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Manager Of Special Events Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Yeshiva University

$66K/yr

Coordinator of Special Events Apply/Register Job no: 499082 Work type: Staff Full-time Department ... Manage catering operations by coordinating with vendors, overseeing orders and deliveries, tracking ...

City of New York

Special Events Coordinator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... of event programming and attendance, including venue setup, catering arrangements, guest management ... gov with "Special Events Coordinator" in the subject line COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - 56057 ...

Prisma Health

Special Events Coord

Seneca, SC · On-site

Job Summary Responsible for coordination of special events involving philanthropy. Provides fundraising and event management consultation, donor group and hospital liaison, and arrangements for check ...

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Manager Of Special Events information

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$24.5K

$55.9K

$90K

How much do manager of special events jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager of special events in the United States is $55,892.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $66,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a manager of special events do?

A Manager of Special Events is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing a wide range of events, such as fundraisers, corporate gatherings, and community functions. They coordinate logistics, manage budgets, oversee staff or volunteers, and ensure that each event runs smoothly from start to finish. This role often involves working closely with vendors, securing venues, and handling event promotion. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager of special events?

To thrive as a Manager Of Special Events, you need strong organizational skills, event planning experience, and typically a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite), budgeting tools, and sometimes certifications like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) are valuable. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate with vendors, clients, and teams while adapting to last-minute changes. These skills ensure that events are executed smoothly, within budget, and meet client or organizational objectives.

How does a manager of special events typically collaborate with other departments to ensure event success?

A Manager of Special Events works closely with multiple departments such as marketing, catering, facilities, and finance to plan and execute events smoothly. Regular coordination meetings are held to align on event goals, logistics, and budget constraints. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential, as the manager must ensure all teams are aware of their responsibilities and deadlines. This cross-functional collaboration helps in anticipating challenges and delivering memorable and seamless events.

What is the difference between Manager Of Special Events vs Event Coordinator?

AspectManager Of Special EventsEvent Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire event planning, manages teams, and handles budgetsAssists with planning, coordinates logistics, and manages day-to-day tasks
CredentialsBachelor's degree in hospitality, marketing, or related field; experience in event managementHigh school diploma or associate's degree; some experience in event planning
Work EnvironmentOffice setting with frequent site visits and vendor interactionsOn-site during events, with administrative work in office
Industry UsageCommon in corporate, nonprofit, and hospitality sectorsOften found in similar sectors, supporting event execution

The Manager Of Special Events typically has broader responsibilities, including overseeing entire events and managing teams, while the Event Coordinator focuses on supporting event logistics and execution. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the manager usually has more experience and higher-level duties.

What cities are hiring for Manager Of Special Events jobs?

Cities with the most Manager Of Special Events job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Of Special Events jobs?

The most popular types of Of Special Events jobs are:

What states have the most Manager Of Special Events jobs?

States with the most job openings for Manager Of Special Events jobs include:

Manager Of Special Events jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Of Special Events job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,892 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Manager of Special Events

Chapman University

Orange, CA

$73K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Manager of Special Events Position Type Regular Job Number SA85724 Full or Part Time full-time 40 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Exempt Anticipated Pay Range $73,000- $78,000 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Under general supervision, the Manager of Special Events ensures the successful planning and execution of university events with special emphasis on University Advancement events and those involving the university president, provost and board of trustees/governors. The position conceptualizes, plans, implements and executes core university-based events and projects.
Manages and leads all aspects of the Student Ambassador program including recruitment, the Ambassador Leadership Board, supervise the Ambassador pool and ensure goals and objectives of the program are met.
Responsibilities
Conceptualize, Design and Implement University Advancement Special Events
  • Lead, plan, implement, and oversee logistics for assigned university events, ensuring successful delivery from concept through post event evaluation.
  • Develop and utilize timelines, schedules, and databases to help drive timely completion for the required strategic and/or project plans.
  • Negotiate and contract with all vendors, suppliers, and event venues to supply services needed (catering, rentals, audio visual, parking, etc.) Review agreements and ensure that appropriate services are delivered.
  • Manage, supervise, and train the event volunteer support team comprised of volunteers, students and staff.
  • Provide meeting notices, agendas, data, minutes and other collateral necessary for each event.
  • Collaborate with Advancement Operations and Advancement Systems to maintain current donor information and gift records.
  • Collaborate with SMC and campus partners to identify effective communication strategies and plans for internal and external audiences utilizing digital media, website, printed collateral, collateral mailing and email communication.
  • Track event progress and success and provide consistent updates and progress to the Special Events team.
  • Collaborate with the Special Events team to ensure consistent quality in planning and alignment of work

