: Implement data-driven decision-making by analyzing event performance metrics, identifying trends, and optimizing future events based on insights gained. ASSUMPTION: Sample projects may vary based on the specific needs of the team and the candidate's expertise. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role Responsibilities: What are the most critical priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days? 2. Team Dynamics: How does this role fit into the existing marketing team structure, and what opportunities are there for collaboration and growth? 3. Event Portfolio: What are the key events in the portfolio, and how can I contribute to their success and evolution? 4. Budget Allocation: How is the event budget allocated, and what are the key priorities for maximizing ROI? 5. Company Culture: How does the company support work-life balance, and what resources are available to help employees thrive in their roles? ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, relevant questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through this [link](https://jobs.jobvite.com/ookla/job/olbcwfwY). 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role. 3. Prepare for phone or video screens and behavioral interviews, focusing on your problem-solving skills, leadership experiences, and event marketing achievements. 4. Research Ookla's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role. 5. Practice your presentation skills, as you may be asked to present on an event strategy or marketing campaign during the interview process. 6. Follow up with the hiring manager after each interview round to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications. ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.