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Director Events Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Medicine Journal

Events Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Reporting to the Community Relations Director, this role is central to the execution of Erlanger's most important public-facing activities from major fundraising events to internal recognition ...

Topgolf

Event Sales Director

Nashville, TN

Every day, we bring together golf, food and beverage, events, and entertainment into one experience ... THE ROLE The Event Sales Director drives venue revenue by owning a high-volume book of business ...

Eastern Sports Management

Events Staff

Memphis, TN · On-site

$12/hr

Help resolve guest concerns and/or direct to the appropriate Manager * Maintain calm during fast ... Ensure proper entry to the event by scanning tickets and welcoming guests to the facility * Usher:

The Georgetown University

$18.87/hr

The incumbent will interact mainly with fellow special event workers but may interact occasionally with the event's coordinator and the Office of Student Activity Facilities staff. * The incumbent ...

Regional One Health

Manager, Events (6137)

Memphis, TN · On-site

Plans and prepares budgets and provide progress reports to Director of Donor Engagement for each event project. Tracks all event finances. * Proposes and implements new ideas to improve the event ...

REGIONAL ONE HEALTH

Manager, Events (6137)

Memphis, TN · On-site

Plans and prepares budgets and provide progress reports to Director of Donor Engagement for each event project. Tracks all event finances. * Proposes and implements new ideas to improve the event ...

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Director Events information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.3K

$71.2K

$117.1K

How much do director events jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for director events in Tennessee is $71,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $88,000.00 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. This role involves managing event budgets, leading a team, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring all logistics run smoothly. Directors of Events typically work on conferences, corporate meetings, product launches, and other large-scale gatherings, ensuring each event aligns with the organization's goals and brand. They also evaluate event success and implement improvements for future events.

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

To thrive as a Director of Events, you need expertise in event planning, budget management, and strategic leadership, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software (such as Cvent or Eventbrite), project management tools, and industry certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) is highly valuable. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are essential for orchestrating seamless events, managing complex logistics, and delivering exceptional experiences that meet organizational goals.

How does a director of events typically collaborate with other departments to ensure successful event execution?

As a Director of Events, collaboration with departments such as marketing, sales, operations, and finance is essential to align event objectives with broader organizational goals. Regular cross-functional meetings are common to coordinate logistics, branding, budget management, and attendee experience. Directors of Events often serve as the primary liaison, ensuring clear communication of timelines, needs, and responsibilities, while also gathering feedback post-event to drive continuous improvement. This collaborative approach helps ensure events are executed smoothly and deliver maximum value to the organization.

What is the difference between Director Events vs Event Manager?

AspectDirector EventsEvent Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in event planning, leadership skillsBachelor's degree or diploma, experience in event coordination
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing multiple events, managing teamsExecuting event logistics, vendor coordination, on-site management
Employer & IndustryCorporations, non-profits, event agenciesEvent planning companies, corporate events, hospitality

The main difference is that a Director Events focuses on strategic oversight, leadership, and high-level planning of multiple events, while an Event Manager handles the day-to-day logistics and execution of individual events. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the Director role involves more management and strategic responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Events jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Events jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Events jobs in Tennessee?

For Director Events jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Events jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Events jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Director Events jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Director Events job openings:

Director Events jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Events job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,203 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Executive Director, Development Events

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Position Summary:
The Executive Director for Events provides enterprise-level leadership to design and execute Vanderbilt's strategic donor, prospect, and VIP events and experiences. This role provides a level of standards, service, and support for an operating model that prioritizes a consistent and impactful guest experience that champions the concept of unreasonable hospitality.
This role leads a team of event and experience professionals while also coordinating with other DAR teams in close partnership and university partners such as University Ceremonies and Events. As a new position, it will help strengthen connections with alumni, parents, and supporters by creating meaningful experiences that highlight Vanderbilt's impact and inspire deeper engagement and giving.
About the Work Unit:
The Department of Development and Alumni Engagement (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals. The Department is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University's teaching and research programs. You can find more information at www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Develop and Lead DAR Event Strategy and Operating Model
  • DAR has multiple event planners and event-focused teams that sit with different parts of the organization; this position will provide umbrella support and coordination for all areas and directly oversee a small portfolio of events for execution
  • Create and maintain a hub of support materials for use across DAR teams to enhance overall guest experiences and increase consistency: templates, checklists, process guides, invitation and registration tools and practices, policies and protocols
  • Institutionalize structured post-event evaluation including assessment of outcomes, resource effectiveness, data collection and CRM practices, and support the creation of dashboards and other tools to evaluate and demonstrate the impact of events
  • Champion workflow optimization and systems adoption (e.g. Wrike) and streamlining approaches to ensure appropriate team and functional awareness across university teams
  • Consult regularly with team members and event planners in Alumni and Parent Engagement, Development, and other areas to foster greater collaboration, responsibility coverage, and training

Execute Top Donor and Prospect Events and Experiences
  • Design and execute unique events and multi-day experiences for targeted donors and prospects with an emphasis on personalized hospitality, effective usage of university leadership and faculty, and targeted fundraising strategies
  • Work seamlessly across event planning teams, vendors, and DAR staff including frontline fundraisers to deliver high-touch details that feel personal and memorable while intentionally showcasing Vanderbilt's priorities, strengths, and distinctive assets
  • Provide executive oversight for budgeting for a select portfolio of events and experiences with an emphasis on effective vendor management, adherence to VU contacting standards and procedures, and transparent cost controls
  • Comfort providing a front-of-house host role for various activities, meals, transportation while engaging and building relationships with guests and leaders

Assess, Adapt, and Innovate
  • Lead and support a dynamic team focused on providing impactful experiences and delivering effective events to cultivate top-tier donor audiences in a high-performing culture grounded in unreasonable hospitality
  • Seek out new ideas from other industries and spaces beyond higher education with an emphasis on creativity, exclusivity, and an entrepreneurial approach to bringing ideas to reality
  • A problem-solving mindset with calm demeanor, comfortable pivoting and adapting plans as needed to meet leadership expectations and maintain positive guest experiences
  • Drive proactive, data-driven communications and discussions across DAR and the wider university to help refine our operating model and adopt standards
  • Provide insight and support for tactics and strategies that span communications, donor relations functions, frontline fundraising activities in addition to the events and experiences to foster a holistic approach to engaging prospects and donors.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:
  • This position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Communications and Donor Engagement and provides direct supervision to a team of event planning professionals

Work Environment:
  • This position will be located in the Nashville, TN area. It will be a hybrid work environment, working in the office one day per week or more depending on business needs.
  • Some overnight travel, nights, and weekends will be required.

Education and Certifications:
  • Bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
  • Master's degree preferred in a relevant field (e.g., higher education administration, communications, hospitality, nonprofit leadership, business)

Experience and Skills:
  • 10 years of experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
  • 10+ years progressively responsible leadership in event planning, donor relations, hospitality
  • Experience managing budgets, navigating vendors, and a complex portfolio of simultaneous events and activities throughout the year
  • Proven ability to lead change, standardize operations, and implement systems and processes

Core Competencies:
  • Experience and expertise in partnering directly with President/Chancellor and c-suite leaders on high-profile events and engagements, ideally high-touch VIP experiences with measurable relationship outcomes
  • Familiarity with development and engagement in a higher education context
  • Executive presence, comfort briefing high-level stakeholders, and an ability to influence and persuade
  • Operational rigor to create and sustain systems, templates, and evaluative tools
  • People leadership and talent development; ability to manage and coach team members

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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