Event Manager

Role type: Full-timeLocation: Sydney or Melbourne (flexible)Reporting to: Head of ExperienceWorks closely with: Community Heads (Founders, Angels, VC)Role purposeThe Event Manager is accountable for the design, planning, and delivery of Innovation Bay’s event portfolio across all communities.Innovation Bay runs over 50 events annually — ranging from intimate founder dinners to multi-day retreat-style experiences. These events are not traditional conferences. They are high-trust, high-signal environments designed to materially improve how founders and investors think and operate.The Event Manager ensures every event is executed to a consistently high standard — operationally sharp, financially disciplined, and aligned with Innovation Bay’s positioning.This role owns delivery excellence. It does not own community strategy, but it ensures strategic intent is translated into exceptional execution.Primary accountabilities1. Event portfolio deliveryPlan and deliver Innovation Bay’s annual calendar of eventsEnsure events run smoothly, on time, and to agreed quality standardsMaintain consistency of experience across locations and formats2. Experience qualityTranslate program intent into thoughtfully designed event experiencesMaintain high production standards without defaulting to generic formatsEnsure attention to detail across venue, flow, timing, environment, and participant experience3. Financial disciplineDevelop and manage event budgetsTrack spend against forecast and protect event profitabilityIdentify cost efficiencies without compromising quality4. Vendor and stakeholder managementBuild and manage relationships with venues, suppliers, and production partnersNegotiate contracts and preferred supplier arrangementsCoordinate speakers, facilitators, and external contributors5. Process and systems improvementDevelop repeatable event frameworks and documentationImprove operational efficiency across the annual calendarMaintain clear run sheets, timelines, and post-event evaluationsKey responsibilitiesOwn end-to-end delivery of assigned events from concept through to completionCreate detailed project plans and production timelinesCoordinate logistics including venue sourcing, catering, AV, accommodation, and travelPartner with Community Heads to align event objectives and audience expectationsWork with Marketing to ensure clear and timely communication to membersOversee on-site delivery, troubleshooting issues in real timeConduct post-event reviews capturing insight, lessons, and financial outcomesMaintain event documentation, templates, and standard operating proceduresEnsure events reflect Innovation Bay’s culture, confidentiality standards, and brand positioningScope of eventsThe portfolio includes:Intimate dinners and curated gatheringsHalf-day and full-day educational sessionsInvestor and founder forumsMulti-day retreats and immersive experiencesNational and occasional international eventsTravel within Australia is required. Some overnight and multi-day trips will be necessary.Capability and experience profileRequiredMinimum 3–5 years’ hands-on experience delivering complex eventsDemonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projectsStrong budget management capabilityHigh attention to detail and operational precisionAbility to remain calm and decisive under pressureStrong communication and stakeholder management skillsComfort operating in a small, fast-moving teamPreferredExperience in startup, venture, or membership-based environmentsExposure to retreat-style or experiential event formatsFamiliarity with CRM or event management platformsExperience improving operational systems and documentationRole parametersFull-time roleHybrid / remote-friendly with regular in-person engagementRequires travel across AustraliaPerformance evaluated primarily on:Quality and consistency of event deliveryBudget performance and financial disciplineOperational reliabilityFeedback from members and Community HeadsImprovement in repeatability and execution efficiency