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

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Freelance Event Planner information

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$13

$29

$42

How much do freelance event planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance event planner in Raleigh, NC is $29.57, 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.

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 multitasking skills. It offers flexible scheduling and the potential for additional income, but success depends on building a client base and managing time effectively. Experience with event management tools and certifications can enhance opportunities in this field.

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 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.

Is there a demand for freelance event planners?

There is steady demand for freelance event planners as organizations and individuals continue to host events such as weddings, corporate functions, and conferences. Success in this field often depends on strong organizational skills, industry connections, and the ability to adapt to different event types and client needs.

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.

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.
More about Freelance Event Planner jobs
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:
Freelance Event Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Event Planner job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,500 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Assistant Director of Game Day Creative

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Department Ath GOHEELS Productions-270400 Career Area Athletics Posting Open Date 03/11/2026 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Assistant Director of Game Day Creative Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 00057749 Vacancy ID NF0009595 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Proposed Start Date 03/11/2026
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Department of Athletics exists to provide educational and athletic opportunities to young men and women and to serve the interests of the University by complimenting and enhancing its diversity and quality of life. Through its athletic programs, the University seeks to unite alumni, faculty administration, in addition, students in a common and shared experience. The purpose of Athletics is to provide an environment for student-athletes to learn, advance and excel both academically and athletically. This unit is a highly visible public relations arm of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with statewide and national recognition. It is an extremely important recruiting tool, not just for student-athletes, but also for students from all lifestyles. Through its athletic programs and its facilities, the University seeks to unite alumni, faculty, administration, and students in a common and shared experience.
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Game Day Creative serves as a strategic leader within the Gameday Productions unit of Athletics and is responsible for the independent planning, development, and oversight of in-venue entertainment and game presentation strategies for assigned varsity sports. This position exercises discretion and independent judgment in developing creative, operational, and revenue-generating strategies that directly impact ticket sales, sponsorship fulfillment, brand positioning, and the overall fan experience.
This role is responsible for establishing and implementing creative direction, production standards, and presentation strategies that align with departmental objectives and institutional priorities. The position independently evaluates programming needs, determines content strategy, and makes decisions regarding creative concepts, sponsorship integration, messaging, and production execution.
The Assistant Director consults with senior athletics leadership, marketing, sponsorship sales, communications, and sport program administrators to develop revenue-enhancing initiatives and ensure alignment with contractual sponsorship obligations. The position has decision-making authority over the design, development, and execution of video board productions, LED programming, and multimedia storytelling efforts that influence multimillion-dollar sponsorship revenue and ticket sales.
This position also provides leadership and direction to full-time, part-time, student, and freelance production staff during planning and execution of events. The Assistant Director establishes production workflows, assigns responsibilities, evaluates performance, and ensures operational compliance with broadcast, sponsorship, and institutional standards.
Through independent analysis, strategic planning, and creative leadership, this position plays a significant role in advancing the Athletics Department's brand, revenue objectives, and public visibility.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Video and Audio Knowledge: Must have intimate knowledge of professional video production. This includes knowledge of operating digital video cameras, planning, lighting, framing, audio acquisition, editing, encoding and other elements. The position will require knowledge of mixing and editing video and audio for broadcast output.
Requires a professional level knowledge of non-linear editing programs such as Adobe Premiere. Knowledge of other graphics programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe AfterEffects and other applicable Adobe Creative Suite platforms are required.
Creativity: Creativity is crucial for the building of all projects. Products need to be motivating, invigorating and aspirational for viewers.
Broadcast Graphics and Live event production Knowledge: Requires an understanding of operation of Ross Xpression graphics systems and a moderate level of programming and scripting for those systems. Understanding of roles, equipment, and techniques needed to execute a multicamera live production. Working knowledge of production switchers, professional-level replay systems, data integration and other components needed to execute gameday productions.
Supervisory Skills: The ability to supervise part time and student assistants.
The ability to create elements that are original and special is essential. Position requires the ability to work many long hours, especially during the academic year.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
A minimum of 4 years experience in athletics video production with at least 3 years experience working directly in video board production. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Expert in programming of Ross Xpression graphics systems including Tessera, scripting, and integration of Datalinq sources. A creative powerhouse who loves to inform and entertain.
Strong sports knowledge, rules, regulations, timing and customs.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Must be able to lift/move 25 lbs or greater. May be required to navigate stairs. Attention to detail essential. Must be able to manage a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Travel required.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/314353
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Department Contact Telephone or Email Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789

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