Director, Events & Live Journalism

Who we are

Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi-polar world. Want to join us? Read on. 

About this Role

As the Director of Events and Live Journalism, you will work closely with the SVP and Head of U.S. Events on the account and logistical management of high-profile global and national events including signature summits, single topic forums, newsmaker interviews, thought leader roundtables, receptions and pop-up exchanges. You will use entrepreneurial, innovative, out-of-the-box thinking to bring to life our portfolio of newsworthy and impactful high-quality events.

Your Responsibilities 

• End-to-end project and account manage a selection of Semafor’s marquee events (e.g. Davos activations, signature accounts, the Semafor World Economy Annual Convening as well as custom client events, on-site at Semafor HQ in Washington, DC, as well as nationally and internationally, across venue logistics, catering, AV, decor, and on-site execution/staffing


• Lead sponsor client relationships from sale through event delivery, ensuring best-in-class client service, engagement, and value


• Develop and manage event budgets, timelines, and project plans for a selection of Semafor’s marquee events 


• Provide regular updates and reports to clients and internal stakeholders on event planning progress and budget management


• Liaise with Semafor’s Senior Creative Director on overall event design Contract and manage vendors for AV, scenic, F&B and more


• Manage event staff and internal volunteers leading up to, and on the day of events, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities and executes them accordingly


• Manage event set-up, tear-down, and onsite execution to ensure events run smoothly


• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, and manage any necessary permits and insurance requirements


• Manage key vendor relationships, deliverables, and timelines throughout the event planning process 


• Recommend new and emerging offsite venues for a variety of event types in Washington DC, New York, and other select cities as-required 


• Provide logistical and backend support on load in and event days


• Work closely with and support other members of the events team 

What makes you qualified

• A Bachelor's degree is required


• 8+ years of experience in meeting/event planning 


• 4+ years in partner account management


• Strong professional meeting planning skills 


• Experience working alongside clients to understand, capture and deliver a premium partner experience 


• Experience show calling and stage managing for large-scale productions with complex AV and multimedia


• Impressive rolodex of DC-based vendors 


• General knowledge of and interest in the Washington, DC, events landscape and venues


• General knowledge of and interest in a wide variety of topical and in-the-news subjects


• Self-motivated and an entrepreneurial approach to work 


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Detail-oriented and able to meet tight deadlines


• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Keynote/Powerpoint, Excel, G-Suite

Job Details

This position is based in Washington, DC; Monday through Thursday onsite in Semafor’s Penn Quarter office.

Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours and travel domestically and internationally on an as-needed basis.

Compensation: $120,000 - $140,000. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc.

Additional job details

Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full-time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as-needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.

Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.