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

Freelance Event Planning information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$29

$42

How much do freelance event planning jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance event planning 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 is freelance event planning?

Freelance event planning involves organizing and coordinating events on a contract or project basis, rather than working as a full-time employee for a single organization. Freelance event planners work independently with clients to manage all aspects of events such as weddings, corporate meetings, parties, and conferences. Their responsibilities may include budgeting, vendor selection, logistics, and on-site coordination. This career offers flexibility, variety, and the opportunity to build a diverse client base, but it also requires strong organizational, communication, and networking skills.

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 expertise in project management, budgeting, and vendor coordination, often supported by a background in hospitality or event management. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and design platforms like Eventbrite, Cvent, or Canva is highly beneficial. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help you build client relationships and handle unexpected issues. These abilities are vital for delivering seamless, memorable events and maintaining a competitive edge in a dynamic industry.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance event planners, and how can they be managed effectively?

Freelance event planners often encounter challenges such as managing multiple clients simultaneously, handling last-minute changes, and coordinating with a variety of vendors. To address these, strong organizational skills and clear communication are essential. Using project management tools, creating detailed timelines, and building a reliable network of vendors can help streamline operations and reduce stress. Additionally, setting clear expectations with clients from the beginning ensures smoother execution and helps prevent misunderstandings.

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

AspectFreelance Event PlanningEvent Coordinator
CredentialsVaries; often self-taught or with certifications like CMPTypically requires experience; certifications like CMP are common
Work EnvironmentIndependent, flexible, often remote or client-siteEmployed by an organization or venue, working on-site or office-based
Employer & Industry UsageSelf-employed, serving multiple clients across industriesEmployed by event companies, hotels, or corporations

Freelance Event Planning involves independently managing events for various clients, offering flexibility and diverse projects. In contrast, an Event Coordinator is usually employed by an organization or venue, focusing on executing events within a specific company or location. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but freelance planners have more autonomy, while coordinators work within a team environment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Event Planning job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,567 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 18 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

313th of 623 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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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