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Events Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

CPAC Foundation

Event Coordinator

Alexandria, VA

$21 - $23/hr

Record and distribute meeting notes and action items during weekly planning meetings, and maintain the folders with updates for the different events. Assist with managing hotel room blocks for staff ...

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Events Assistant information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12

$23

$33

How much do events assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for events assistant in Washington, DC is $23.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges events assistants face during large-scale events, and how can they effectively manage them?

Events Assistants often encounter challenges such as last-minute changes, tight timelines, and coordinating multiple vendors simultaneously. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized with detailed checklists, maintain clear communication with team members, and remain adaptable to shifting priorities. Building strong relationships with vendors and anticipating potential issues can also help ensure smooth event execution. Proactive problem-solving and a calm demeanor are key attributes that help Events Assistants thrive in these dynamic environments.

What is an events assistant?

An events assistant performs the tasks and responsibilities assigned by an event planner or an event hosting team. In this job, your duties could include ordering catering, decorating an event space, testing lighting and microphones, and running general errands to aid the event planner and other members of the team. Depending on the event, you may also work under the supervision of a head planner to schedule appearances by speakers or performers. An events assistant is an entry-level position in the party or event planning industry.

What qualifications do events assistants need?

Events assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Some roles may require experience with event planning, customer service, or familiarity with event management tools. Certifications such as first aid or customer service training can be beneficial.

What does an events assistant do?

An Events Assistant supports the planning, organization, and execution of events such as conferences, weddings, corporate meetings, and more. Their duties often include coordinating logistics, communicating with vendors and attendees, managing event materials, and handling administrative tasks. They work closely with event managers and other team members to ensure that events run smoothly and meet client expectations. Additionally, Events Assistants may help with setup, registration, and troubleshooting issues during the event.

What is the difference between Events Assistant vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvents AssistantEvent Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer certifications in event planningTypically requires experience in event planning; certifications like CMP can be advantageous
Work EnvironmentAssists in event setup, registration, and support tasks; often in office or event venuesOversees entire event planning process; works closely with clients and vendors
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in hospitality, non-profits, corporate eventsUsed across industries for larger or more complex events

While both roles support event execution, the Events Assistant primarily handles logistical support and on-the-ground tasks, whereas the Event Coordinator manages planning, coordination, and client communication. The Events Assistant role is ideal for entry-level individuals seeking to gain experience, while the Event Coordinator position involves more responsibility and planning expertise.

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

To thrive as an Events Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in event planning or hospitality, often supported by a relevant degree or administrative experience. Familiarity with event management software, scheduling tools, and Microsoft Office Suite is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you adapt to changing circumstances and ensure smooth event execution. These skills are crucial for managing logistics, meeting client expectations, and delivering successful, well-coordinated events.
More about Events Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Events jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Events jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Events Assistant jobs in Washington, DC? For Events Assistant jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Events Assistant jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Events Assistant jobs in Washington, DC are:
Events Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Events Assistant job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,506 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Special Events Assistant, IS-1001-07

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC

$18 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

OPEN DATE: July 30, 2026                    
CLOSING DATE: August 28, 2026 
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite  
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-sensitive (NS)/Moderate Risk
Who May Apply:
Open to all Qualified Applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
 
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
  • Complete a Probationary Period.
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

The Special Events Assistant position is in the Office of Special Events and Protocol (OSEP) within the Smithsonian Institution.  This office has the responsibility for the coordination and logistical planning of special events for the Board of Regents, the Secretary, the Under Secretaries, higher level management of the Smithsonian Institution, the Office of Advancement, and pan-Institutional organizations and other offices throughout the Smithsonian. The Office of Special Events and Protocol reports to the Assistant Secretary, Office of Communications and External Affairs.
  • Assists in the coordination and collection of information and briefing materials from Smithsonian Institution units, which are used to inform the principal(s) of their participation in events including but not limited to press conferences, lectures, receptions, dinners, luncheons, donor and constituent cultivation activities, and official government functions and ceremonies.  
  • The incumbent assists in preparing and coordinating logistical arrangements and administrative functions for the Office of Special Events and Protocol.  Performs a wide variety of administrative tasks including, but not limited to:
  • Receive and screen telephone calls, determine needs of caller and provide requested information or refer to appropriate person for action - this includes space calls and room reservations.
  • Prepare travel authorizations and vouchers for the unit; make travel and hotel reservations, prepare itinerary and background information packets prior to each trip.
  • Enters and receives small purchase orders into the Smithsonian financial system.
  • Maintains the monthly SI wide Special Events Calendar for the Office of Special Events and Protocol and distributes it throughout the Institution.
  • Knowledge of special events production and protocol. 
  • Ability to schedule special events. 
  • Ability to communicate in writing to issue and monitor invitations to events and create memoranda for events. 
  • Knowledge of proper spelling, grammar, punctuation and standard business letter writing to prepare correspondence.
  •  Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear and objective manner. Ability to communicate orally to issue invitations to events. 
  • Ability to manage an office filing system.
  • Knowledge of and skill in word processing, data entry and analysis, as well as demonstrated computer aptitude and experience. 
  • Ability to interact diplomatically and effectively with a variety of people. 
  • Ability to handle several projects simultaneously. 
  • A basic foundation of administrative skills, concepts, principles, and practices sufficient to perform independently. 
  • Knowledge of administrative processes in order to help facilitate the procedural operations for an effective and efficient office. 
  • Knowledge of automated office applications such as MS Word, Office Excel, Access, etc. 
 
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
  
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
 
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
 
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact BakerDa@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
 
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.

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