Event Assistant Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

About Next Level Event Design

Next Level Event Design is a Chicago-based event agency specializing in strategic event planning, experiential event design, multi-day programs, retreats, and onsite execution. We partner with clients across industries to create meaningful experiences that bring people together, strengthen relationships, and leave lasting impressions.

We're growing our team and are looking for experienced event professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy solving complex logistical challenges, and are passionate about creating exceptional attendee experiences.

Position Overview

The Event Producer serves as a key member of our project team, leading event planning and execution from concept through completion. This role requires a strong balance of client management, project management, vendor coordination, budget oversight, and onsite leadership.

The ideal candidate has experience managing events on a team, can confidently navigate changing priorities, and enjoys collaborating with both clients and creative partners to bring ideas to life.

Responsibilities

• Event Execution: Support the successful planning and execution of assigned projects, ensuring event goals and objectives are met while maintaining Next Level Event Design's standards for quality, creativity, and client experience.
• Client Communications: Participate in client communications and meetings throughout the planning process, building strong relationships and ensuring timely, professional communication from project kickoff through post-event.
• Project Management: Develop and maintain project plans, event specification guides, timelines, and planning documents. Coordinate deadlines, track deliverables, and communicate updates effectively to clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Budgeting: Assist with the development, tracking, and reconciliation of event budgets, helping to ensure projects remain aligned with approved financial parameters.
• Vendor Management: Source vendors, obtain proposals, and support vendor communications throughout the planning process. Build strong vendor relationships while helping manage expectations, logistics, and budgets.
• Event Staffing: Assist in identifying event staffing needs and support the coordination, communication, and management of onsite event teams to ensure successful execution.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with production leadership and supporting team members, contributing to a positive team environment while taking ownership of assigned responsibilities and project workstreams.
• Creative Insights: Stay informed on industry trends, best practices, and emerging event experiences. Contribute ideas and creative solutions during brainstorming sessions, proposal development, and event planning discussions.
• On-site Support: Serve in a key onsite production role throughout the year, supporting event setup, execution, vendor management, attendee experience, and problem-solving as needed.
• Event Concepting and Proposals (as needed): Support the development of event concepts and proposals through research, vendor sourcing, brainstorming, budget development, and proposal content creation.

Qualifications

Competencies & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or industry equivalent experience preferred (CMP/CSEP a plus)
• Preferred 3-7 years of event planning, production, hospitality, or related experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting and executing successful events with increasing levels of ownership and responsibility
• Strong professional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Creative thinker with a solutions-oriented mindset
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong planning and coordination abilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and keep stakeholders informed throughout the planning process
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive)
• Strong time management and multitasking skills with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities while maintaining deadlines and deliverables
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with clients, vendors, and team members
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and maintaining composure under pressure
• Must be able and willing to work extended hours when necessary, including occasional evenings and weekends
• Must be able and willing to travel for destination events as required
• Physical labor is a part of the job. Must be able to lift and move up to 25 lbs.
• This is a BYOD ("bring your own device") position. A laptop computer and mobile phone are required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation
• Ability to see the sunshine through the storm and be able to laugh at the end of a long day!

Benefits Include:

• Salaried Position
• Paid Time Off: Vacation Time, and Sick & Mental Health Days
• Flexible Work Schedule and Location

After 3 months:

• Annual Continuing Education Stipend
• Retirement Contribution
• Life Insurance Coverage
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Pre-tax CTA Enrollment Access
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

We’re passionate about the industry we’re in, the work we do, the clients we get to work with, the experiences we create, and especially the team of rockstars we work alongside on a daily basis - all to bring inspired, next-level quality events to life!

If you’re interested in joining our team, please submit via LinkedIn or email rebecca@nextleveleventdesign.com directly:

• Resume, highlighting any job related certifications or areas of specialized study
• Cover letter including Salary requirements and five interesting facts about yourself

We can’t wait to meet you!

NLED Team