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Event Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33.32 - $33.33/hr

Technical Skills or Knowledge: • Experience with Event Management Software (EMS) or similar software. • Experience with Social Tables or similar software. Preferred Competencies • Excellent ...

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 ...

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 ...

Manager, Event Management

Skokie, IL · Hybrid

$103K - $176K/yr

In your role as Manager, Event Management you will be responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing industry tradeshows, end users, and dealer events. This role oversees event objectives ...

Manager, Event Management

Skokie, IL · On-site

$103K - $176K/yr

In your role as Manager, Event Management you will be responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing industry tradeshows, end users, and dealer events. This role oversees event objectives ...

Manager, Event Management

Skokie, IL · Hybrid

$103K - $176K/yr

In your role as Manager, Event Management you will be responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing industry tradeshows, end users, and dealer events. This role oversees event objectives ...

Manager, Event Management

Skokie, IL · Hybrid

$103K - $176K/yr

In your role as Manager, Event Management you will be responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing industry tradeshows, end users, and dealer events. This role oversees event objectives ...

Manage and execute intricate event logistics for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events. * Create planning timelines and ensure that every task gets completed for each event, anticipating and ...

Showing results 21-40

Event Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.3K

$64.6K

$103.5K

How much do event manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for event manager in Chicago, IL is $64,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $77,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an event manager do?

An Event Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing events such as conferences, weddings, corporate meetings, and festivals. They coordinate all aspects of the event, including budgeting, venue selection, vendor management, logistics, and on-site execution. Event Managers work closely with clients to ensure their vision is realized and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the event. Their goal is to deliver successful and memorable experiences while staying within budget and meeting client expectations.

What does an event manager do?

Event managers plan, organize, and supervise events, such as business conferences, weddings, and festivals. They handle all the arrangements required to make the event run smoothly. Event managers determine what the client needs and expects; then they coordinate the preparations leading up to the event, including booking venues, scheduling transportation, and selecting the food and decorations. They may even need to hire staff for the event. Event managers may need to employ reliable waiters, entertaining DJs, and talented photographers. Event managers monitor payments and budget, and ensure the event meets all required safety regulations. Large-scale corporate gatherings require management, so the event manager often delegates and oversees planning tasks to focus on operating on-site the night of the occasion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an event manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Event Manager, you need strong organizational skills, project management experience, and often a degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities help you manage teams and client expectations effectively. These skills are vital to ensure seamless event execution, client satisfaction, and the ability to handle unforeseen challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by event managers when coordinating large-scale events, and how can these be effectively managed?

Event Managers often encounter challenges such as last-minute changes, coordinating multiple vendors, and ensuring seamless communication among stakeholders. Effective management involves meticulous planning, maintaining a detailed timeline, and using event management software to track progress and responsibilities. Building strong relationships with reliable vendors and establishing clear communication protocols with the team can also help address unexpected issues quickly and efficiently. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential to adapt to changing circumstances and deliver successful events.

What is the difference between Event Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvent ManagerEvent Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire event planning, manages budgets, coordinates teams, and ensures event successAssists with planning, manages logistics, and handles on-site operations
Required SkillsLeadership, budgeting, vendor management, problem-solvingOrganization, communication, multitasking, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits, often in event venues or client locationsPrimarily on-site during events, with some planning meetings
Common EmployersEvent planning companies, corporations, venuesEvent planning firms, corporate event departments, nonprofits

While both roles are essential in event planning, the Event Manager has broader responsibilities, including overseeing the entire event process and managing teams, whereas the Event Coordinator focuses more on logistics and on-site execution. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is an event manager a good career?

An event manager is a professional responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing events such as conferences, weddings, and corporate functions. The role requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, often involving working under tight deadlines and managing budgets. It can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy dynamic environments and multitasking, with opportunities for advancement and specialization in the events industry.

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 Event Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Event Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,625 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

$33.32 - $33.33/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred Qualifications Education: • Bachelor's degree. Experience: • At least two years of experience in a progressively responsible work environment, preferably in a student union or hotel setting. • Events management experience. • Prior experience with financial administration and billing. Technical Skills or Knowledge: • Experience with Event Management Software (EMS) or similar software. • Experience with Social Tables or similar software. Preferred Competencies • Excellent oral and written communication skills and an ability to cultivate and manage strong relationships are a must. • Demonstrate the ability to understand the needs of the University of Chicago community and work with students, faculty, and staff in a wide array of situations. • Demonstrated the ability to work independently. • Demonstrated success in working with diverse student populations. Working Conditions • Flexibility to work various hours, including evenings and weekends. • The temperament to work with a diverse and demanding population is expected.
Responsibilities
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 diverse student populations; supervising union and student staff; developing and monitoring event budgets and billing processes; contributing to and implementing unit policies and procedures; and maintaining relationships with vendors to successfully support a range of events across the portfolio. • Assists with planning, coordination, and event support to student, staff, faculty, alumni, and affiliate clients within the Reynolds Club, Bartlett Hall (1st floor), Mandel Hall, and other University of Chicago locations in the evening and on weekends. • Staff events and programs, and helps coordinate client needs on-site. • Works with University and Student Centers staff to encourage community involvement in providing services to a wide variety of facility users in the Student Centers. Participates in the regular planning cycle for Student Centers events. • Coordinates and attends a wide range of events during the day and evenings in Reynolds Club, Mandel Hall, and other campus locations as required. • Contributes to problem-solving related to unforeseen issues concerning events and guests within the facilities. • Helps ensure all events conform to University of Chicago and special event policies as necessary, with a high level of sensitivity to customer service and enhancing public relationships with program organizers and participants. • Utilizes industry standards and technological solutions when appropriate. • Oversees scheduling and billing policies and implementation for the Student Centers' portfolio, including Ida Noyes Hall, Reynolds Club, Bartlett Hall (1st floor), and Mandel Hall, including the quarterly room lottery system for student organizations in collaboration with the Scheduling Coordinator. • Provides consistent and high-level logistical support to all clients and events in the Student Centers portfolio. • Ensures all reservations and billing are processed in a timely manner. • Audits, scheduling, and billing practices as needed. • Develops and maintains additional policies regarding scheduling and billing in collaboration with the Associate Director for Event Management. • Cultivates and maintains relationships with vendors and departments that support events across the portfolio. These include on-campus departments such as AV Services, Facilities Services, and partner venues across the University. Vendors may include audiovisual and rental furniture vendors, caterers, décor, and floral vendors that support a variety of budgets and events. • Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates employees, including a full-time, non-exempt Scheduling Coordinator and a team of student employees. • Serves as a member of the Student Centers staff and assists with various office programs and projects. This includes consulting and collaborating with the Assistant Director, Events Management, and fulfilling other duties as assigned with the Student Centers portfolio. • Executes day-to-day event logistics and other moderately complex assignments with some guidance from others. • Works to implement ideas for improvement as they are identified, in addition to providing post-event feedback on turnout and vendor performance, with direction from others. • Performs other related work as needed.
System Location:, University of Chicago, Required
Job Title:, Events Manager,
CWR Type:, W-2, Required