Events Specialist
Washington, DC Metro Area
We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Event Specialist to join our team. This role will primarily focus on planning, organizing, and executing events, including dinners, happy hours, networking events, etc., across a variety ofsectors and stages, with a primary focus on supporting the General Catalyst Institute (GCI). This role will also assist in the planning and execution of large-scale summits and activations at third-party events. This is an exciting opportunity to develop event management skills in a fast-paced and collaborative environment while working with a global investment and transformation company.
Responsibilities
- Partner with GCI leadership and the policy team to plan and execute intimate, high-impact gatherings, including policy dinners, government roundtables, and founder-policymaker networking events.
- Support end-to-end execution of GCI events, including briefings, receptions, and convenings with senior government officials, NGOs, academics, and industry leaders.
- Manage all logistics, including venue selection, vendor management, menu planning, audience curation, guest communications, event setup, breakdown, and on-site support and troubleshooting.
- Ensure all events align with GCI's brand, mission, and strategic goals around global resilience and public policy.
- Manage all event documents, including timelines, budgets, and run-of-show materials.
- Manage post-event surveys, reporting, and data management.
- Provide on-site support for all GCI-led events.
- Partner with investors to plan and execute small, intimate gatherings such as dinners, roundtables, and networking events.
- Support end-to-end execution of investor events, including dinners, happy hours, roundtables, and networking events.
- Manage logistics, including venue selection, vendor selection, menu planning, audience management, guest communications, event setup, breakdown, and on-site support and troubleshooting.
- Ensure all events align with GC's brand, quality, and strategic goals.
- Manage all event documents (timelines, budgets, run of show, etc).
- Manage post-event surveys, reporting, and data management.
- Provide on-site support for all investor-led events.
- Assist the broader events team with GC's participation in major third-party conferences, policy forums, and industry gatherings.
- Manage registration, travel logistics, and materials preparation for team members as needed.
- Collaborate on planning and executing GCI's major annual flagship event, as well as large-scale summits bringing together portfolio founders, operators, policymakers, and global leaders.
- Support pre-event research, attendee communications, and on-site execution.
- Assist with guest management, creative programming, vendor management, and post-event evaluation.
- Act as project manager for all investor events.
- Maintain detailed briefs, timelines, budgets, and project plans for events.
- Develop and track post-event feedback to improve future events.
- Build relationships with vendors, venues, and other external partners.
- Help manage all event materials, inventory, and storage unit.
- Manage event platforms and ensure guest lists are being kept up to date.
Requirements
- 3–5 years of experience in event planning, operations, marketing, or related fields.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a willingness to learn.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Comfortable working in-office (3 days/week), supporting evening events, with occasional travel.
Preferred Experience
- Familiarity with event management software and tools (Gatsby, Affinity, Google Sheets, Canva, Figma).
- Experience in or passion for the venture capital or startup/tech ecosystem.
- Previous hospitality and/or marketing experience is not required, but is a bonus.
- Experience in community building or management is not required, but is a bonus
- Experience working in or with the federal government, Capitol Hill, or executive branch agencies
- Background working at a think tank, policy institute, trade association, or advocacy organization
- Familiarity with the DC event venue landscape (e.g., private clubs, embassy spaces, Capitol Hill venues)
- Experience managing high-security or credentialed events with government officials or senior officials requiring special protocols
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Opportunity to work with a dynamic, mission-driven team.
- Exposure to a global network of innovative founders and companies.
- Career development and mentorship in event management.
If you're excited about building exceptional experiences and learning from a world-class team, we'd love to hear from you!
General Catalyst is an equal-opportunity employer. General Catalyst embraces our responsibility to create a sense of belonging for all races, identities, genders, and backgrounds across our industry. We are committed to diversifying our industry in terms of both investors and the founders we back.