Community Events Manager
Location: Playa Vista, CA (in-person, 5 days/week)
Outpost is pioneering Earth-return logistics for space. We’re building spacecraft that safely and precisely return payloads from orbit—unlocking space-based manufacturing, faster global delivery, and new capabilities for government and commercial customers. We’re a mission-focused team that builds with urgency, grit, and care.
The Role
Outpost is hiring a Community Events Manager to plan and execute high-impact internal and external events that build culture, deepen relationships, and reinforce our leadership in through-space logistics. You’ll run multiple event programs end-to-end—ranging from employee engagement and HQ moments to customer/investor visits, media gatherings, and activations at key industry events.
This is a hands-on, detail-driven role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, technical environment, can manage vendors and budgets, and can lead calm, polished execution with senior stakeholders involved.
What You’ll Do
- Own event execution end-to-end: timelines, budgets, vendor sourcing, contracts, logistics, travel, shipping, production schedules, and day-of operations
- Run internal events: culture moments, holiday parties, team offsites/outings, ERG events, office openings, and employee engagement programming
- Run external events: VIP/customer/investor visits, executive dinners, demos/showcases, media happy hours, and conference-side events
- Manage trade shows & activations: booth logistics, on-site coordination, schedules, brand execution, and stakeholder meeting support
- Cross-functional coordination: partner with Marketing/Comms, Business Development, Ops, IT, Facilities, Security, and leadership on programming, content, and run-of-show
- Vendor + budget leadership: negotiate and manage suppliers (A/V, catering, production, exhibit houses), track spend, and deliver on-time within budget
- Compliance-minded delivery: ensure events align with confidentiality requirements and any customer/government protocols (including export-control awareness where applicable)
- Measure and improve: define KPIs, collect feedback, deliver post-event recaps, and build repeatable processes/templates
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years managing complex B2B events, trade shows, or experiential programs (in-house and/or agency)
- Experience in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or other technical/regulated industries
- Proven ability to run multiple events simultaneously with tight timelines and high attention to detail
- Strong instincts for guest flow and experience design (space layout, run-of-show, A/V, food service, signage)
- Strong project management, budgeting, and vendor management skills
- Comfortable supporting senior leadership and VIP stakeholders with a high bar for polish and discretion
- Excellent written and verbal communication; highly organized and self-directed
- Willingness to travel and work extended hours during event weeks as needed
- Ability to lawfully access information/technology subject to U.S. export controls
Nice to Have
- Familiarity with large-scale industry events (trade shows, defense expos, air shows)
- Comfortable using tools like Microsoft Office, Airtable, registration sites, and project trackers
What success looks like: repeatable, well-run event programs that strengthen culture, improve stakeholder engagement, and make Outpost feel world-class, every time, on time, and on budget.
Compensation:
- 100,000 – 130,000, Salary may vary with experience
- Annual Performance-Based Bonus
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Subsidized daily catered lunch, snacks and coffee
You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 ,or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State