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Event Planning Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

Work with the director to coordinate the planning and execution of 20 undergraduate and graduate ... Provide budget and office support for Campus and Community Events and the director, including ...

Lowe's

Inventory Planning Director

Mooresville, NC · On-site

The Director partners cross-functionally with Replenishment, Merchandising, Assortment Planning ... Lead planning efforts for new product launches, promotional events, seasonal transitions, and ...

Lowe's

Inventory Planning Director

Mooresville, NC

The Director partners cross-functionally with Replenishment, Merchandising, Assortment Planning ... Lead planning efforts for new product launches, promotional events, seasonal transitions, and ...

HALO

INTERN: Kansas City Event Planning

Kansas City, MO

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

As a HALO Event Planning Intern, you won't just assist. You'll help bring high-impact fundraising ... Reports to the Operations Director This is an unpaid internship designed to provide meaningful ...

Compass Group

Strategic Planning Director

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Job Summary Position Summary The Strategic Planning Director develops and executes strategic ... Represent CBC at industry events, customer meetings, and partner engagements to increase brand ...

Compass Group

Strategic Planning Director

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Job Summary Position Summary The Strategic Planning Director develops and executes strategic ... Represent CBC at industry events, customer meetings, and partner engagements to increase brand ...

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Event Planning Director information

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$29K

$78.5K

$129K

How much do event planning director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for event planning director in the United States is $78,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $97,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an event planning director do?

An Event Planning Director oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of various events such as conferences, corporate meetings, weddings, and large gatherings. They manage teams, budget, logistics, vendor relationships, and ensure that events run smoothly from conception to completion. Their role often includes strategic planning, supervising staff, and liaising with clients to meet specific goals and expectations. Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills are essential for this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an event planning director?

To thrive as an Event Planning Director, you need expertise in project management, budgeting, and vendor negotiation, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software such as Cvent or Social Tables, and certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), are highly valued. Outstanding organizational skills, creativity, and strong leadership are essential soft skills for managing teams and delivering memorable experiences. These abilities are crucial for executing seamless events that meet client objectives while adhering to timelines and budgets.

What are some common challenges faced by event planning directors when managing large-scale events?

Event Planning Directors often encounter challenges such as coordinating logistics across multiple vendors, ensuring clear communication among large teams, and adapting quickly to last-minute changes or unforeseen issues. They must also manage budgets carefully while maintaining high-quality standards and client satisfaction. Strong organizational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering successful events.

What is the difference between Event Planning Director vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvent Planning DirectorEvent Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire event planning process, manages teams, and sets strategic goalsHandles specific tasks, coordinates logistics, and assists with event setup
CredentialsTypically requires experience in event management, often a degree in hospitality or related fieldOften requires similar credentials but with less managerial experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, large event venues, or client sitesEvent sites, venues, or client locations
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, nonprofit, and large-scale event planningCommon in all event types, especially smaller or local events

The main difference between an Event Planning Director and an Event Coordinator lies in scope and responsibility. The Director oversees the entire event process and manages teams, while the Coordinator focuses on executing specific tasks. Both roles require relevant experience and credentials, but the Director's role is more strategic and managerial.

What cities are hiring for Event Planning Director jobs?

Cities with the most Event Planning Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planning jobs?

The most popular types of Event Planning jobs are:

What states have the most Event Planning Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Event Planning Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Event Planning Director jobs?

For Event Planning Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Event Planning Director jobs near you

Director, Event Planning & Project Management

Manhattan, NY • On-site

AEG
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about AEGexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee and provide strategic direction for the planning and execution of major MLS and Soccer United Marketing events.

  • Manage and develop a team of Event Managers responsible for large-scale and marquee events, establishing performance expectations and accountability structures.

  • Design and implement scalable project management frameworks, governance models, and operational processes to ensure consistent and high-quality event execution.

