Events Production Manager

About the Team

OpenAI’s mission is to ensure that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity.

Our Communications team is composed of PR/Media Relations, Events, Design, and other external-facing functions. The team’s ethos is to support OpenAI's mission and goals by clearly and authentically explaining our technology, values, and approach to safely building powerful AI.

The Events team is a dynamic and ethos-driven group dedicated to crafting one-of-a-kind and extraordinary experiences that encompass OpenAI’s values and mission. Our team is driven by a deep passion for shining the spotlight on others and bringing people together to connect in meaningful ways. 

The Events Production team, a sub-team of Events, collaborates with event managers to transform ideas into well-organized, immersive experiences that resonate with audiences and achieve business goals.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an energetic and highly organized Events Production Manager to join our dynamic team at OpenAI. In this exciting role, you’ll shape our event programs by driving the production of high-impact events across verticals, partnering with cross-functional teams to bring bold ideas to life.

As the Events Production Manager, you’ll oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of a diverse range of events, including developer conferences, livestreams, experiential activations and more. This role requires a blend of creativity, production excellence, and strategic thinking to manage all aspects of event production—from concept to completion—delivering seamless and memorable experiences for attendees.

The ideal candidate has a deep passion for artificial intelligence and a proven track record in production/stage management, event production, or agency event management/production. If you thrive on teams who bring out the fun in their work, excel in�� fast-paced environments, have a strong eye for successful production, and are energized by redefining event production norms, this is the role for you.

This role is based in San Francisco, CA. We use a hybrid work model with three days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance to new employees. Regular business travel will be required for this role (~30%).

In this role, you will:

• Manage stage production: Oversee content production, stage management, and AV coordination, ensuring all aspects of stage execution—from rehearsals to live production—run seamlessly.

• Collaborate on event execution strategies: Partner with event managers and business DRIs to shape event plans, aligning on vision, objectives, and goals to deliver impactful experiences.

• Deliver high-caliber events: Oversee all aspects of event operations, from load-in to load-out, managing vendors such as venues, rentals, catering, experiential/creative partners, and audio-visual teams.

• Support creative production: Collaborate with creative teams to bring bold ideas to life, ensuring the vision is translated into every detail of the event. Manage creative vendors and partners onsite to deliver exceptional experiences.

• Source and negotiate vendors: Identify and secure top-tier vendors and suppliers, negotiate contracts, and build lasting partnerships.

• Oversee risk management and contingency planning: Secure necessary permits and insurance while managing risks and resolving onsite issues to keep events running smoothly.

• Track budgets and financials: Manage event budgets meticulously, track expenses, and ensure events stay within allocated limits. Oversee vendor payments and post-event reconciliations.

• Coordinate project management: Oversee detailed project workbacks, facilitate weekly progress meetings, and keep teams aligned on timelines and deliverables.

You might thrive in this role if you have:

• Have 7+ years of experience in production/stage management, event production, agency event management/production, or similar roles.

• Find deep value in bringing your whole self to work, celebrating differences in perspectives, and prioritize bringing joy to the front of your projects. 

• Have a proven track record of managing budgets over $1M.

• Thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy working across multiple events.

• Demonstrate strong cross-functional team management experience, with a deep commitment to fostering open communication, embracing a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, and bringing your true self to work every day.

• Enjoy finding innovative ways