Head of Events

The Royal Commonwealth Society is seeking a highly organised, proactive, and experienced events manager to lead the planning and execution of its diverse portfolio of high-profile and fundraising events. The postholder will manage the full lifecycle of events - from concept through delivery - ensuring every event reflects the Society s values and enhances its reputation and reach.

Flagship events include the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey, an Award Ceremony for The Queen s Commonwealth Essay Competition at Buckingham Palace, the High Commissioners Banquet at Mansion House, and other ceremonial, stakeholder, youth, and fundraising engagements.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end management of all RCS events, ensuring the successful delivery of high-profile, ceremonial, and fundraising events.
• Oversee event planning, including venue sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier coordination, protocol, security, AV, catering, and staffing.
• Manage the delivery of the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey, ensuring coordination with the Royal Household, Westminster Abbey, the BBC, and government departments.
• Deliver a Commonwealth Concert as a key fundraising and engagement event, managing all artistic, production, and logistical elements.
• Organise the High Commissioners Banquet at Mansion House, coordinating with the City of London Corporation, the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, diplomatic missions, and keynote speakers.
• Support other public-facing events, including those connected to The Queen s Commonwealth Essay Competition, and the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign.
• Prepare and manage budgets, ensuring events are delivered on time and within financial parameters.
• Oversee guest and stakeholder management, including invitations, RSVP tracking, VIP handling, seating plans, and pre-event briefings.
• Prepare comprehensive briefing materials for events, including biographies, guest lists, and running orders, ensuring accuracy and alignment with protocol requirements.
• Draft and coordinate speaking notes for key participants and speakers, tailored to the event s purpose, audience, and messaging objectives.
• Maintain and update key documentation, including event timelines, run sheets, contact lists, and risk assessments.
• Support post-event evaluation, producing summary reports and identifying lessons learned.
• Assist in fundraising endeavours such as grant writing and donor stewardship.
• Other duties as and when required.