ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Event Planning Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsEvent Planning JobsEvent Planning Manager JobsEvent Planning Manager Jobs in Iowa

Event Planning Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$19.3K

$70.7K

$133.4K

How much do event planning manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for event planning manager in Iowa is $70,696.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,700.00 and $84,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Event Planning Manager, you need strong organizational abilities, project management experience, and a background in hospitality or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with event management software like Cvent or Social Tables, budgeting tools, and CRM systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help you build strong client relationships and manage unexpected challenges. These competencies ensure seamless event execution, client satisfaction, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively.

What are some typical challenges an event planning manager faces when coordinating large-scale events?

Event Planning Managers often encounter challenges such as managing tight timelines, coordinating multiple vendors, and adapting to last-minute changes or unforeseen circumstances. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as you'll regularly collaborate with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to keep everyone aligned. Additionally, balancing client expectations with budget constraints is a common aspect of the role, requiring creative problem-solving and negotiation skills to deliver a successful event.

What does an event planning manager do?

An Event Planning Manager is responsible for organizing and coordinating all aspects of events, such as conferences, weddings, corporate meetings, and parties. They work with clients to understand their vision, manage budgets, select venues, coordinate vendors, and oversee logistics before and during the event. Their goal is to ensure that events run smoothly and meet the client's expectations, often handling unexpected issues as they arise. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.

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

AspectEvent Planning ManagerEvent Coordinator
CredentialsOften requires experience in event management, certifications like CMP or CSEP beneficialTypically requires basic event planning experience, certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple events, manages teams, works with vendors and clientsAssists in executing event details, works closely with the planning team
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, nonprofit, and hospitality sectors for leadership rolesCommon in event planning companies, hotels, and venues for support roles

The main difference is that an Event Planning Manager oversees the entire event planning process, manages teams, and handles higher-level responsibilities, while an Event Coordinator focuses on executing specific event tasks and supporting the planning process. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the manager position involves more strategic oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planning jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Event Planning jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Event Planning Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Event Planning Manager job openings:
Event Planning Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Planning Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,696 per year, or $34 per hour.

Event & Program Coordinator | Girls on the Run

YMCA of Greater Des Moines

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Description
There's Nothing Like Working at the Y!
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Our staff members are people who drive this cause - it is because of our drive, our passion, our belief in others, and our belief in the strength of our mission that we are able to make a difference - every day.
EVERY position positively impacts others at the Y - JOIN US, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
POSITION SUMMARY:This position is primarily responsible for planning, promoting, and executing Girls on the Run of Central Iowa's (GOTR) fundraising, stewardship and community engagement events. This role also provides program coordination and oversight support for remote and non-local GOTR sites to ensure alignment, consistency, and quality across the council's footprint. It is responsible for the oversight of these programs, planning, management, and supervision of volunteers. This position is responsible for delivering a program that promotes children feeling valued as individuals and helps them achieve, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging.
JOB LOCATION: Walnut Creek Family YMCA
HOURS/DAYS SCHEDULE: Standard work week, but will often work evening, weekend, and additional hours to accommodate activities and representation of the organization at events.
SALARY RANGE: $19.00-$21.00/hour - based on skills and experience
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: August 12, 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of GOTR and YMCA fundraising, stewardship, and community engagement events
  2. Develop and manage detailed event timelines, logistics, vendor coordination, volunteer needs, and day-of execution plans.
  3. Collaborate with internal staff and external partners and vendors to ensure events are engaging, mission-aligned, and well-attended.
  4. Assist in the development and distribution of promotional materials and communications to support event and GOTR program marketing and participation, ensuring alignment with YMCA and GOTR brand standards.
  5. Support event-related budgeting, tracking expenses and revenue to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
  6. Serve as a visible and enthusiastic YMCA and GOTR representative at events and programs.
  7. Manage assigned program areas and activities, ensure programs comply with all applicable GOTR and YMCA standards and methods of operation and continually strive to attain the highest possible level of quality.
  8. Evaluate and review all aspects of assigned youth programs to ensure consistent quality and safety.
  9. Directly facilitate and manage delivery of assigned GOTR programming.
  10. Determine volunteer needs of assigned GOTR program areas within YMCA guidelines and procedures.
  11. Build, lead, develop, and train a volunteer team that genuinely cares about the needs of our community and our members.
  12. Manage and maintain volunteers to cover all areas of assigned youth programs.
  13. Perform additional duties as required.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
  2. Bachelor's degree in event management, nonprofit management, youth development, communications, a related field, or equivalent work experience.
  3. A minimum of 1 year of work experience in event planning / event management required.
  4. Program management or program development work experience is preferred.
  5. Minimum of 6 months of leadership experience required; supervisory experience preferred.
  6. Demonstrated computer skills in a Google Workspace or Microsoft Windows environment.
  7. Current Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Certification OR equivalent - prior to starting.
  8. Child Abuse Prevention Training - prior to starting if hired and maintained afterwards.
  9. Additional training to be completed within the first 30 days and maintained afterwards.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee:
  • Is regularly required to talk and hear
  • Is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
  • Is frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
  • Is frequently required to stand, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms.
  • Is occasionally required to climb or balance, to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. This position may work in office, school, outdoor, fitness center, and event-based settings. This position will require a flexible work model. This position works a standard work week, but additionally will often work evening, weekend, and additional hours to accommodate management of program activities and representation of the organization at events.

Apply