Description
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.