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Event Program Director Jobs in Carol Stream, IL (NOW HIRING)

Antitrust - Program Associate

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... director or manager. Held accountable for the successful execution of assigned programs/projects ... Manages on-site registration for events and provides administrative support throughout the planning ...

Showing results 41-60

Event Program Director information

See Carol Stream, IL salary details

$30.5K

$80.9K

$141.7K

How much do event program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for event program director in Carol Stream, IL is $80,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $95,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an event program director?

Event Program Directors are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the overall program and logistics of events such as conferences, festivals, corporate meetings, or cultural gatherings. They work closely with clients and internal teams to ensure that every aspect of an event runs smoothly, from scheduling speakers and selecting venues to managing budgets and supervising event staff. Their role demands excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills to deliver successful and memorable events that meet client and attendee expectations.

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

To thrive as an Event Program Director, you need expertise in event planning, budget management, and team leadership, typically supported by a degree in hospitality, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, project management tools, and sometimes certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) are commonly required. Outstanding organizational skills, creativity, and the ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with stakeholders set top candidates apart. These skills are vital for ensuring seamless event execution, stakeholder satisfaction, and achieving organizational goals.

What are some common challenges event program directors face when coordinating large-scale events, and how can they be managed effectively?

Event Program Directors often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, balancing multiple stakeholder expectations, and adapting to last-minute changes. Effective communication, early contingency planning, and leveraging a strong support team are key strategies for navigating these issues. Building strong vendor relationships and utilizing event management software also help streamline operations and reduce stress, ensuring a smoother execution from planning through post-event evaluation.

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

AspectEvent Program DirectorEvent Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall event planning, manages teams, and ensures program successHandles logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site event management
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic planning, budgetingOrganization, communication, problem-solving
Work EnvironmentHigh-level planning, team management, strategic meetingsOn-site event setup, vendor interactions, day-of coordination
Common CertificationsEvent planning certifications, project managementEvent planning certifications, hospitality training

The main difference is that the Event Program Director focuses on overall event strategy and leadership, while the Event Coordinator handles the day-to-day logistics and execution. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the Director typically has broader responsibilities and oversight.

What cities near Carol Stream, IL are hiring for Event Program Director jobs?

Cities near Carol Stream, IL with the most Event Program Director job openings:

Director Event Marketing & Experiences

Joint Commission

Oakbrook Terrace, IL โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Overview
The Director of Event Marketing & Experiences will lead the strategy, planning, execution, and continuous improvement of Joint Commission's enterprise event portfolio. Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, this role will partner closely with the marketing and communications team, executive leadership, business units, external partners, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver high-impact domestic and international events that advance Joint Commission's mission, strengthen its brand, deepen stakeholder engagement, and support organizational growth.
This leader will partner with Marketing to oversee events at industry tradeshows, conferences, thought leadership programs, plan internal and external events, and major enterprise conferences such as SPARK, Joint Commission's large education conference, and UNIFY, Joint Commission's major external conference. The Head of Events & Experiences will bring strategic vision, operational excellence, strong executive presence, and a collaborative leadership style to ensure every event reflects the organization's standards for quality, professionalism, and innovation.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and lead an enterprise-wide events strategy aligned with Joint Commission's brand, marketing priorities, stakeholder engagement goals, and organizational objectives.
  • Serve as the primary events leader and strategic partner to the Chief Marketing Officer, marketing and communications team, executive leadership, and key business stakeholders.
  • Plan and execute domestic and international events, conferences, tradeshows, sponsored programs, leadership convenings, and internal events.
  • Lead the planning and delivery of major enterprise conferences, including SPARK and UNIFY, ensuring strong program integration, operational excellence, attendee experience, logistics, and measurable outcomes.
  • Partner with marketing to integrate events into broader campaigns, audience engagement strategies, sponsorship opportunities, communications plans, digital promotion, and post-event follow-up.
  • Collaborate with leadership and subject matter experts to support agenda development, speaker coordination, executive participation, session flow, and audience experience.
  • Oversee event operations, including venue sourcing, vendor management, budgeting, registration, travel coordination, production, audiovisual needs, signage, exhibitor management, sponsorship fulfillment, risk planning, and onsite execution.
  • Establish consistent event governance, planning processes, timelines, templates, standards, and measurement frameworks across the enterprise.
  • Manage event budgets, forecasts, contracts, purchase processes, and vendor relationships to ensure fiscal responsibility and strong return on investment.
  • Build and maintain relationships with hotels, convention centers, production vendors, event management partners, technology platforms, and other external partners.
  • Lead cross-functional planning teams and provide clear direction, accountability, and communication throughout the event lifecycle.
  • Use data, attendee feedback, registration trends, engagement metrics, and business outcomes to evaluate event effectiveness and recommend improvements.
  • Ensure events reflect Joint Commission's reputation, mission, brand standards, accessibility expectations, compliance requirements, and commitment to quality and safety.
  • Anticipate and resolve complex event challenges with sound judgment, urgency, professionalism, and a solutions-oriented approach.
  • Represent Joint Commission with professionalism and executive presence at events, conferences, partner meetings, and stakeholder engagements.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, marketing, communications, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience leading complex events, conferences, tradeshows, executive meetings, or large-scale programs; experience in healthcare, association, nonprofit, accreditation, education, or professional services environments preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience managing large, multi-day conferences with significant attendance, multiple stakeholders, executive participation, sponsors, exhibitors, and complex logistics.
  • Experience planning both domestic and international events, including familiarity with travel, cultural, vendor, compliance, and operational considerations.
  • Strong understanding of how events support brand strategy, marketing campaigns, lead generation, stakeholder engagement, reputation, and revenue goals.
  • Proven ability to collaborate with senior executives, marketing leaders, subject matter experts, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent project management, budget management, negotiation, vendor management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication skills, including executive level written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
  • Proficiency with event technology platforms, registration systems, mobile event apps, attendee engagement tools, and reporting dashboards; Cvent experience preferred.
  • Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), or similar credential preferred.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. The description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and working conditions associated with this position. All requirements are subject to possible modification and reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Equal Opportunity Field
We offer a comprehensive benefit package. For a complete overview of our benefits package, please visit our Joint Commission Career Page
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.