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Director Special Events Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of New York

Special Events Coordinator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Special Events, the Special Events Coordinator will support the planning and execution of a range of special events, including cultural celebrations, public hearings ...

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Director Special Events information

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$32.5K

$78.2K

$140K

How much do director special events jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for director special events in the United States is $78,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day typically include roles such as executive-level positions like CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite executives, as well as specialized consultants, surgeons, and certain legal professionals. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes significant certifications or credentials, and they may involve long hours or high levels of responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Special Events, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Special Events, you need expertise in event planning, budgeting, project management, and a bachelor's degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, registration platforms, and often certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) are typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you manage teams, clients, and logistics under pressure. These abilities ensure seamless, impactful events that meet organizational goals and client expectations.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Director of Special Events, annual salaries of $300,000 or more are typically achieved with extensive experience, large-scale event management, and leadership roles in major organizations or corporations. High compensation may also involve additional bonuses, incentives, or overseeing multiple large events annually.

What does a director of special events do?

A director of special events plans, coordinates, and oversees events such as conferences, fundraisers, and celebrations to ensure they run smoothly and meet organizational goals. They manage budgets, coordinate with vendors and staff, and handle logistics, often requiring strong organizational and leadership skills. The role may also involve marketing and post-event evaluation.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Director of Special Events can earn $10,000 or more per month through managing large-scale events, sponsorships, and budgets, often requiring strong organizational and leadership skills. While a degree is not always mandatory, extensive experience, industry connections, and certifications in event planning or management can be essential for reaching this income level.

What is the difference between Director Special Events vs Event Coordinator?

AspectDirector Special EventsEvent Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire event planning process, manages teams, and sets strategic goalsAssists with planning, logistics, and on-site coordination
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, marketing, or related field; experience in event managementOften requires a relevant associate or bachelor’s degree; entry-level experience acceptable
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, event venues, and outdoor locationsEvent sites, venues, and client locations

The main difference is that the Director Special Events holds a leadership role with strategic oversight and team management, while the Event Coordinator focuses on executing event details and logistics. The Director typically has more experience and higher credentials, overseeing multiple events, whereas the Event Coordinator supports the planning process at a more operational level.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Special Events, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Director of Special Events often faces the challenge of coordinating multiple stakeholders, managing tight deadlines, and adapting to last-minute changes. Balancing creative vision with budget constraints and logistical feasibility is also common. Success in this role typically depends on strong communication skills, meticulous planning, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Building a reliable team and establishing clear processes for contingency planning can greatly help in managing these challenges.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Special Events Director?

The responsibilities of a special events director include developing a strategic plan for a business’ events and generating new sales when relevant. In this career, you plan, organize, and execute all aspects of each event, provide daily support to the event team, including set-up and logistics, book each venue, manage event staff, and coordinate with other departments to ensure a successful event execution. You are expected to provide excellent customer service to clients and new external relationships. You maintain a schedule of yearly events, manage the budget for each, answer vendor questions promptly, sell tickets, and complete other duties related to events as required.

More about Director Special Events jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Special Events jobs? Cities with the most Director Special Events job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Special Events jobs? The most popular types of Special Events jobs are:
What states have the most Director Special Events jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Special Events jobs include:
Director Special Events jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Special Events job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,224 per year, or $37.6 per hour.
Director of Special Events

Director of Special Events

BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC INC

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)is a multi-disciplinary arts center located in Brooklyn, New York. For more than 150 years, BAM has been the home for adventurous artists, audiences, and ideas—engaging both global and local communities. With world-renowned programming in theater, dance, music, opera, film, and much more, BAM showcases the work of emerging artists and innovative modern masters.

The Director of Special Events will oversee the special events team and strategically manage BAM’s fundraising and donor cultivation events in collaboration with the Vice President of Advancement to achieve the special events revenue goal and overall donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship goals. The ideal candidate will strategically manage and execute all fundraising & cultivation events, manage a forward-looking special events calendar, driving cross-functional conversations and partnerships as needed, partner on donor, sponsorship, and event leadership relationships, liaise directly with key donors on high-touch development initiatives and events, including BAM board members and major donors, and oversee Special Events Budget, which includes generating revenue reports.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Plans annual BAM fundraisers in coordination with the BAM President and VP of Advancement, along with board members and members of the Advancement team
  • Leads the planning and execution of stewardship and cultivation events for donors from household members through major donors and corporations in collaboration with the Advancement Directors
  • Manage event communications with creative / marketing teams in coordination with Advancement Directors
  • Create and monitor event expense and revenue budgets, which include generating regular revenue reports on fundraising events
  • Support guest list management and the creation of seating charts
  • Supervises and supports the Special Events Manager in day-of execution of events
  • Ensures accuracy in Tessitura, maintaining solicitation records as needed, and managing the Special Events Manager in keeping records up to date
  • Manage Special Events Manager and per diem staff as needed
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in fundraising events leadership
  • Experience with New York City-based events is essential
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Exceptional judgment skills
  • Team player
  • Consistently demonstrates respect for inclusion, diversity, and ethics
  • Ability to handle confidential and highly sensitive information
  • Ability to take ownership to minimize errors; ability to communicate corrections or changes in a proactive and productive manner
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate proactively regarding project status, barriers, and possible solutions
  • Comfortable with change, and able to react productively and resolve conflicts quickly
  • Ability to accurately apply professional knowledge, skills, expertise, and judgment to achieve excellent customer service in all interactions
  • Excellent interpersonal skills

Compensation: The salary for this role is $110K - $120K. This position is full-time, exempt, and eligible for benefits. BAM provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan opportunities including both 401(k) and pension plans, as well as BAM-related benefits including access to BAM's fantastic programming. 

Working conditions: Administrative Work (Category 1):

  • The employee sits most of the time yet may occasionally move around the office, uses fingers and hands, engages in frequent oral communication, and has close visual acuity to perform activities such as viewing a computer and preparation of data and figures.
  • Hybrid Schedule

Application Instructions:Must complete an online application through BAM's website- no phone calls, emails or walk-ins, please. 

Internal Applicants must apply through BAM's website 

Employees must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for an interview: 

  • Completed at least 1 year of continuous, active service in current position. (Positions excluded include, but are not limited to, temporary assignments, and probationary employees) 
  • Meet the experience and skills requirements as outlined in the job post 
  • Be employed in the current position for at least one year 
  • Performed in a satisfactory manner without any corrective actions in the last 12 months 

Brooklyn Academy of Music is an Equal Opportunity Employer.BAM recognizes that historic institutional practices lead to a non-inclusive environment and is working to address diversity and inclusion in all forms. Individuals in BAM are experiencing their own pace during this process, which is not uncommon when addressing power and privilege. The Advancement division supports and continues to take part in this process. 

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