Senior Director, Strategic Events & Marketing

The Senior Director, Strategic Events & Marketing is responsible for raising the profile of Scripps Research among priority audiences—including philanthropists, the biopharma community, and the public—through in-person engagement and strategic partnerships. Working with the Office of Development and institute leadership, this role oversees a cohesive, mission-aligned events strategy to advance institutional priorities like fundraising and business development. The position leads an events team in conceptualizing and executing high-impact events and serves as a strategic partner to the Executive Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage an institute event strategy, including the flagship “Front Row” lecture series.
• Lead an events team in planning and executing high-quality, mission-aligned events.
• Partner with the Office of Development to align engagement strategy with fundraising priorities.
• Manage event budgets, vendor relationships, and production of event-related collateral.
• Cultivate the institute’s philanthropy base and increase community engagement.
• Provide strategic oversight for the onsite Faculty Club and membership strategy.
• Coach and manage direct reports to achieve performance goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 10+ years of events experience, preferably in a nonprofit fundraising environment.
• Expertise in marketing (traditional, digital, event, content, and social media).
• Strong project and time management skills for complex, high-priority projects.
• Proven ability to interface with C-suite and senior leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the Zoom platform.
• Commitment to confidentiality, sound judgment, and teambuilding.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends.

Salary: $155,000 - $160,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Location: La Jolla, California (On-site, minimum 4 days per week).