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Director Event Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Epitec

Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33/hr

Contract with ongoing need, fully onsite role Pay Rate : $33.00/hr. with benefit inclusions 1 st shift position, 8:30am-5pm schedule - 1 hour lunch breaks Job Summary The Assistant Director, Event ...

VIVA USA INC

Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Reporting to the Associate Director of Event Management, the contract Assistant Director, Event Management , has primary responsibility for planning and executing events. This includes working with ...

Real Soft, Inc.

Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33.32 - $33.33/hr

Responsibilities Reporting to the Associate Director of Event Management, the contract Assistant Director, Event Management , has primary responsibility for planning and executing events. This ...

AllSTEM Connections

Event Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Director of Event Management, the contract Assistant Director, Event Management , has primary responsibility for planning and executing events. This includes working with ...

HonorVet Technologies

Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Reporting to the Associate Director of Event Management, the contract Assistant Director, Event Management , has primary responsibility for planning and executing events. This includes working with ...

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Director Event information

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$29.9K

$80.8K

$132.9K

How much do director event jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for director event in Chicago, IL is $80,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $99,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of events do?

A Director of Events is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of events for an organization. They manage event budgets, negotiate contracts, supervise event staff, and ensure all aspects of events run smoothly. Directors of Events often collaborate with marketing, sales, and external vendors to deliver successful events that meet organizational goals. Their role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of events?

To thrive as a Director of Events, you need expertise in event planning, project management, and budgeting, usually backed by a degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Proficiency in event management software, CRM systems, and familiarity with contract negotiation are often required, along with certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) being advantageous. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you manage teams, vendors, and client expectations. These skills ensure seamless event execution, client satisfaction, and the ability to handle complex logistical challenges.

How does a director of events typically collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure successful event execution?

A Director of Events works closely with internal teams such as marketing, sales, and operations to align event objectives with overall business goals. They also engage with external vendors—including caterers, audiovisual specialists, and venues—to coordinate logistics, negotiate contracts, and oversee timelines. Regular meetings, clear communication channels, and detailed project management tools are essential in this role to ensure everyone is on the same page and potential issues are addressed proactively. This collaborative approach helps deliver seamless events that meet or exceed stakeholder expectations.

What is the difference between Director Event vs Event Manager?

AspectDirector EventEvent Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Hospitality, Marketing, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's degree; some certifications like CMP or CSEP beneficial
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing multiple events, high-level decision makingExecuting event plans, coordinating logistics, on-site management
Employer & Industry UsageCorporate, non-profit, large event companiesEvent planning firms, corporate events, conferences

The main difference between a Director Event and an Event Manager lies in scope and responsibility. Directors focus on strategic oversight and high-level planning, while Event Managers handle the day-to-day logistics and execution of events. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience, but Directors typically operate at a higher managerial level within organizations or agencies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Event jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Event jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Event jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Director Event jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Event jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Event jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Director Event jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Director Event job openings:

Director Event jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Event job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,815 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Director Event Marketing & Experiences

Joint Commission

Oakbrook Terrace, IL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Director of Event Marketing & Experiences will lead the strategy, planning, execution, and continuous improvement of Joint Commission's enterprise event portfolio. Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, this role will partner closely with the marketing and communications team, executive leadership, business units, external partners, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver high-impact domestic and international events that advance Joint Commission's mission, strengthen its brand, deepen stakeholder engagement, and support organizational growth.
This leader will partner with Marketing to oversee events at industry tradeshows, conferences, thought leadership programs, plan internal and external events, and major enterprise conferences such as SPARK, Joint Commission's large education conference, and UNIFY, Joint Commission's major external conference. The Head of Events & Experiences will bring strategic vision, operational excellence, strong executive presence, and a collaborative leadership style to ensure every event reflects the organization's standards for quality, professionalism, and innovation.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and lead an enterprise-wide events strategy aligned with Joint Commission's brand, marketing priorities, stakeholder engagement goals, and organizational objectives.
  • Serve as the primary events leader and strategic partner to the Chief Marketing Officer, marketing and communications team, executive leadership, and key business stakeholders.
  • Plan and execute domestic and international events, conferences, tradeshows, sponsored programs, leadership convenings, and internal events.
  • Lead the planning and delivery of major enterprise conferences, including SPARK and UNIFY, ensuring strong program integration, operational excellence, attendee experience, logistics, and measurable outcomes.
  • Partner with marketing to integrate events into broader campaigns, audience engagement strategies, sponsorship opportunities, communications plans, digital promotion, and post-event follow-up.
  • Collaborate with leadership and subject matter experts to support agenda development, speaker coordination, executive participation, session flow, and audience experience.
  • Oversee event operations, including venue sourcing, vendor management, budgeting, registration, travel coordination, production, audiovisual needs, signage, exhibitor management, sponsorship fulfillment, risk planning, and onsite execution.
  • Establish consistent event governance, planning processes, timelines, templates, standards, and measurement frameworks across the enterprise.
  • Manage event budgets, forecasts, contracts, purchase processes, and vendor relationships to ensure fiscal responsibility and strong return on investment.
  • Build and maintain relationships with hotels, convention centers, production vendors, event management partners, technology platforms, and other external partners.
  • Lead cross-functional planning teams and provide clear direction, accountability, and communication throughout the event lifecycle.
  • Use data, attendee feedback, registration trends, engagement metrics, and business outcomes to evaluate event effectiveness and recommend improvements.
  • Ensure events reflect Joint Commission's reputation, mission, brand standards, accessibility expectations, compliance requirements, and commitment to quality and safety.
  • Anticipate and resolve complex event challenges with sound judgment, urgency, professionalism, and a solutions-oriented approach.
  • Represent Joint Commission with professionalism and executive presence at events, conferences, partner meetings, and stakeholder engagements.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, marketing, communications, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience leading complex events, conferences, tradeshows, executive meetings, or large-scale programs; experience in healthcare, association, nonprofit, accreditation, education, or professional services environments preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience managing large, multi-day conferences with significant attendance, multiple stakeholders, executive participation, sponsors, exhibitors, and complex logistics.
  • Experience planning both domestic and international events, including familiarity with travel, cultural, vendor, compliance, and operational considerations.
  • Strong understanding of how events support brand strategy, marketing campaigns, lead generation, stakeholder engagement, reputation, and revenue goals.
  • Proven ability to collaborate with senior executives, marketing leaders, subject matter experts, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent project management, budget management, negotiation, vendor management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication skills, including executive level written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
  • Proficiency with event technology platforms, registration systems, mobile event apps, attendee engagement tools, and reporting dashboards; Cvent experience preferred.
  • Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), or similar credential preferred.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. The description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and working conditions associated with this position. All requirements are subject to possible modification and reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Equal Opportunity Field
We offer a comprehensive benefit package. For a complete overview of our benefits package, please visit our Joint Commission Career Page
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

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