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Association Event Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Events Manager, Corporate

Scottsdale, AZ ยท On-site

$97 - $146/hr

Key Responsibilities Event Coordination & Execution * Own end-to-end planning and execution of tradeshows, industry conferences, and association events * Manage event logistics including venue ...

Event Technology Manager

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Association of International Educators With more than 10,000 members, NAFSA: Association of ... ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Strategy, Planning and Deployment (30%): * Research and recommend best ...

New

... planning, execution, and implementation of association event(s). * Conference strategy - provide oversight and strategic guidance to association teams related to their events. Attain a high-level ...

Sr. Event Manager

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... planning, execution, and implementation of association event(s). * Conference strategy - provide oversight and strategic guidance to association teams related to their events. * Attain a high-level ...

Sr. Event Manager

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

... planning, execution, and implementation of association event(s).* Conference strategy - provide oversight and strategic guidance to association teams related to their events. Attain a high-level ...

$85 - $120/hr

The Association Data Manager will be responsible for managing and analyzing data to support various ... Support event planning and management by coordinating attendee registration, tracking event metrics ...

$65 - $90/hr

The Association Data Manager will be responsible for managing and analyzing data to support various ... Support event planning and management by coordinating attendee registration, tracking event metrics ...

Schedule based on games and other sporting events typically in the evenings and on weekends. * Pay ... association, educational institution or society of its activities.

Meeting & Events Coordinator

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Previous experience supporting corporate, nonprofit, or association events is strongly preferred ... Support event planning activities including scheduling, venue coordination, attendee communications ...

Showing results 21-40

Association Event Planning information

See salary details

$20.5K

$75.3K

$142K

How much do association event planning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for association event planning in the United States is $75,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is association event planning?

Association event planning involves organizing, coordinating, and managing events such as conferences, seminars, annual meetings, and networking functions for professional or trade associations. Planners work to ensure events meet the goals of the association and provide value to members, often handling logistics like venue selection, budgeting, marketing, and on-site management. They collaborate with vendors, speakers, and association leadership to deliver successful and engaging experiences for attendees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an association event planner?

To thrive as an Association Event Planner, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in event coordination, often supported by a degree in hospitality or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and registration platforms is typically required, and certifications like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) are highly valued. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability help you manage stakeholders and handle unexpected challenges. These skills ensure seamless event execution, member satisfaction, and the successful achievement of organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by association event planners, and how can they be managed effectively?

Association event planners often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing tight budgets, and ensuring member engagement. To navigate these issues, planners typically use detailed project management tools, maintain clear communication with vendors and association leadership, and develop contingency plans for unexpected changes. Building strong relationships within the team and with partners is essential for smooth execution, and regularly seeking feedback from participants helps in continuously improving future events.

What is the difference between Association Event Planning vs Conference Coordinator?

AspectAssociation Event PlanningConference Coordinator
CredentialsEvent planning certifications, industry knowledgeEvent planning certifications, logistics experience
Work EnvironmentNonprofit associations, member-focused eventsCorporate, academic, or industry conferences
Employer & IndustryAssociations, nonprofits, professional groupsCorporations, educational institutions, event agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding association-specific event rolesPlanning large-scale conferences and events

Association Event Planning involves organizing events for member organizations, focusing on member engagement and nonprofit goals. Conference Coordinators typically manage large-scale conferences, handling logistics and vendor coordination. While both roles require event planning skills and certifications, association event planners focus on member-centric events within nonprofit settings, whereas conference coordinators work across various industries managing complex event logistics.

How to get a job in association event planning with no experience?

Entry-level association event planning roles often require strong organizational and communication skills; gaining experience through volunteering, internships, or assisting with events can be valuable. Building knowledge of event management tools and obtaining certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) can also improve prospects. Networking within industry associations and demonstrating a proactive attitude are important for breaking into the field.

Is there a demand for association event planners?

There is steady demand for association event planners as organizations increasingly rely on professional event management for conferences, meetings, and member engagement. Skills in logistics, vendor coordination, and familiarity with event planning software are highly valued in this field.
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Infographic showing various Association Event Planning job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,268 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

$80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
ABOUT NAFSA: Association of International Educators
With more than 10,000 members, NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the largest and most comprehensive association of professionals committed to advancing international higher education. Based in the United States, we provide programs, products, services, and a physical and virtual meeting space for the worldwide community of international educators. The association provides leadership to its varied constituencies through establishing principles of good practice and providing professional development opportunities. NAFSA encourages networking among professionals, convenes conferences and collaborative dialogues, and promotes research and knowledge creation to strengthen and serve the field. We lead the way in advocating for a better world through international education.
NAFSA believes that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, is essential for developing globally competent individuals, and builds leadership for the global community. We believe that international education lies at the core of an interconnected world characterized by peace, security, and well-being for all.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Event Technology Manager directs NAFSA's event technology infrastructure supporting virtual and in-person events while providing leadership to the Event Technology team. In this role, they work closely with the Senior Director, Technology, event planning teams, internal stakeholders, and external vendors to ensure event technology platforms remain current, evolve with organizational needs, and effectively support NAFSA's events, from small, stand-alone meetings to major conferences. This position carries supervisory responsibility for the Event Technology Specialist and serves as a key strategic partner in platform selection, implementation, and optimization.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Strategy, Planning and Deployment (30%):
  • Research and recommend best practices, standards, and policies for NAFSA enterprise event technology platforms.
  • Use the Event Technology Toolkit to facilitate event planning, scope and budget discussions with event owners across the organization.
  • Partner with NAFSA event planning teams to plan event system implementations and lead sessions to review and revise event systems functionality to best meet NAFSA's specific event requirements.
  • Chart current and future-state event technology environment (platforms, systems, processes, and workflows) and keep documentation current for knowledge transfer across the organization.
  • Consult with decision makers, systems owners, and end users to define business, financial, and operations requirements and systems goals, and identify and resolve systems issues.
  • Review and analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of event systems and develop strategies for improving or further leveraging these systems.
  • Stay abreast of developments in virtual event technologies and actively research emerging technologies to support innovation in NAFSA's events and evolving attendee expectations.
  • Actively maintain the event technology team workplan for all NAFSA events and create realistic timelines in conjunction with event stakeholders for setup and implementation of event platforms.

