Senior Director, Events

Parexel is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to lead our events strategy and manage the events team. The Senior Director of Events and Conferences will report directly to the SVP of Marketing & External Communications and is responsible for the strategy, planning, execution, and management of high-quality events designed to drive organizational goals including but not limited to lead generation, stakeholder engagement and brand-building. This position is essential in connecting Parexel key stakeholders with live programs, thought leadership and content that engages, educates, and inspires participants from around the world. The Senior Director is responsible for ensuring seamless delivery of events, managing a high-performance team, maintaining Parexel’s professional standards, and building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The successful applicant must be solutions-oriented, and proactive with client and senior leadership team requests, anticipating issues, integrating ideas, and creative strategies. Success in the role includes developing compelling, innovative, and cohesive world-class experiences that advance Parexel’s mission and impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global strategy for external events that aligns with the organization's overarching objectives and growth goals.
• Plan, manage, and execute a portfolio of events, including customer-facing experiences, industry conferences and sponsorship initiatives.
• Develop events that have a clear creative narrative, that align and drive strategy; secure thought leadership opportunities and plenary experiences that give lift to the event narrative; support script development/process to fully connect the event experience and inspire participants.
• Create production flows and schedules; provide onsite management for general sessions at events to include set up, technical direction, rehearsals, tear down, and other oversight as needed.
• Identify key opportunities for global engagement through events, conferences, and partnerships.
• Act as a brand ambassador, ensuring all events reflect Parexel’s identity and strategic priorities.
• Oversee all aspects of event production, including venue selection, vendor management, logistics, and on-site coordination.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to identify and amplify key stories and messaging.
• Manage flawless execution of complex events.
• Plan and produce the worldwide events calendar.
• Define and track event KPIs to measure success, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide post-event analysis, reports, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Develop, manage, and optimize budgets for global events, negotiate contracts, ensure financial sustainability, high-quality event delivery and adherence to organizational standards.
• Analyze cost-effectiveness and ROI of events, making strategic recommendations for improvements.
• Deliver transparency reporting on financial excellence.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure that all activities are conducted in compliance with policies, procedures, and local regulatory/legal requirements, company policies, and code of conduct.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with large-scale events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications or business preferred.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of meeting and convention planning experience, including leadership role(s) in strategic planning and execution of domestic and international meetings.
• Minimum of five (5) years as a team leader responsible for managing staff.
• Demonstrated experience in bringing events to life from concept to completion.
• Experience working with production companies on the development and execution of medium-to-large-scale conferences (1,000+ participants).
• Experience in developing and managing budgets.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, managing, and implementing an event/conference project plan.
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence others, and work effectively with individuals internally and externally at all levels.
• Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) preferred.
• Clinical Research Organization (CRO) experience at a global organization is preferred.

Other:

• Remote role.
• Ability to travel

EEO Disclaimer

Parexel is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, which in the United States includes race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.