Director, Event Marketing

Director, Event Marketing 

The Director, Event Marketing leads Merkle’s enterprise event strategy and elevates how the organization shows up across the industry and within its internal community. This role oversees the full events portfolio, manages the events team, and partners closely with executive and senior‑level stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings a creative, strategic approach to event marketing, strong agency‑caliber experience, and the confidence to operate autonomously while influencing senior leaders with a clear, data‑driven point of view. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategy and Leadership 

• Develop and execute Merkle’s enterprise event strategy aligned with marketing priorities, brand positioning, and revenue goals 

• Lead and mentor the events team, ensuring alignment across marketing, sales, and client‑facing groups 

• Own the enterprise event calendar, ensuring prioritization and resource alignment 

• Bring a creative, strategic mindset that elevates event experiences beyond logistics and execution, to deliver exceptional guest and participant experiences while elevating the profile and perception of the Merkle brand 

• Operate independently and decisively during periods of organizational change, driving continuity, performance, and resilience within the events function and the broader marketing team 

• Provide a strong, informed point of view to senior leaders, including the ability to challenge assumptions and guide decisions 

• Stay current on industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies to evolve event strategy 

Internal Events Leadership 

• Lead planning and execution for large‑scale, high‑priority internal events, including the annual Merkle AMER Sales Kickoff (200–300 attendees) 

• Oversee the annual Merkle Awards, delivered in‑person or virtually, ensuring a high‑quality, engaging experience that reflects Merkle’s culture and values 

• Partner with executive leadership, HR, and internal communications to ensure internal events reinforce organizational priorities and employee engagement 

Owned and Flagship Events 

• Lead strategy, planning, and execution for Merkle‑owned events, including potential relaunches such as the Merkle Client Summit or vertical‑specific exchanges 

• Ensure owned events strengthen Merkle’s market presence, deepen client relationships, and support go‑to‑market priorities 

• Develop event concepts, content strategy, and audience engagement plans that differentiate Merkle in the market 

Budget