Senior Events & Engagement Lead

Ciarb has a significant opportunity to strengthen member engagement, enhance professional influence, and increase member value through a more strategic and impactful events programme. Working within the Membership and Engagement directorate, this role will take a holistic view of all online and offline events across the organisation, ensuring that events support member engagement, thought leadership, brand reputation, revenue generation and other key organisational objectives. The Events Manager will be responsible for building and implementing a clear, audience-led events strategy across membership, education and training and thought leadership. The role will work collaboratively across Head Office teams and support Ciarb’s network of 44 international Branches to deliver a coherent and engaging programme of events that adds value to members while attracting and engaging new audiences. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent operational delivery skills, strong stakeholder management experience and a deep understanding of online, hybrid and in‑person events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategy and Planning
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive organisation‑wide events strategy aligned to Ciarb’s key objectives.
  • Take a holistic view of all Ciarb events activity across membership, education and training, thought leadership and global Branch events.
  • Build audience‑led event propositions that meet member needs, support business priorities and enhance the overall Ciarb experience.
  • Evaluate the external events landscape and identify opportunities for innovation, growth and commercial development.
  • Develop a consistent and high‑quality approach to online and hybrid events, including platform selection, user experience and branding.
  • Work closely with colleagues across membership, marketing, communications and other departments to align events activity with wider organisational campaigns and priorities.
  • Lead annual events planning processes and oversee the organisation‑wide events calendar.
  • Monitor market trends, competitor activity and member insight to continuously improve Ciarb’s events offer.
• Event Delivery and Operations
  • Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of Ciarb’s portfolio of online, hybrid and in‑person events.
  • Oversee event planning, logistics, budgeting, supplier management, delegate experience and post‑event evaluation.
  • Work with internal stakeholders to develop engaging event programmes and identify speakers, partners and sponsors where appropriate.
  • Ensure all events are delivered on time, within budget and to a consistently high standard.
  • Oversee the use and optimisation of event platforms, registration systems and webinar tools.
  • Ensure events comply with relevant health and safety, accessibility and data protection requirements.
• Financial and Performance Management
  • Develop and manage event budgets and ensure strong financial oversight.
  • Monitor event performance against agreed objectives, KPIs and revenue targets.
  • Use reporting, analytics and audience insight to evaluate success and identify opportunities for growth.
  • Identify commercial opportunities including sponsorship, partnerships and revenue‑generating event models.
• Marketing and Communications Support
  • Work with the marketing and communications teams to support the promotion of events.
  • Assist with the creation and scheduling of event communications and marketing content.
  • Support the development of engaging event web pages and registration journeys.
• Branch Support
  • Support Ciarb Branches with the delivery and promotion of local events.
  • Assist Branch teams with the use of Zoom and other digital event platforms.
  • Respond to volunteer enquiries in a timely and professional manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• Experience managing and delivering online, hybrid and in‑person events.
• Experience developing and implementing event strategies.
• Experience managing budgets and delivering against financial and engagement targets.
• Experience using event reporting, analytics and insight to drive performance.
• Experience managing suppliers, venues and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing or mentoring staff.
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach.
• Confident using webinar and virtual event platforms.
• Commitment to delivering high‑quality member and delegate experiences.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly during live events.

Desirable

• Experience working within a professional body, membership organisation, or institute.
• Experience working with international stakeholders or branch networks.
• Experience of sponsorship development and partnership management.

What’s in it for you?

• Contract: Permanent Full Time
• Working Style: Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office
• Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 (depending on experience)
• Annual leave: 25 days per annum plus UK bank holidays
• Sick pay: Enhanced company scheme subject to terms and conditions
• My Free Time: We offer up to 12 additional wellbeing days a year
• Pension: Generous Pension Scheme (from day 1 of joining)
• Other Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • Private Healthcare: Vitality Health
  • Cycle‑to‑work scheme
  • Season Ticket Loan
  • Perkbox subscription (money‑saving platform)

Application Notes

A covering letter of ideally one A4 page but no more than two along with your CV is required to complete your application.