Freelance Project Planner Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

At Vaezr Studio, a division of Zirous, we transform live and virtual events into immersive, high-impact experiences that inspire connection and advance business goals. By pairing cutting-edge technical show design-including custom hardware, Audio Video (AV), lighting, and stage management-with end-to-end logistics and strategic storytelling, we turn corporate summits, brand activations, and large-scale productions into unforgettable moments executed with flawless precision. 

We are seeking to hire an experienced Events Manager to manage client-facing communication, procurement, estimation, and on-site logistics. This newly created hybrid role functions as a combination of Project Manager, Account Manager, and on-site Client Liaison for the events team. By taking on these operational and relationship-management duties, this role allows technical directors to focus entirely on show design, hardware, and subcontractor direction without on-site interruptions.

• On-Site Client Management & Liaison: Serve as the primary, client-facing point of contact on-site during events. Actively filter and manage client requests, interruptions, or real-time show changes to ensure the technical team can focus on show execution.
• Task & Project Management: Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of an event, managing task delegation and assignments to ensure seamless project execution.
• Project & Resource Management: Handle project management and internal relationship/resource management (RM) tasks. Coordinate project workflows and assist in monitoring profitability margins by reducing reliance on external subcontractors.
• Estimating & Financial Review: Collaborate on project estimating, double-check Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), and ensure financial forecasts and numbers align with project scopes.
• Procurement & Recruitment: Manage the recruitment and procurement of event subcontractors and freelancers, utilizing and maintaining the company's existing network and contact list.
• Contract Coordination: Assist with generating, structuring, and executing project contracts and statements of work.
• Sales & Business Development Support: Collaborate with the sales team to participate in client outreach, sales processes, and community relationship building to grow existing accounts and generate new revenue.
• Marketing Asset Creation: Utilize downtime during events to capture photos and record video footage of event setups and productions, partnering with the marketing team to create promotional assets that support sales outreach.

Zirous operates on a hybrid schedule, combining in-office work at our Urbandale, IA location with remote work days. Depending on events and client outreach initiatives, day-to-day work locations may vary.

This position has the ability to be filled with a freelancer, part-time employee, or full-time employee.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Event Planning, Hospitality Management, Marketing, Communications, or in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ Years Full-Cycle Corporate Event Experience: 
• Gathering and defining event specifications, and requirements directly from clients.
• Overseeing pre-event scheduling, task management, and budget tracking.
• Partnering closely with technical leads throughout event production.
• Exceptional Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication abilities are required to comfortably and effectively manage client relationships, particularly in high-pressure, on-site event environments.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional capacity to prioritize competing priorities across multiple client accounts while keeping project deliverables, documentation, and budgets seamlessly organized.  
• Attention to Detail: Sharp eye for precision in managing complex logistics, catching subtle inconsistencies in schedules or budgets before they impact live operations. 
• PowerPoint Proficiency: Advanced or above-average proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint to quickly build, adjust, and clean up client-facing presentations and deliverables.
• Client-Facing Comfort: A proven ability to act as the main communication liaison, managing expectation, accustomed to working in fast-paced evolving environments, while fostering long-term client success.
• Adaptability & Growth: A willingness to learn internal Resource Management (RM) processes and adapt to a dynamic workflow that shifts between event logistics, office administration, and business development.
• Schedule & Hours: Ability to work weekend hours and shifts exceeding 10 hours daily during active events.
• Travel Requirements: Willingness and availability to travel out of state for extended durations, on very rare occasions up to 3 months.

Local candidates within the Des Moines, IA metro will be given priority in the recruitment process. 

Benefits

• Collaborative environment with strategists, creatives, and technical experts.
• High-visibility role with strong growth potential.
• Competitive compensation package including base salary, commission, and benefits.
• You'll work alongside some of the smartest people you'll ever know. You'll learn from them, and they'll learn from you.
• LOTS of perks: catered lunches, snacks, beverages, social hours, on-site gym & shower facility, small group activity options outside of work (book club, craft club, public speaking club, volleyball league, golf league, etc.), and a flexible work schedule with the ability to work remotely and in the office.
• Recognition for a job well done! Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards with bonus amounts for each.
• Company-wide lunches on-site and remotely.
• Lunch and Learns (throughout the year we educate each other on different industry topics).
• Casual dress - jeans, sweatshirts, and flip flops are all acceptable while in our office or while working from home. 
• Professional development opportunities: certifications, continued education, speaking engagements, etc.
• Much, much, more!