Introduction
At IBM, work is more than a job – it’s a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you’ve never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world’s most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Your Role and Responsibilities
At IBM Research, we invent things that matter to the world. Today, we are pioneering the most promising and disruptive technologies that will transform industries and society. Our scientists are charting the future of artificial intelligence, driving breakthroughs like quantum computing that will allow us to process information in entirely new ways, leading global industries in advancing the capabilities of semiconductors, and taking on the most daunting challenges across what we have coined “hard tech.” With more than 3,000 researchers in 12 labs located across six continents, IBM Research is one of the world’s largest and most influential corporate research labs.

We are seeking a creative, proactive event manager with a passion for science, technology and experiential storytelling to set and execute our event strategy. Your day-to-day will involve event strategy development, content creation, project management and execution across several types of annual events such as signature brand experiences hosted by IBM as well as large industry gatherings and technical conferences around the globe. This role will also be responsible for building and maintaining an internal self-service library of reusable event content, assets and resources that enable fellow IBM event owners to showcase our work, drive our commitment and value forward and delight and inspire event attendees.

In an Event Lead, we’re seeking an expert that knows what it takes to stand up a truly beautiful and impactful event experience. You are always up to date on the latest event best practices and trends. You are an excellent writer, communicator, organizer and adviser to senior executives. You are excited to develop a keen understanding of our brand and the work happening both inside of IBM Research and across the competitive landscapes of AI, quantum, hybrid cloud and semiconductors.
Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications for IBM Research, you will play a key role in advancing IBM’s innovation story, alongside a team of communicators, writers and production pros. The right candidate must be a self-starter, comfortable with working independently as well as with cross-company and multidisciplinary teams, including a wide range of scientific, technical, business development executives, in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:
• Ensure our event experiences are consistent with the rigorous quality standards of IBM.
• Engage key stakeholders as well as internal and external partners throughout event planning and execution process to identify event objectives, content strategy, goals, attendee list, communications, technical logistics, speaker management and other tasks as needed.
• Define and execute pre, during and post event communications activities.
• Identify the need for agency partners and manage agency relationships to execute events and activations on-time and within defined budget parameters using IBM’s business, finance and legal guidelines.
• Schedule and run event planning meetings– set meeting agendas, share relevant resources, capture meeting notes, incorporate feedback.
• Push the envelope. We’re always learning how to do our jobs better. Apply your unique experience and perspective to develop new and novel approaches to our event experiences and content.
• Face challenges where the answer is not readily visible and thrive in a collaborative environment, working across teams to achieve the best outcome.
• Identify unknowns and push decision making by bringing forth thoughtful and effective recommendations.
• Measure and report on event results.
• Be curious, creative and detail oriented with a passion for new technologies and new ways of working.

Required Technical and Professional Expertise
• Minimum of 7 years of event strategy, content and execution experience in scientific, academic or business technology setting.
• Experience managing session and speaker scheduling, proofreading, presentation preparation, session tagging, travel and expenses guidance and invitations.
• Ability to easily identify and manage best onsite delivery, and session types for all content including room sets, space planning and A/V needs.
• Effective experience in scheduling and managing production meetings, speaker rehearsals and technical run-throughs.
• Ability to identify year-round budget needs and manage event expenses.
• A proven ability to work with highly technical information and deliver with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail and to exercise independent and sound judgement.
• Skilled in project management duties with a commitment to being highly-organized and determined to meet deadlines despite challenges of a fast-paced environment with multiple projects at any given time.

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise
• BA/BS or higher degree in marketing, business, journalism or relevant scientific or communications discipline.
• Experience working in an academia, journalism or research organization.
• Technical experience operating and/or coordinating small and large- scale events and conferences with the ability to stage manage and direct live event flow.
• Background or general understanding of computer science, physical sciences, or technological research.