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Contract Event Planner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Coptic Orphans

Event Planner

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Manage all vendor communications, contracts, and delivery timelines. Communications Coordination ... in event planning.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as ...

Coptic Orphans

Event Planner

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Manage all vendor communications, contracts, and delivery timelines. Communications Coordination ... event planning. * Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as ...

Peraton

Intelligence Planner

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

Capture, document, and analyze lessons learned from exercises, training events, and operational ... This position is contingent upon contract award. QualificationsRequired * Minimum of 9 years w/o a ...

Peraton

Intelligence Planner

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

Capture, document, and analyze lessons learned from exercises, training events, and operational ... This position is contingent upon contract award. QualificationsRequired * Minimum of 9 years w/o a ...

Virginia Tech

Event Manager

Blacksburg, VA · Hybrid

Operational Coordination and Logistics - -Serve as the primary point of contact for college event planning and logistics. -Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and event procedures while ensuring ...

ClubCorp

Event Sales Coordinator

Haymarket, VA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... planning process, ensuring all client needs and preferences are documented and communicated effectively. * Support the creation and distribution of event proposals, contracts, event orders, floor ...

Invited

Event Sales Coordinator

Haymarket, VA

$19.75 - $27.25/hr

... planning process, ensuring all client needs and preferences are documented and communicated effectively. * Support the creation and distribution of event proposals, contracts, event orders, floor ...

Invited Clubs

Event Sales Coordinator

Haymarket, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... planning process, ensuring all client needs and preferences are documented and communicated effectively. * Support the creation and distribution of event proposals, contracts, event orders, floor ...

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Contract Event Planner information

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$43

How much do contract event planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract event planner in Virginia is $30.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.85 and $35.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a contract event planner do?

Contract event planners are independent contractors hired to organize and coordinate all the aspects of an event. In this role, you discuss the needs and expectations of your client concerning the size and other details of the event. If the venue has not been chosen, your first responsibility is to help your client find a location to hold the event. Then you research and book various vendors that can provide the look and feel that your client wants, such as caterers, florists, and DJs or live bands. Open communication with your client throughout the planning process is essential to ensure that the details are approved and on budget. Many contract event planners are also expected to attend the event and assist with any issues that arise on that day.

How does a contract event planner typically coordinate with vendors and clients during the planning process?

As a contract event planner, you will act as the main point of contact between clients and various vendors such as caterers, venues, and audiovisual teams. This involves regular communication to clarify client expectations, negotiate contracts, and ensure timelines are met. You'll often use project management tools and attend site visits to oversee progress and troubleshoot any issues. Strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential for ensuring all parties are aligned and that the event runs smoothly.

What is the difference between Contract Event Planner vs Freelance Event Coordinator?

AspectContract Event PlannerFreelance Event Coordinator
CredentialsEvent planning certifications, relevant experienceEvent planning experience, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentTypically hired for specific projects, often through agencies or companiesSelf-employed, manages multiple clients independently
Employer/Industry UsageUsed by event planning firms, corporations, and agenciesCommon among independent professionals and small businesses
Search/Comparison IntentLooking for contractual event planning rolesSeeking freelance event coordination opportunities

The main difference is that Contract Event Planners are usually hired through agencies or companies for specific projects, often requiring formal certifications. Freelance Event Coordinators operate independently, managing multiple clients without employer oversight. Both roles involve event organization, but their work arrangements and employment structures differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract event planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Event Planner, you need expertise in project management, budgeting, logistics, and strong knowledge of the events industry, often supported by a degree in hospitality or a related field. Familiarity with event management software (such as Cvent or Eventbrite), vendor management platforms, and, in some cases, certifications like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation is valuable. Exceptional organizational skills, creativity, negotiation abilities, and effective communication help you stand out by ensuring seamless event execution and client satisfaction. These competencies are crucial for managing complex events, meeting client expectations, and delivering memorable experiences within deadlines and budgets.

What is a contract event planner?

