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Associate Director Of Special Events Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Chapin School

Director of Special Events

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

The Director of Special Events is an essential member of the Advancement leadership team and is the senior staff member responsible for all events related to the Advancement Office and various Chapin ...

Yeshiva University

$66K/yr

... the Director of Special Events. Position Responsibilities: * Manage catering operations by coordinating with vendors, overseeing orders and deliveries, tracking catering requisitions, processing ...

DREAM

Special Events Manager

New York, NY

Reporting to the Director of Special Events, this role is responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of DREAM's fundraising and donor engagement events while serving as the ...

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How much do associate director of special events jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate director of special events in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate director of special events do?

An Associate Director of Special Events is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing a range of events, such as fundraisers, galas, conferences, and community gatherings. They collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to ensure each event meets organizational goals and runs smoothly. Their duties include managing budgets, overseeing event logistics, supervising staff, and ensuring compliance with policies and safety regulations. This role often involves strategic planning to enhance event experiences and maximize engagement or fundraising outcomes.

How does the associate director of special events typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

The Associate Director of Special Events often works closely with departments such as marketing, communications, fundraising, and operations to ensure that events align with organizational goals. Collaboration involves regular meetings, shared project timelines, and coordinated efforts to secure sponsorships, promote the event, and manage logistics. Building strong interdepartmental relationships is key to smoothly executing successful events, overcoming challenges, and ensuring all aspects—such as branding, guest experience, and budget management—are cohesive and effective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate director of special events, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Director Of Special Events, you need expertise in event planning, budgeting, and project management, often supported by a bachelor's degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software (such as Cvent or Eventbrite), CRM systems, and budgeting tools is typically required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal skills help you effectively coordinate teams and engage stakeholders. These abilities ensure seamless event execution, maximize attendee satisfaction, and support organizational goals.

What is the difference between Associate Director Of Special Events vs Event Manager?

AspectAssociate Director Of Special EventsEvent Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple events, strategic planning, team leadershipExecutes individual events, logistics, vendor coordination
CredentialsBachelor’s degree, experience in event planning, leadership skillsBachelor’s degree, experience in event coordination
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits, leadership meetingsOn-site during events, vendor interactions
Industry UsageNonprofit, corporate, hospitality sectorsNonprofit, corporate, hospitality sectors

The Associate Director Of Special Events typically has broader responsibilities, including strategic planning and team oversight, compared to the Event Manager who focuses on executing individual events. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across various industries, but the associate director position involves higher-level coordination and leadership.

What cities are hiring for Associate Director Of Special Events jobs?

Cities with the most Associate Director Of Special Events job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Director Of Special Events jobs?

The most popular types of Director Of Special Events jobs are:

What states have the most Associate Director Of Special Events jobs?

States with the most job openings for Associate Director Of Special Events jobs include:

Associate Director Of Special Events jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Director Of Special Events job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,755 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Associate Director of Special Events

Davidson College

Davidson, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Associate Director of Special Events designs, strategizes and executes a dynamic portfolio of high-impact events that advance Davidson College's mission, elevate donor stewardship and deepen alumni engagement. From intimate presidential dinners to high-profile, multi-day milestone events, the Associate Director serves as a premier project manager and operational leader. This role balances creative vision with detailed execution, managing a high-volume of projects independently while helping lead a growing team. This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports.

Core Responsibilities Event Portfolio 

  • Own the full lifecycle of a diverse portfolio of in-person events, partnering with "host offices" to plan, communicate about and execute events including Reunion Weekend, Wildcat Weekend, annual meetings for the Board of Visitors, Parents Council and Alumni Association Board, and other events as needed.
  • Serve as the primary lead for planning and executing Reunion Weekend, collaborating with teams in Alumni & Family Engagement and the Fund for Davidson to welcome nearly 2,000 alums to campus for three days of events each June.
  • Serve as the primary lead in planning a slate of lectures in partnership with the Public Lectures Committee, ensuring a high level of hospitality for campus guests, smooth ticketing processes and seamless event execution.
  • Build, manage and meticulously track complex revenue and expense budgets, maximizing the guest experience within established budget parameters.

Campus Partnerships 

  • Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with key internal partners (Tech Services, Campus Police, Catering, Physical Plant) and external vendors (florists, linen rental providers, specialized caterers).

Team Leadership 

  • Manage the Assistant Director of Events and Programming.
  • Support performance and growth through goal setting, ongoing coaching and active encouragement of professional development.
  • Provide steady leadership during high-pressure, fast-paced, high-stakes periods in the event cycle, partnering with the Director of Special Events to guide the team calmly and effectively.

Communications, Data & Event Technology

  • Build and manage online event registration forms and monitor data integrity within the college's primary database system (Blackbaud).
  • Own and manage the full lifecycle of event communications.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Supervisory experience is preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of 5 years of event management experience, with a proven track record in high-touch hospitality, executive-level events or VIP guest relations.
  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills; a results-driven mindset with the ability to handle high-pressure, last-minute and urgent requests.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, professional briefings to college leadership.
  • Ability to problem-solve independently and maintain composure in high-stress situations, making decisions that align with the best interests of Davidson and its guests.
  • Ability to lift 20+ pounds, move event supplies, travel across campus on foot or by golf cart and work outdoors in various weather conditions.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Flexibility and willingness to work a non-traditional schedule, including frequent evenings and occasional weekends.

Information about how to submit an application can be found at https://employment.davidson.edu.

Davidson is a highly selective, nationally ranked, residential liberal arts college located in Davidson, North Carolina, near Charlotte. We seek to hire talented faculty and staff who are committed to achieving excellence within an inclusive community where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are valued. 

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