Enterprise Event Technology Management (30%):
  • Manage and support the annual systems setup and the implementation cycles for NAFSA annual and regional conferences and other events.
  • Ensure accurate system setup and new feature implementation in event technology systems. Currently these include Maritz event registration, CadmiumCD, Cvent, Zoom, and a variety of SaaS tools.
  • Work closely with vendors and NAFSA event owners to create and execute implementation and testing timelines.
  • Ensure timely implementation and smooth operations of registration and event technology systems for attendees and exhibitors.
  • Partner with Conference Logistics, Accounting, Technology Operations and vendors to plan on-site registration desk, hardware and infrastructure setup and staffing.
  • Recommend modifications to process workflows, optimize user experience and backend data capture protocols in event technology platforms.
  • Consult staff on using Zoom features to create engaging virtual events.
  • Prepare and deliver reports, recommendations, or alternatives that address existing and potential trouble areas in event operations across the organization.
  • Ensure compatibility and interoperability of event and in-house computing systems.
  • Provide post-implementation support.

Staff and Vendor Management (20%):
  • Lead and guide NAFSA cross-departmental teams in the implementation of Event Technology platforms and services.
  • Motivate, support, assess and evaluate direct reports in the production of timely, high quality technology support and service.
  • Convey NAFSA's strategic and operational needs to vendors; translate those needs into appropriate scopes of work, timelines, work plans, and budgets.
  • Partner closely with numerous external vendors providing technology infrastructure support; ensure contracts and service level agreements are fulfilled; lead contract review and renewal process for systems identified in annual workplan.
  • Perform cost-benefit and return on investment analyses as a precursor to the periodic vendor contract renewal cycle.
  • Coordinate event technology contract formulation, review and renewals for final sign-off by internal business owners.
  • Monitor contract service level agreements and spending against annual allocated budgets.
  • Consult with supervisor on the strategies, problem-solving and accomplishments of the team.

Documentation, Training, and Knowledge Transfer (15%):
  • Develop and maintain current documentation on all supported systems to support knowledge transfer across the team and organization.
  • Assist in formulating and conducting training sessions and teaching materials for enterprise event software applications.
  • Develop and maintain training materials for event owners and end users.
  • Coordinate and perform in-depth testing, including end-user reviews, for modified and new systems.
  • Provide orientation and training to end users for all modified and new systems.
  • Provide guidance and instruction to junior staff members on technical systems, best practices, and professional development.

Other projects, as assigned (5%)
Requirements
Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of related education and experience.
Experience and Skills:
  • A minimum of 5 years successful experience working within project-based work structures, developing or leading programs or projects, and effectively managing tasks and timelines.
  • Power user or administrator of event management and virtual event platforms such as Cvent, CadmiumCD, Zoom webinars, event registration and other platforms.
  • Demonstrated experience in effectively supporting end users of web-based applications, with a strong customer service orientation.
  • Proven ability to conduct research into and resolve product and service-related issues.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple streams of work, prioritizing appropriately, and problem solving effectively in complex situations.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • The candidate is flexible, multi-task oriented, creative, and able to work in a fast-paced team environment as well as independently.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks.
  • Great work ethic and intellectual curiosity.
  • Ability to deal tactfully with and elicit cooperation from a wide variety of stakeholders and vendors; Persuasive, encouraging, and diplomatic.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Willing and able to quickly learn and master additional proprietary software such as association management systems or marketing and strategic communications platforms.
  • Ability to master new systems quickly and to effectively research a wide range of issues when troubleshooting user issues.
  • Superb interpersonal skills with the ability to assist users of various skill levels and backgrounds on technical systems and procedures.
  • Ability to present ideas with technical language in both a user-friendly and business-friendly manner.
  • Effective team collaborator with excellent oral and written communication skills; at ease leading meetings and trainings, listening, and problem solving.
  • Excellent ability to prioritize and execute tasks under pressure.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
  • Experience with nonprofit, education, or international education institutions.
  • Technology system evaluation and procurement.
  • Experience in leadership roles, staff management and mentorship.
  • Budget management.

The workday is generally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The week after Memorial Day to Labor Day, it is 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday.
Travel is required occasionally related to job responsibilities, especially for the annual conference or other leadership meetings. Participation in the NAFSA annual conference the week of Memorial Day, including the holiday itself, is a job requirement. The annual conference is held in varying cities.
Tasks are performed in a typical office environment, involving sitting for extended periods of time. Sitting, standing, bending, and lifting 10lbs or less will occur intermittently throughout the workday. Position involves constant use of computer keyboard and monitor, with intermittent use of headset and microphone.
Salary Description
The target salary for this position is $80,000.