Job description

In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.
Overview
The Events & Hospitality Department leads the strategic planning and execution of Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing's event portfolio, delivering hundreds of enterprise-wide events annually. The portfolio includes marquee tentpole moments such as MLS All-Star Week, MLS Cup, MLS NEXT tournaments, Leagues Cup, the Mexican National Team U.S. Tour, Concacaf competitions, MLS Rivalry Week, Michelob Ultra Campeones Cup, and additional SUM/international properties. Beyond event execution, the department drives cross-functional initiatives including B2B and hospitality programming, executive meetings, press announcements, competition events, and enterprise-level strategic projects that advance league growth, commercial performance, and brand positioning.
Position Summary
The Director, Event Planning & Project Management serves as the operational leader and process architect for the MLS/SUM event portfolio. This role is responsible for overseeing a team of Event Managers who directly lead tentpole and large-scale events, while establishing the strategic frameworks, governance models, and project management infrastructure that ensure consistent, scalable, and high-performing execution across the department.
This individual will not serve as the day-to-day producer of events such as MLS All-Star or MLS Cup, but rather as the senior leader overseeing the managers responsible for those events - providing direction, accountability, integration, and executive-level oversight.
The Director will also lead cross-functional enterprise initiatives that extend beyond individual events, ensuring alignment across departments including Commercial, Marketing, Communications, Competition, Finance, Legal, and Operations. This role requires a disciplined project management mindset, strong leadership presence, and the ability to build repeatable systems that elevate performance year over year.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead, manage, and develop a team of Event Managers who oversee MLS All-Star, MLS Cup, and other major properties.
  • Establish clear performance expectations, accountability structures and templates, and development plans for direct reports.
  • Serve as escalation point and strategic advisor to managers throughout planning and execution cycles.
  • Foster a culture of ownership, operational discipline, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Drive succession planning and capability building within the Events team.

Portfolio Oversight & Governance
  • Provide executive-level oversight across the MLS/SUM event portfolio, ensuring alignment with league priorities, commercial objectives, and brand standards.
  • Oversee strategic planning milestones for tentpole events, ensuring managers maintain clear workback schedules, stakeholder alignment, and budget discipline.
  • Review and guide event strategy, production plans, staffing models, and execution frameworks without directly owning day-to-day production.
  • Identify portfolio-level risks, resource gaps, and interdependencies across events.
  • Standardize planning cadences and reporting structures across all major properties.

Project Management Infrastructure & Process Building
  • Design and implement scalable project management frameworks across the department, including:
  • Master planning timelines
  • Stakeholder matrices
  • RACI models
  • Budget tracking tools
  • Risk mitigation protocols
  • Post-event reporting templates
  • Establish governance structures for cross-functional initiatives, ensuring clarity of ownership, deliverables, and decision-making pathways.
  • Lead enterprise-wide planning processes for large-scale initiatives that intersect multiple departments.
  • Build documentation standards and institutional knowledge systems to improve efficiency and year-over-year performance.
  • Drive continuous improvement by evaluating post-event insights and operational data to refine processes.

Cross-Functional Enterprise Leadership
  • Lead complex cross-functional initiatives beyond event execution, ensuring alignment, accountability, and milestone delivery.
  • Ensure commercial partner activations and league initiatives are operationally integrated across all major events.

Financial & Operational Oversight
  • Oversee portfolio-level budget strategy, including forecasting, financial tracking, reconciliation, and cost-efficiency planning.
  • Review and approve major vendor engagements, contracts, and agency scopes of work.
  • Ensure financial accountability across managed events.
  • Drive operational consistency in vendor selection, contracting processes, and payment workflows.

Onsite Executive Leadership
  • Provide onsite oversight at marquee events, serving as strategic lead and escalation point for critical operational decisions.
  • Support Event Managers in maintaining cross-functional alignment during live event execution.

Additional Responsibilities
  • Lead special enterprise initiatives as assigned by the Vice President, Events.
  • Contribute to long-term departmental strategy and organizational design.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree required
  • 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale event planning, operations, or live production
  • Minimum 5+ years managing full-time employees, including managers or senior-level staff
  • Demonstrated experience leading leaders and overseeing complex, cross-functional initiatives
  • Proven track record building operational systems, governance models, or scalable planning processes

Required Skills
  • Strong leadership presence with proven ability to manage and develop leaders
  • Advanced project management expertise with demonstrated success building scalable systems
  • Experience overseeing large-scale, high-visibility event portfolios
  • Exceptional organizational and operational planning skills
  • Strong financial acumen with experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets
  • Ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels
  • Excellent executive communication and presentation skills
  • Proven ability to drive cross-functional alignment in complex organizational environments
  • Strong decision-making capabilities in high-pressure, high-visibility settings
  • Willingness to travel extensively (6-10 days for marquee events) and work long hours, including weekends, during events and peak periods.
  • Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Desired Skills
  • Experience overseeing globally recognized tentpole events
  • Experience building or scaling event operations within a growing organization
  • Knowledge of Soccer or sports

Total Rewards
Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $115,000 - 140,000, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.
Major League Soccer believes in the value of in-person collaboration to support teamwork, creativity, and connection. Employees in this role are expected to work a four (4) day in-office schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely one (1) day each week, based on business and department needs.
Major League Soccer is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Major League Soccer is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process, as well as during employment. Applicants who require an accommodation may contact Human Resources to request assistance.
Join our team and help support the growth and success of Major League Soccer.
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About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992

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