Student Ambassador Program
  • Manage and lead all aspects of the Student Ambassador Program including, recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, recognition, events, and ongoing program administration.
  • Receive, monitor and track campus-wide requests for Ambassadors, accommodating requests and follow-up after assignments to ensure best service provided.
  • Manage Fall/Spring recruitment of Ambassadors including application process, interviews and selection process.
  • Develop and maintain knowledge of programs and initiatives throughout the university to better educate the Ambassadors
  • Supervise Ambassador Leadership Board to track and monitor roster and attendance, communication, including activities of Ambassadors to ensure they are meeting/exceeding participation requirements.
  • Enforce Ambassador Program requirements and standards as applicable.

Event Support
  • Provide support to the Special Events Team in the defined significant time leading up to all events which fall under the department's responsibilities.
  • Attend and provide operational support for all events and activities planned by the department. .
  • Be active in the campus community to advance the University wide initiatives.
  • Maintain accurate donor records in university systems.
  • Coordinate and secure all event space reservations and required support services through university venue reservation and services systems and various campus partners.
  • Collaborate with ticketing team, Advancement Operation, IS&T, and other campus partners to set up event registration, ticketing, and payment processes using university ticketing and financial systems.
  • Coordinate with Gift Recorder and Cashier's office to ensure all money is properly processed and recorded. Provide timely updates to the Advancement Operations Team on GL reports.
  • Draft, type, proofread and ensure accuracy of all written correspondence including solicitation and thank you letters, proposals, sponsorships, and memos

Budget Management
  • Manage the event operating budgets and expenses which fall under the specific job scope of responsibilities. Create budget and expense projections in order to avoid and/or resolve potential variances
  • Identify possible budgetary concerns based on analysis of budget/financial projections and provide recommendations on resolutions in compliance with University policies and procedures.
  • In collaboration with Special Events Operations Specialist, ensure contracts, budgets and expenses are accurately accounted for and entered into the tracking system
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience
  • A minimum of two years' experience in planning and executing special events
  • Experience using event management, venue reservation, ticketing, payment processing, and advancement systems (e.g., 25Live, AudienceView, TouchNet, Blackbaud CRM, or similar systems)
  • Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute logistics for special events and meetings; including coordinating vendors, travel, facilities, event materials, and related support services.
  • Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making to carry out duties in a timely manner
  • Ability to prioritize, exercise initiative and work independently
  • Proven ability to evaluate data, assess alternatives, and make decisions and/or recommendations as required
  • Demonstrated ability to oversee and supervise volunteers, vendors, and committees
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, desktop publishing, database management, and internet.
  • Technical ability to learn and use university enterprise software and other data systems
  • Skill to prepare financial forms, monitor budgets, and reconcile expenses
  • Skill to perform arithmetic calculations
  • Ability to maintain calendars, schedule meetings, appointments and events
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with a individuals from a variety of backgrounds and at all organizational levels, inside and outside the university
  • Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify problems and anticipate the impact to office administration problems, providing solutions as needed.
  • Ability to use tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
  • Ability to learn and interpret policies and procedures.
Desired Qualifications
  • Knowledge of Chapman policies and procedures
Special Instructions to Applicants
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics.  All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. 
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate
Minimum Number of References Maximum Number of References

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