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Assistant Director Of Special Events Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Streetwise Partners

Director of Special Events

New York, NY · On-site +1

$90K - $110K/yr

The Director of Special Events will develop and execute a 1 - 3 year growth strategy, bringing ... Provide day-to-day direction and oversight to the Development Assistant on event-related priorities ...

Yeshiva University

$66K/yr

This role will assist in tracking catering requisitions and invoice payments; overseeing the daily ... the Director of Special Events. Position Responsibilities: * Manage catering operations by ...

DREAM

Special Events Manager

New York, NY · On-site

Reporting to the Director of Special Events, this role is responsible for supporting the planning ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

DREAM

Special Events Manager

New York, NY · On-site

Reporting to the Director of Special Events, this role is responsible for supporting the planning ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

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How much do assistant director of special events jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant director of special events in the United States is $71,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do assistant directors of special events get paid well?

Assistant directors of special events typically earn a median salary that varies based on experience, location, and organization size, with salaries often ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. Those with strong organizational skills, event planning certifications, and experience managing large events tend to earn higher wages. Compensation can also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, depending on the employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Director Of Special Events vs Event Coordinator?

AspectAssistant Director Of Special EventsEvent Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees planning, manages staff, and ensures event successCoordinates logistics, vendors, and on-site operations
CredentialsTypically requires experience in event management, sometimes a degree in hospitality or related fieldOften requires experience in event planning, with or without formal education
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits, managing teams and vendorsOn-site during events, handling logistics and troubleshooting
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, corporations, universities, event planning firmsSimilar industries, often working under the supervision of senior event staff

The Assistant Director Of Special Events typically has broader responsibilities, including overseeing entire event projects and managing staff, while the Event Coordinator focuses on executing logistics and day-to-day event details. Both roles require experience in event planning, but the Assistant Director often holds a more strategic and supervisory position.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant director of special events, and how can they be effectively managed?

One of the most common challenges for an Assistant Director of Special Events is balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines while ensuring every detail aligns with the organization's vision. Unpredictable issues, such as last-minute vendor changes or inclement weather, can also arise, requiring quick problem-solving and adaptability. To manage these challenges, strong organizational skills, clear communication with team members and stakeholders, and contingency planning are essential. Proactively building strong vendor relationships and maintaining detailed checklists can also help ensure events run smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant director of special events?

To thrive as an Assistant Director of Special Events, you need strong organizational, project management, and event planning skills, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and CRM systems is often required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities help you coordinate teams and engage stakeholders. These skills ensure seamless event execution, effective teamwork, and positive experiences for attendees and clients.

What does an assistant director of special events do?

An Assistant Director of Special Events helps plan, organize, and execute a variety of events for an organization, such as fundraisers, galas, conferences, or community outreach programs. They often support the Director of Special Events and work closely with vendors, staff, and volunteers to ensure events run smoothly. Responsibilities can include budgeting, logistics coordination, marketing, and on-site event management. Their role is crucial in ensuring that every aspect of an event meets organizational goals and provides a positive experience for attendees.
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Assistant Director Of Special Events jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Director Of Special Events job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,970 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Assistant Director of Special Events

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Overview
Under general direction of the Director of Special Events & Operations, the Assistant Director of Special Events plans, manages and executes a wide range of institutional events and initiatives that support the university's strategic priorities. This position serves as a key member of the Special Events team by providing exceptional customer service, building collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring the successful execution of high-quality events.
The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic, organized, and resourceful professional who can anticipate project needs, establish priorities, manage multiple concurrent assignments, and consistently meet deadlines with minimal supervision. Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends is required.
CORE COMPETENCIES
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus partners, vendors, customers, volunteers, and colleagues.
  • Professionalism, discretion, and confidence when working with senior leadership, donors, faculty, and external constituents.
  • Adaptability and initiative in responding to changing priorities and organizational needs while maintaining a positive, solutions-oriented approach.
  • Sound judgment, critical thinking, and effective decision-making skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and diplomatically.
  • Integrity and accountability in complying with university policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

POSITION-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
The Assistant Director should possess:
  • Demonstrated success managing multiple events and projects with exceptional organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.
  • Experience using event management technology, including registration systems, room scheduling, event diagramming software, reporting tools, and data management platforms.
  • Knowledge of best practices in event planning, logistical operations, catering, risk management, safety protocols, and budget administration.
  • Ability to independently manage projects from concept through execution with minimal supervision.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively while also leading teams of staff, volunteers, vendors, and service providers.
  • Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and presentation skills, including drafting professional correspondence, event materials, and providing instructions or presentations to large audiences.

Responsibilities
Event Planning
  • Assist in developing event goals, project plans, communication strategies, timelines, and budgets.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute all aspects of assigned events, including registration websites, project timelines, checklists, vendor coordination, contracts, catering, audiovisual services, décor, entertainment, transportation, and logistics.
  • Develop and monitor event budgets, tracking revenues and expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
  • Coordinate with university departments to secure facilities, technology, staffing, security, parking, housekeeping, and other support services.
  • Partner with University Communications and Marketing to develop event collateral, promotional materials, signage, invitations, and digital communications.
  • Organize planning meetings, prepare agendas, document action items, and monitor project progress.

Event Administration
  • Prepare event budgets and provide regular project status updates.
  • Manage guest registration, RSVP tracking, reporting, and database maintenance.
  • Complete post-event evaluations, budget reconciliations, documentation, and project closeout activities.
  • Monitor event revenues, expenditures, invoices, payments, and internal financial processing.
  • Review, process, and coordinate vendor contracts in accordance with university policies.
  • Maintain event calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate appointments.
  • Provide administrative and operational support for departmental initiatives and special projects.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Event Production
  • Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown, including staging areas, equipment, signage, and event materials.
  • Anticipate staffing, equipment, and operational needs to ensure seamless event execution.
  • Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance planning efficiency, guest experience, and operational effectiveness.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications and Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
  • A minimum of three (3) years progressively responsible experience planning and executing successful special events. Preference will be given to candidates with event or meeting planning certifications, and experience in higher education and/or nonprofit organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
  • Working knowledge of event technology platforms such as Cvent, NameCoach, Social Tables, Tassel/Marching Order, AI Platforms, Qualtrics, or comparable software.
  • Experience planning academic ceremonies & institutional events, including Commencement, Student Orientation and similar programs.
  • Knowledge of applicable local and state regulations related to health, fire, safety, accessibility and facility operations.

Location : Location
US-VA-Norfolk

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