Marketing Events Director

Description

Position at Ookla

Ookla® is a global leader in connectivity intelligence, offering unparalleled network insights through the combined expertise of Speedtest®, Downdetector®, RootMetrics®, and Ekahau®. Ookla’s complementary datasets combine crowdsourced and controlled, public and private collection methods, QoS and QoE metrics, and more to unlock correlations and actionable insights — helping organizations optimize networks, enhance digital experiences, and create better connected experiences for end-users.

Our team is a group of people brought together through passion and inspired by possibility. We are looking for team members who love solving problems, are motivated by challenges, and enjoy turning clever ideas into exceptional products. When you work for us, you are using Ookla data and insights to advance our mission of better connectivity for all.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Marketing Events Director to lead the strategy, planning, and execution of our global events portfolio. As a key leader within the marketing organization, you will plan and deliver exceptional in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences that engage our global audience, elevate our brand, and drive business growth. You will manage a high-performing team responsible for delivering marketing programs and events to connect directly with our customer base, and collaborative programs with our industry partners.

This role requires a strategic thinker with deep event marketing expertise, a sharp operational mindset, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for delivering high-impact, memorable experiences. You’ll work cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to ensure flawless execution of global events, including flagship conferences, trade shows, field marketing activations, executive programs, speaking and networking engagements, and more.

Expectations for Success

• Strategic Leadership: Define the global events strategy aligned with overall sales, marketing and business objectives, ensuring a cohesive and impactful presence across all touchpoints.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering collaboration, creativity, and operational excellence.
• End-to-End Event Ownership: Oversee the full lifecycle of event planning and execution—from concept through post-event analysis—for company-hosted and third-party events.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product marketing, sales, brand and design, public relations, marketing and sales operations, customer success, and other teams to align messaging, objectives, and outcomes.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Manage relationships with external agencies, event production partners, venues, and technology vendors to deliver high-quality experiences.
• Budget Oversight: Develop and manage global event budgets, ensuring ROI-driven decision-making and fiscal responsibility.
• Innovation & Experience Design: Champion innovative formats, emerging technologies, and fresh engagement strategies that drive both attendee satisfaction and measurable sales growth. Uncover new channels to connect with our core customer segments and translate these insights into actionable, high-impact event strategies.
• Performance Measurement: Define KPIs and success metrics; lead post-event reporting and continuous improvement initiatives based on data and feedback.
• Executive Communication & Reporting: Present event strategies, engagement plans, and post-event performance reporting to executive leadership, providing clear insights, key learnings, and strategic recommendations to guide future planning and investment.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in event marketing, including 5+ years in a leadership role within a technology or B2B organization.
• Proven track record of developing and delivering large-scale global events with measurable business impact.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with experience managing and scaling global teams.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities; thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Deep understanding of event marketing trends, virtual/hybrid platforms, and audience engagement strategies.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable influencing at all levels of the organization.
• Willingness to travel globally (as required).

Preferred Skills

• Experience in enterprise technology marketing.
• Familiarity with event and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Cvent, ON24, Bizzabo), marketing platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Marketo, HubSpot), and Google Suite tools.
• Background in experiential design, brand storytelling, or content development a plus.

Benefits

We care deeply about each other and the work we do, and our perks are just one way we demonstrate this. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 401(k) matching
• Unlimited PTO
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan options
• Health/dental/vision insurance coverage
• Wellness benefits (Calm app, gym reimbursement, ERG groups, etc)
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) (mental health, financial advice, legal guidance, and more)
• Fertility options
• Pregnancy support
• Pet insurance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Disability coverage

As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, Ookla provides a range for the base pay. Factors that may be used to determine your actual pay may include your specific job related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Some roles may include a target bonus or sales commission plan based on level of role. The base pay for this position ranges from $110,000/year up to $165,000/year in base salary.

If you’re passionate about joining the work we’re doing, we welcome your application and encourage applicants with both traditional and non-traditional experience that makes them an excellent candidate for the role. We strongly believe diversity of all kinds makes us better. We are an equal opportunity employer actively working to build an inclusive workforce at all levels of the company. [Read our latest diversity report from our parent company here.] Ookla is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.