Director, Events

OverviewDirector of Events, Crain Communications — Location: Open (Detroit, NYC, or Remote U.S. Preferred)Department: Events & ExperiencesReports to: VP, Corporate EventsPosition SummaryCrain Communications is seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Events to lead the evolution of our B2B events portfolio — beginning with the flagship Automotive News brand and scaling across other verticals, including Modern Healthcare, Ad Age, and Pensions & Investments.This role will be responsible for defining and executing a long-term strategy that enhances audience value, deepens client relationships, and drives revenue growth through best-in-class in-person and virtual event experiences. A major focus will be on customer journey optimization — including registration strategy, Cvent flow design, and seamless onsite/offsite engagement.This individual will partner across editorial, marketing, sales, and product teams to deliver impactful tentpole events, executive gatherings, and new scalable formats. Ideal candidates bring a mix of strategic thinking, event lifecycle expertise, and a passion for delivering measurable results.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning & Brand ExpansionDevelop and execute a multi-year events roadmap for Automotive News, with a clear path to scale across additional Crain brands.Identify opportunities to launch new formats (e.g., regional summits, executive dinners, micro-events) aligned to brand and audience goals.Translate editorial and audience insights into compelling event products.Audience & Customer ExperienceDesign the full attendee journey — from pre-event registration to on-site experience — with a focus on conversion, simplicity, and satisfaction.Oversee registration strategy and execution, including optimization of Cvent builds, ticketing tiers, group pricing, workflows, and reporting.Event Success & Business GrowthDevelop long-term strategic plans and roadmaps for event growth across key Crain brands, starting with Automotive News.Identify and test new event formats and audience engagement models (e.g., micro-events, regional summits, hybrid formats).Optimize the registration experience across platforms with a focus on ease, mobile experience, and conversion, including the on-site app experience.Drive pricing strategy and campaign planning to increase audience reach and registration yield. Partner with marketing on deployment.Continuously evaluate event performance and industry trends to inform growth decisions and future planning.Content & Production IntegrationPartner with programming teams to ensure content strategy aligns with audience expectations and editorial positioning.Collaborate with technical production teams on stage design, A/V experience, run-of-show flow, and brand presence.Maintain a strong working knowledge of event operations, vendors, and on-site execution.Stakeholder & Team LeadershipAct as the central cross-functional lead for all Automotive News events, managing timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables.Oversee direct reports and collaborate with centralized functional teams (registration, sponsorship, operations, tech production).Implement strong planning tools, workflows, and performance reporting to drive accountability and visibility.Qualifications10+ years of B2B event experience, with a focus on large-scale conferences, summits, and awards programsProven ability to scale event portfolios across multiple brands or business unitsStrong expertise in Cvent (registration, build logic, reporting) and attendee experience designAbility to build high-trust relationships with editorial, marketing, and sales leadersExceptional communication, time management, and project leadership skillsTeam-oriented mindset with experience managing direct reports and cross-functional initiativesUnderstanding of event production, show flow, and on-site execution — but not required to lead logistics directlyStrong collaboration expected with partner event directors focused on operations and client services.PreferredBackground in B2B media, publishing, or vertical industries such as automotive, healthcare, or marketingExposure to executive-level programming and audience development strategiesProficiency in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana) and data platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Google Analytics)Brand OverviewSince 1925, Automotive News has been the go-to place for all the news that is happening among automotive retailers, suppliers and manufacturers. Whether it is breaking news sent to a phone, digital editions and web products delivered to a desktop, or stories in the award-winning print edition, Automotive News covers the news everywhere it happens around the world. Breaking news, data, daily newscasts, webinars, conferences and events are just some of the offerings. AutomotiveNews, Automotive News Europe and Automotive News China are created locally and are backed by a global team of 50 editors and reporters, as well as a commitment to journalistic excellence. www.AutoNews.com @Automotive_NewsAbout Crain CommunicationsCrain Communications is a leading business news and information company with a portfolio of 24 media brands that provide indispensable coverage and data for professionals globally and across sectors, including advertising, automotive, finance, healthcare, staffing, and workforce solutions. For more than a century, our dedication to deep sector expertise and journalistic integrity has enabled us to provide trusted insights across all our platforms, empowering today’s business leaders to make industry-shaping decisions. To learn more about Crain Communications, visit crain.com.Equal Opportunity EmployerEqual Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about or disclosed their own pay. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).Travel & Physical DemandsTravel to cover news stories/events, meetings with clients, and to our geographically separated offices may be required. It is the nature of many positions to experience non-standard working hours and be on-call when needed for responding to email, meeting with clients, attending work-related events. Work schedule and travel requirements are subject to change as a role and needs evolve.Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of many Crain jobs. Physical activities include frequent in-person or virtual interactions, desk work, and ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally. #J-18808-Ljbffr