About Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates (Out & Equal) is the world’s premier nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workplace equality. We partner with Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies to provide executive leadership development, comprehensive training and consultation, and professional networking opportunities that build inclusive and welcoming work environments.
Since 1996, we have worked with executives, human resources professionals, Employee Resource Groups, and individuals to provide leadership and professional development, education, and research to create workplaces free of discrimination. Out & Equal hosts the annual Workplace Summit where employees and experts from around the world gather to share strategies and best practices to create diverse and inclusive workplaces that foster belonging for LGBTQ people around the world.
Today, Out & Equal is a renowned global convener and thought leader. Our events portfolio attracts diverse corporate audiences—including Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders—to provide a unifying platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing between organizations committed to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. As companies struggle to meet the complex challenges of organizational DEIB in the workplace, develop talent within a political and cultural environment that grows increasingly hostile towards the LGBTQ community, and respond to rapidly evolving LGBTQ+ community demographics and their needs, Out & Equal is making key investments to expand our capacity and capabilities to support our partner community in developing global workplaces where all people are equal, belong, and thrive.
For more information, visit Out & Equal Workplace Advocates’ website.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the CEO, our inaugural Vice President of Events (Vice President/VP) oversees a key vertical where the magic of the Out & Equal mission impact is realized at the largest scale/volume – the Out & Equal Signature Annual Events: Fall Workplace Summit, and the Spring Executive Forum in Washington DC.
As Out & Equal’s chief events strategist, the VP will further build and amplify our Signature Events’ positive impact and reputation; and create and execute scalable, collaborative models for convening groups (including virtual platforms and any subsequent spin-off event related to planned growth or specialization in bringing events to certain communities like Industry DEI roundtables, Chief Diversity Officer Forums, or an Employee Resource Group (ERG) Summer Forum. They will also build high-performing events coverage plans that leverage staff, networks of agencies, production companies, and venues; and facilitate contractor and external vendor relationships.
As a key collaborator, they partner with O&E Programs team to share strategic oversight for Global Events work and have dotted line support from Out & Equal’s Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Revenue and Growth Officer, both of whom bring decades of collective experience in large-scale events.
Highlighted responsibilities include:
- Forecast, execute, and monetize virtual and in-person experiences, events, conferences, roundtables, webinars and broadcast live stream sessions that elevate Out & Equal’s reputation as a trusted voice in the LGBTQ+ business community.
- In close collaboration with CMO, CRGO and CFAO, develop and pitch event pricing models; lead event profit & loss (P&L) by monitoring sales, analyzing pricing strategies, identifying opportunities for revenue growth, and developing initiatives to drive both sales and client engagement.
- Collaborate closely with CMO, CRGO, and program leads to develop and execute surveys, needs assessments, learning evaluation tools, program evaluation tools, and other quality assurance measure to continuously monitor and modify offerings to meet and exceed constituent needs.
- Track industry trends, infuse best practices, integrate emerging technologies, and model financial discipline, and infuse best-in-class practices into Events and Community Engagement frameworks.
- In partnership with the CMO, research and test the viability of new market sector.
- Collaborate with CRGO on developing, executing, and assessing event sponsorship and marketing opportunities (MPOs)
- Negotiate full life cycle of venue, vendor, and talent contracts that maximizes ROI, complements and amplifies the OUT & EQUAL brand, and optimize resource development to develop a culture of continuous improvement.
- Lead full-cycle production and audio-visual processes for major events, i.e., speeches, awards ceremonies, live video streaming.
- Provide strategic leadership of the event calendar and implement agile project management principles and oversee organizational use of Asana, to execute all events with fidelity, integrity, and quality assurance.
- Assess overall events performance by leading post-event budget reconciliation, post-event conference debriefs, and constituent feedback.
- Lead a team of three full-time staff, as well as contractors and vendors (i.e. Hargove from Encore, Prestige, etc.).
Candidate Profile
Out & Equal firmly believes that everyone has the potential for success and recognizes a range of skills and experiences that complement our fast-paced, growing organization’s effort to deliver unique, innovative events and conferences in both virtual and in-person formats. Successful candidates will demonstrate these fundamental qualities, skills, and characteristics:
- Strategic Event Leadership
- Event Execution and Project Management
- Business Acumen & Vendor Negotiation
- Community Engagement
- People Management
In addition, strong candidates will offer:
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) certifications are highly desirable.
- Candidates with experience in corporate, hospitality, Guest/Attendee Experience, or relevant industries are encouraged to apply.
- Lived or professional experience with LGBTQ+ issues and communities are warmly welcomed.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role begins at $180K with a generous benefits package.
Contact
Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Malissa Brennan and Molly Brennan of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search.
Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.