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Freelance Event Planner Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Freelance Event Planner information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$29

$42

How much do freelance event planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance event planner in Raleigh, NC is $29.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.37 and $34.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance event planner do?

A freelance event planner works to prepare and plan everything needed for a successful event on a contractual basis. In this career, you work closely with the client to understand the needs and wants of the event and how to fit them into their budget. You research venues and vendors, compare the options, and discuss with the client to confirm they are happy with your selection. You are also responsible for coordinating everything before and during the event, ensuring payment is given, and assisting with the cleanup at the end. A freelance event planner works independently to coordinate various sizes of events, programs, and other gatherings.

What does a freelance event planner do?

A freelance event planner is a self-employed professional who organizes and coordinates events such as weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, and conferences. They work independently, managing all aspects of event planning including budgeting, vendor negotiations, logistics, and on-site coordination. Freelance event planners often tailor their services to meet each client's specific needs, ensuring that every detail is handled efficiently. Their responsibilities may also include marketing their services, networking, and maintaining relationships with venues and suppliers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance event planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Event Planner, you need strong project management, organizational, and budgeting skills, typically supported by experience in hospitality or event coordination. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and online marketing platforms is valuable, and certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) can enhance credibility. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help you build client relationships and handle unexpected challenges. These skills ensure you can plan seamless events, meet client expectations, and grow a successful freelance business.

What are some common challenges freelance event planners face when managing multiple clients?

Freelance event planners often juggle several projects at once, which can make time management and organization particularly challenging. Balancing overlapping deadlines, diverse client expectations, and varying event scopes requires excellent communication and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Additionally, freelancers must consistently market themselves to secure new clients while ensuring high-quality service for current events. Building reliable vendor relationships and maintaining a robust network can help streamline logistics and reduce last-minute stress.

What is the difference between Freelance Event Planner vs Event Coordinator?

AspectFreelance Event PlannerEvent Coordinator
CredentialsOften self-taught or with certifications in event planningTypically requires experience or certifications in event management
Work EnvironmentIndependent, flexible, often remote or client-siteEmployed by an organization or venue, working on-site
Employer & Industry UsageWorks with multiple clients across industriesWorks for a specific company or venue, managing events in-house
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance or independent event planning servicesSeeking in-house event management or coordination services

In summary, Freelance Event Planners operate independently, managing various clients and events, while Event Coordinators are typically employed by organizations to oversee events in a fixed environment. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but their work settings and employment structures differ.

Is a freelance event planner a good side hustle?

A freelance event planner can be a good side hustle for individuals with strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills. It offers flexible scheduling and the potential for additional income, but success depends on building a client base and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Event Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Event Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Freelance Event Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Event Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Event Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Freelance Event Planner jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Freelance Event Planner job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Event Planner job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,567 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator

The Rave Agency

Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About THE rAVe Agency

THE rAVe Agency is a pioneering force in the audiovisual (AV) industry, offering innovative marketing, production, and content solutions. We are committed to delivering exceptional client experiences and supporting the success of our sponsors and partners.


Your Role

The Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day execution and coordination of marketing and public relations activities across THE rAVe Agency's brands, platforms, clients and events. This role works closely with the marketing and PR teams to support social media, email marketing, digital advertising and event-related initiatives. The coordinator is responsible for assigned campaigns and accounts, identifying opportunities, resolving routine execution challenges and recommending adjustments.


The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, an excellent communicator and eager to build a career in marketing and communications within a fast-paced agency environment.


This is a hybrid position, with work performed in person in Chapel Hill, NC or Austin, TX.


What You'll Do

  • Develops and manages day-to-day social media planning, posting, scheduling and engagement.
  • Creates email marketing, social media copy and other digital marketing copy.
  • Monitors industry news, social media and digital channels to stay informed of relevant news, trends and brand mentions, presenting ideas and recommendations to leadership
  • Drafts press releases, media alerts, fact sheets and promotional content.
  • Coordinates press release distribution and media outreach to relevant target audience.
  • Develops outreach strategies and release distribution cadence while continuously building and maintaining media lists and contact databases.
  • Researches relevant journalists, publications, podcasts and other media opportunities.
  • Evaluates media coverage and compiles results for internal and client reporting.
  • Researches relevant award submissions, editorial opportunities and other PR initiatives.
  • Assists with media coordination surrounding trade shows, product launches and company announcements.
  • Maintains marketing communication calendars and supports the planning and scheduling of campaigns in advance.
  • Coordinates the execution of sponsored marketing campaigns including pre- and post-show marketing and communications.
  • Creates and manages Google Ads, including advertising supporting rAVe [TV] and Rants & rAVes during trade show seasons.
  • Manages AdSpeed activities, including creating and swapping advertisements and collecting proof of performance (POP).
  • Coordinates LAVNCH event kickoff activities, including email tasks in Monday.com and HighLevel lists and forms.
  • Prioritizes competing assignments and adjusts execution plans to meet client, brand and event deadlines.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field, or equivalent hands-on work experience, including internships or freelance work in marketing, communications or public relations.

Skills We're Looking For

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including editing and proofreading.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
  • Ability to take clear, detailed meeting notes and accurately capture action items and next steps.
  • Ability to communicate professionally with clients, partners and internal team members.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams and projects.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with social media management, email marketing or digital advertising.
  • Familiarity with platforms such as HighLevel, Google Ads, Monday.com or similar marketing and project management tools.
  • Experience developing content for social media, email, websites or other digital channels.

Work Environment

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position. Employees may be assigned other job-related duties as needed.


Additional agency opportunities, including writing, PR support, creative projects and event work may be assigned or available from time to time. As a small, growing company, we encourage employees to think entrepreneurially and explore areas of interest, as we all wear many hats.


EEO Statement: THE rAVe Agency is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based exclusively on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.


Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer. At this time, we are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.


Employment at-will: Employment with THE rAVe Agency is at-will. The company or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.