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Director Special Events Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Chapin School

Director of Special Events

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

The Director of Special Events is an essential member of the Advancement leadership team and is the senior staff member responsible for all events related to the Advancement Office and various Chapin ...

Vineyard Vines

Manager, Special Events

Stamford, CT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Reporting to the Director, Special Events, you will oversee end-to-end event management across consumer activations, retail events, influencer experiences, wholesale events, executive engagements ...

Streetwise Partners

Director of Special Events

New York, NY · On-site +1

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

The Director of Special Events will develop and execute a 1 - 3 year growth strategy, bringing fresh ideas, innovative fundraising approaches, and an entrepreneurial mindset to an already strong ...

San Diego Padres

Sr. Special Events Crew

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

  • PTO

Director, Special Event Operations STATUS: Part-Time; Non-Exempt San Diego Padres Commitment : The San Diego Padres are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for our employees. We ...

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DREAM

Director of Special Events

New York, NY · On-site

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To learn more, visit wearedream.org Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement Operations , the Director of Special Events provides the strategic vision, leadership, and operational direction ...

DREAM

Director of Special Events

New York, NY · On-site

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement Operations , the Director of Special Events provides the strategic vision, leadership, and operational direction for DREAM's portfolio of fundraising ...

DREAM

Director of Special Events

New York, NY

Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement Operations , the Director of Special Events provides the strategic vision, leadership, and operational direction for DREAM's portfolio of fundraising ...

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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 Aug 13, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director special events?

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 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 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 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.

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Director Special Events jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Special Events job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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

The Chapin School

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

The Chapin School, an independent K-12 day school for girls located in New York City, seeks an experienced, collaborative and organized development professional to serve as the Director of Special Events in the Advancement Office.

Job Description

The Director of Special Events is an essential member of the Advancement leadership team and is the senior staff member responsible for all events related to the Advancement Office and various Chapin constituencies, including alumnae, current and past parents, donors and the Board of Trustees. The position reports to the Director of Advancement and also works closely with members of the Communication team.

The Director works to make each activity cost effective, productive and successful in purpose and helps evaluate the results. Major events the role is responsible for include Alumnae events, including the annual two-day Reunion, stewardship events, campaign receptions and dinners, new parent and grandparent events, and trustee gatherings. 

Responsibilities of the position

 

  • Prepare and maintain an annual schedule of events for the Advancement department
  • Coordinate with appropriate departments, such as Head of School’s office, Plant and Food Services for each event
  • Create timelines for each event and oversee the Advancement event listings on the website calendar
  • Responsible for event invitations including creation invitation lists and materials, mailings and reminders, in conjunction with Communications team when appropriate
  • Track RSVPs and maintain Raiser's Edge events module, keeping information current and accurate
  • Organize volunteers to assist at events
  • Manage budgets for each event and maintain events budget line in the general ledger
  • Attend and troubleshoot issues as they arise at each event
  • Analyze event data for strategic planning
  • Plan meetings and phonathons in support of Annual Giving
  • Provide support in creation and execution of campaign events and materials
  • Work with Director of Advancement on various Board committees – create materials, conduct constituent research, prep set ups and take meeting notes
  • Research and visit off-site venues and brainstorm partnerships
  • Support Commencement and work with various departments at the School

Large-Scale Benefit Celebrations (approximately every 5 years)

  • Research venues and negotiate necessary contracts
  • Create and adhere to budget
  • Manage volunteer committees and maintain timeline and deadlines for event
  • Serve as main point person for all vendors
  • Oversee ticketing sales, seating and all other event details

Qualifications 

Required

·      Bachelor’s Degree

·      5 - 7 years of experience in event planning for a fundraising office in an education or non-profit setting

·      A strong communicator with excellent verbal and written communication skills

·      Ability to multi-task and prioritize a variety of projects

·      Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Mac operating systems, and Google Docs

·      Available for evening events and for occasional weekend events

 

Preferred

  • Proficiency in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT
  • Comfort with multiple software systems
  • Flexible and adaptable approach to working with multiple team members' styles
  • A collaborative colleague dedicated to working as a member of a team

The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience the range is $90,000-$115,000 annually.

How To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter. Applications will be accepted through August 21, 2026.

Link to Chapin’s Website and Mission Statement


Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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