Contract event planners are professionals who are hired on a temporary or project basis to organize and manage events such as conferences, weddings, corporate meetings, or parties. Unlike full-time staff, they typically work independently or through an agency and handle all aspects of event planning, including budgeting, vendor coordination, logistics, and on-site management. Their role is to ensure events run smoothly and meet the client's objectives, drawing on their expertise and network of contacts. Contract event planners offer flexibility and specialized skills, making them a popular choice for clients with occasional or unique event needs.
More about Contract Event Planner jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planner jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Event Planner jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Event Planner jobs in Virginia? For Contract Event Planner jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Event Planner jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Event Planner jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Event Planner jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Event Planner job openings:
Contract Event Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Event Planner job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,792 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Event Planner

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

About the Thomas Jefferson Foundation
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has a twofold mission of preservation and education, and was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, the Foundation seeks to bring history forward into national and global dialogues by engaging audiences with Jefferson's world and ideas, and sharing the history of everyone, enslaved and free, who lived and labored at Monticello. Monticello is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a United Nations World Heritage Site and a Site of Conscience.
Event Planner
Purpose:
Help create unforgettable moments at Monticello - the home of Thomas Jefferson and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These moments are experiences that connect history, place, and people in meaningful ways. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation is seeking a talented, detail-driven Event Planner to bring extraordinary events to life while advancing our dual-mission of preservation and education.
If you thrive in a collaborative and hands-on environment, enjoy cultivating strong client relationships (with internal and external stakeholders), and excel at executing high-end events with precision and creativity, this role offers a rewarding opportunity!
The Event Planner manages logistics and execution for a portfolio of events at Monticello and will serve as the external client's liaison to the Foundation's events-supporting departments (Gardens & Grounds, Buildings, Transportation, Guest Services, Reservations, etc.) to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Attendance at Signature events, including The Cabinet Retreat in May and the July 4th naturalization ceremony, are mandatory for all members of the Events team.
Compensation
$55,000 - $60,000
We will look to you to provide:
1. Event Planning and Execution
  • Partner closely with internal stakeholders to understand their event needs, provide expert planning guidance and best practices, and manage events onsite, resolving issues swiftly and professionally.
  • Build a complete working plan for each event, translate working plan into a checklist of services and deadlines for client review and sign-off.
  • Research and address client, donor, or event-specific needs.
  • Source and select appropriate vendors for the event when applicable and manage vendor relationships.
  • Create event ops plan, event layouts, itineraries and other supporting documents and planning tools.
  • Develop client proposals, itineraries, and contracts as necessary.
  • Create and manage collateral materials.
  • Serve as liaison to vendors.
  • Communicate all event plans to relevant TJF departments and collaborate to coordinate event needs such as lawn mowing, rental order deliveries to, guest services staff to assist with event guests, human resources to coordinate volunteers, etc.
  • Direct event load in and set-up including audio-visual, tents, rentals, and catering, ensuring they have the least impact possible on the public visitor experience.
  • Prepare and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Initiate post-event debrief and notes for future events.

2. Business Development and Sales
  • Play a key role in helping manage overall private events rental program in partnership with our exclusive caterer and Special Events Operations Manager.
  • Lead the private event sales process, taking inquiries, conducting site visits with potential clients and creating proposals.
  • Assist in developing venue marketing materials (digital and for print) and website updates with the Marketing department and exclusive caterer.
  • Increase business by understanding which groups visit Charlottesville.
  • Proactively network with local and regional partners.

3. Administration
  • Manage budgets for events in portfolio. Track event expenses and ensure event costs stay within the departmental or client budget.
  • Process vendor invoices for payment and create post-event accounting summary.
  • Manage invoice process for charging external clients. Ensure an accurate Events invoice is prepared by the Foundation's accounting department.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects at any given time.
  • Exceptional communication skills; the ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy, collaboration, and problem solving.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment.
  • High-level computer skills. Proficient with latest versions of Microsoft Office Suite. Must be able to learn and master event software. Experience with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and web design are preferred but not required.
  • Ability to receive constructive feedback and be flexible with last-minute event changes.
  • Strong organizational and budget management skills.

Physical Demands and Work Considerations:
The Event Planner is responsible for ensuring that supplies are present at events and may have to lift and carry items such as linens, chairs, cases of wine, etc. Monticello is located on a mountain-top and the Event Planner must be able to walk on steep inclines and uneven and rocky terrain. The Event Planner must be available to work some evenings and weekends, and should plan to attend all signature Monticello events, including Founder's Day in April, Cabinet Retreat events in May, and July 4th.
Education:
Bachelor's degree with at least three to five years of progressively responsible professional experience in event, meeting and/or conference planning. Relevant experience may be considered equivalent to the required degree.
We provide the following benefits for our full-time employees:
  • Excellent benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement savings plan plus 6% match, life insurance, and more!).
  • Fitness club membership discount.
  • Discount in the Monticello Café, gift shop, and Monticello online catalog.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free for employee and dependents.
  • $500 employee referral bonus.
  • Exciting quarterly social events for all employees.

If you believe this opportunity is the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply!

Apply