Senior Events Producer

Position description

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that promotes and protects human rights globally, with a focus on closed societies. HRF unites people in the common cause of defending human rights and promoting liberal democracy. Our mission is to ensure that freedom is preserved and promoted worldwide, with a particular focus on sustaining the struggle for liberty in those areas where it is most under threat.

HRF produces the Oslo Freedom Forum, an annual human rights conference in Norway. For more information on HRF and its work, please visitwww.hrf.org. To learn more about the Oslo Freedom Forum, please visitwww.oslofreedomforum.com.

Position Summary

The Senior Events Producer will lead the planning, production, and execution of HRF’s flagship events — most notably the Oslo Freedom Forum — as well as regional and program-focused events, fundraisers, and special programs around the world. Reporting to the VP of Operations, the Senior Events Producer will be responsible for building a world-class event experience that elevates HRF’s mission, showcases frontline dissidents and activists, and engages partners, donors, and global audiences.

This is a senior, hands-on role that combines strategic planning and operational excellence. The ideal candidate has deep experience managing complex, high-profile events, working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners, and operating in fast-paced environments aligned with a global, cause-driven mission.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Specific duties include, but may not be limited to:

Event Strategy & Planning

• Lead the overall strategy, design, and execution of HRF’s events calendar, with a special focus on owning the production needs of the Oslo Freedom Forum.
• Translate HRF’s mission and programmatic priorities into compelling event formats and experiences.
• Develop and manage multi-year event roadmaps that support organizational growth, brand visibility, and impact.

Program Development

• Work within a structure in which event programming is owned by the respective HRF programs that define the event direction.
• Collaborate with program, policy, marketing/communications, and advocacy teams to support their priorities and help them secure world-class speakers and talent.

Production & Operations

• Own end-to-end event production, including venue selection, stage design, A/V, simultaneous interpretation, registration, accreditation, security coordination, and guest experience.
• Manage timelines, production schedules, and run-of-show for all events, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met in a fast-paced environment.
• Oversee HRF’s logistical support for speakers, VIPs, and participants, including travel, accommodation, and on-site support.

Team & Vendor Management

• Build and manage an internal events team and coordinate with cross-functional HRF staff to ensure seamless event delivery over the long term.
• Recruit, contract, and oversee external vendors, including production companies, caterers, designers, A/V technicians, and other service providers, ensuring quality, cost efficiency, and alignment with HRF’s mission.
• Create efficient workflows and comply with HRF’s budget and vision-approval processes for event-related decisions and materials.

Marketing, Communications & Partnerships

• Support and align with HRF’s communications and marketing teams to develop campaigns that promote HRF events, expand audience reach, and strengthen HRF’s brand.
• Collaborate with fundraising and partnerships teams to integrate sponsor and partner benefits and branding into events.

Qualifications

• Education:Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Communications, International Relations, Business, or a related field required; master’s degree is a plus.
• Experience:3-7 years of experience in event management or live production, with a proven track record of leading complex, high-profile events for nonprofits, mission-driven organizations, or global brands.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and external vendors, including supervising staff and managing agencies or production partners.
• Strong project management skills with proven experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines, and navigating fast-paced environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing talking points, briefings, and public-facing materials.
• High level of professionalism and comfort interfacing with prominent activists, public figures, donors, and partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Experience working with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Monday.com, Google Workspace, Slack) is preferred.
• Commitment to HRF’s mission of promoting human rights and liberal democracy, and familiarity with issues related to authoritarianism and closed societies.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally for events, including some evenings and weekends.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $110,000 – $125,000 per year, commensurate with experience. We offer a generous benefits package that includes fully covered medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; a flexible PTO plan and comprehensive company-paid holiday schedule; and many other voluntary benefits. This role follows a hybrid workplace schedule with three in-office days and two remote days per week.

Application instructions

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