Head of Events

PlanetScale is growing rapidly and reinventing the database space. Our database platform offers developers the fastest and most reliable Postgres and Vitess/MySQL databases, enabling businesses to efficiently handle data and workloads of all sizes.

We're looking for a Head of Events to own the strategy and hands-on execution of high-impact experiences that connect developers, engineering leaders, customers, and the broader tech community with PlanetScale.

What's the job to be done?

• Own the end-to-end events strategy and portfolio for PlanetScale, spanning owned developer experiences, conference presence, sponsored/partnered events, executive dinners, pop-up activations, meetups, field programs, and hybrid/digital formats.
• Set the creative and experiential bar, bringing a strong point of view on design, storytelling, branding, and details so every touchpoint reflects PlanetScale's brand and stands out.
• Drive measurable outcomes in developer acquisition, product adoption, community growth, pipeline, and brand love. Define the metrics that matter and hold the program accountable to them.
• Build and manage a global events calendar. Evaluate, prioritize, and execute a disciplined portfolio of events.
• Own and manage the events budget with clear ROI frameworks, financial discipline, and the ability to reallocate based on performance data.
• Manage vendors, agencies, venues, AV, and creative partners; hold external partners to the same quality standard expected internally.
• Operate as a highly hands-on individual contributor while setting strategy. This is a lean role where you'll both define the vision and drive the majority of the execution yourself, while building the foundation to grow the function over time.
• Innovate on format: bring fresh thinking beyond traditional conference booths.

These attributes best describe you

• You have experience running or heavily contributing to events for developer or highly technical audiences.
• You have strong taste and creative vision.
• You are both strategic and highly operational.
• You thrive in cross-functional, matrixed environments and can influence without pure authority.
• You are comfortable with ambiguity, speed, and high ownership.
• You enjoy wearing multiple hats and are energized by a high-IC role rather than pure people management.

What you will need

• 3+ years of experience in events, experiential marketing, field marketing, Developer Relations, or developer community roles.
• Experience working with developer, engineering, or technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage event budgets and deliver measurable results.
• Experience producing or significantly contributing to a mix of owned events, conference presence, executive/customer dinners, meetups, and field activations.
• Excellent project management, vendor management, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to represent PlanetScale with polish and authenticity in high-stakes settings.
• This job requires you to work from our San Francisco office at least 3 days a week.

What else will help you be successful

• Prior experience in developer tools, infrastructure, or databases.
• Background in Developer Relations or developer community building.
• Experience with hybrid or digital-first formats alongside in-person.
• Existing relationships in the developer conference and events ecosystem.
• Comfort creating or guiding technical storytelling and working closely with DevRel and Product on content and speakers.

Why PlanetScale

We're redefining how high-growth companies manage data at scale, and we work with some of the most exciting brands. PlanetScale already has one of the strongest technical communities online.