Position Overview

San Diego HR Forum is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and highly organized Director of Events to join our Board of Directors. This volunteer leadership role is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of our signature event—the Executive of the Year Gala—as well as supporting other key events throughout the year, including the Bi-Annual Spring Conference, and our Summer and Winter Socials.

As Director of Events, you will work closely with the SDHR Forum President and fellow Board members to lead all aspects of event strategy and implementation, from logistics and vendor management to guest experience and volunteer coordination. You will also collaborate with committees, external partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to ensure impactful and memorable experiences for attendees.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of all major events: Executive of the Year Gala, Bi-Annual Spring Conference, Summer and Winter Socials.

• Manage event timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships, ensuring seamless event delivery.

• Coordinate all event logistics including themes, entertainment, catering, décor, and guest communications.

• Oversee the awards nomination process (HR Teams of the Year, Rising Stars, and HR Executives) and ensure each category is thoughtfully represented and celebrated.

• Partner with the marketing and communications team to promote events across all platforms.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for event-related inquiries from vendors, attendees, and internal stakeholders.

• Ensure an exceptional guest experience by managing VIP needs, accommodations, and on-site logistics.

• Organize registration and ticketing processes, tracking attendance and coordinating communications.

• Collaborate with Board members, committees, and volunteers to ensure event goals are met.

• Evaluate events post-execution, collecting feedback and identifying areas for improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in event planning and execution, ideally with large-scale or nonprofit events.

• Strong project and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication, with high attention to detail.

• Budget management and vendor negotiation experience.

• Leadership and collaboration skills to engage volunteers, committees, and board members.

• A genuine passion for the HR industry and enthusiasm for building community.

• Member (or willing to become a member) of San Diego HR Forum.

• A positive, solutions-oriented mindset and commitment to excellence in execution.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in one of San Diego’s most prestigious HR events—the Executive of the Year Gala—while helping to shape and support a vibrant, connected HR community. You’ll be part of a passionate, mission-driven board that celebrates excellence in HR and delivers high-impact networking and learning experiences throughout the year.

Your leadership will directly contribute to the visibility and reputation of SDHR Forum, and you’ll help foster meaningful relationships among San Diego’s HR professionals.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a resume and brief cover letter highlighting relevant experience to info@sdhrforum.com.