VP of Events and Programs (HYBRID)

About Boston While Black:

Boston While Black, Inc. (BWB) is the leading connector to community and culture for Black people in Boston. We are creating a deep sense of belonging for Black people that transforms where they live, work, and play. BWB hosts a digital and in-person membership community where our members can access curated resources and connections to create the city they want to live in. We partner with companies and institutions, giving them an authentic edge to champion and invest in the Black experience. Boston While Black also curates annual signature public events that redefine the regional narrative about the presence and impact of Black communities.

Overview:

We are a rapidly growing startup redefining what it means to create community for Black professionals and entrepreneurs. The VP of Events and Programs will play a crucial role in shaping our vibrant community by creating engaging and impactful events that align with our mission and values. Along with being an event planning genius, they must have strong knowledge and connections to events, cultural institutions, and tastemakers across the region. This role requires a strategic thinker who thrives in a leadership capacity and is passionate about creating memorable experiences through well-executed programs. The ideal candidate must be comfortable working in a constantly evolving startup environment. They must also be unapologetically committed to access, joy, belonging, and community for Black people.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Strategy and Innovation:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive event strategy that aligns with our business objectives and integrates key elements of Black culture across the diaspora.
• Design innovative and engaging events that cater to our members' and partners' diverse needs and interests while also providing value to our tiered membership structure.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities for program enhancement.
• Create a dynamic events calendar that includes a variety of formats, such as virtual, in-person, free, paid, members-only, partners-only, and public events.
• Collaborate with our VP of Marketing and Business Development to secure sponsorships and drive revenue generation.
• Cultivate partnerships with venues and organizations to expand our event reach and offerings.

Event Operations and Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of events, including budgeting, logistics, vendor management, and on-site coordination.
• Develop and manage project budgets to ensure profitability.
• Recruit, hire, and manage an effective team of event professionals.
• Serve as project manager for all public and signature events, ensuring timely delivery and successful execution.
• Utilize data analytics to measure event performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Create a flexible event operations structure that can adapt to changing needs and priorities.

Leadership and Team Development:

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that empowers team members to deliver exceptional experiences.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline event planning and execution.
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement within the events team.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 7 - 10 years of experience in event planning and management
• Bachelor's degree in event management, marketing, or a related field
• Proven track record of successfully organizing and executing large-scale events
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent negotiation skills to secure favorable contracts and partnerships
• Familiarity with event management software and tools
• Proficiency in event marketing strategies to drive attendance and engagement
• Strong analytical skills to inform program development decisions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Creative problem-solving abilities
• Passion for customer engagement and a deep understanding of the Boston While Black mission

Job Status and Compensation:

This is a permanent, full-time position. The salary for this role is between $115,000 - $135,000, dependent on experience. Benefits include:

• Workplace that values both professional and personal growth
• Health care plan (medical, dental, & vision)
• Unlimited paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays)
• Hybrid workplace (remote, with required in-person meetings and events)
• Professional development, tech, and wellness stipends
• Opportunities for increased benefits as the company grows