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Senior Event Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Holmes Murphy

Sr. Event Manager

Waukee, IA · On-site

Innovative Captive Strategies is seeking an experienced Sr. Event Manager to lead the planning and execution of client events, captive meetings, conferences, and travel programs. This role combines ...

Holmes Murphy

Sr. Event Manager

Waukee, IA · On-site

Innovative Captive Strategies is seeking an experienced Sr. Event Manager to lead the planning and execution of client events, captive meetings, conferences, and travel programs. This role combines ...

Holmes Murphy

Sr. Event Manager

Waukee, IA · On-site

Innovative Captive Strategies is seeking an experienced Sr. Event Manager to lead the planning and execution of client events, captive meetings, conferences, and travel programs. This role combines ...

Cottingham & Butler

Event Coordinator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Collaborate with the Senior Event Manager and Event Team on planning and execution * Communicate with vendors and venues to finalize logistics * Monitor registration and respond to attendee inquiries

Align Technology, Inc.

At Align Technology, the Senior Manager, Marketing Communications plays a critical role in shaping ... Ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints - digital, social media, email, print, and events.

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Senior Event Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$21.1K

$111.1K

$197.2K

How much do senior event manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior event manager in Iowa is $111,076.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $136,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior Event Manager do?

A Senior Event Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale events, such as conferences, corporate meetings, weddings, or festivals. They are responsible for managing event budgets, negotiating with vendors, supervising event staff, and ensuring all logistics run smoothly. Additionally, they often handle client communications, troubleshoot issues in real time, and ensure that every event meets the client’s objectives and expectations. Their expertise is crucial for delivering memorable and successful events.

What is the difference between Senior Event Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectSenior Event ManagerEvent Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in hospitality, marketing, or related field; experience in event managementHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience or training in event planning
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages large-scale events, oversees budgetsAssists with event setup, coordination, and logistics
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, hospitality, and event planning companies for senior rolesCommon entry-level or supporting role in similar industries

The main difference is that a Senior Event Manager oversees entire event projects, manages teams, and handles budgets, while an Event Coordinator supports the planning and logistics of events. The Senior Event Manager has more responsibilities, experience requirements, and leadership duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Event Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Event Manager, you need extensive experience in event planning, budget management, and vendor coordination, typically supported by a degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software (such as Cvent or Eventbrite), project management tools, and relevant certifications (like CMP) is common in the industry. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills distinguish top performers, enabling them to manage teams and client relationships effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for executing seamless, large-scale events that meet client goals and deliver memorable attendee experiences.

What are the 5 C's of event management?

The 5 C's of event management are Coordination, Communication, Contingency planning, Creativity, and Control. These principles help senior event managers ensure successful event execution by organizing resources, managing teams, and addressing potential issues effectively.

What is the role of a senior event manager?

A senior event manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale events, ensuring they meet client objectives and are delivered on time and within budget. They manage teams, negotiate with vendors, and handle logistics, often using project management tools and requiring strong leadership and communication skills.

What is the highest paying job in the event industry?

In the event industry, senior-level roles such as Senior Event Director or Executive Producer typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage large-scale events and budgets. Specialized skills in project management, vendor negotiations, and industry certifications can also contribute to higher compensation.

What are some typical challenges a Senior Event Manager faces when coordinating large-scale events?

Senior Event Managers often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, balancing client expectations with budget constraints, and overseeing multiple vendors simultaneously. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are crucial, as unforeseen issues—like last-minute changes or technical glitches—can arise. Success in the role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to delegate tasks within a team, and adaptability to shifting priorities, especially when handling complex or high-profile events.

What is the highest salary of an event manager?

The highest salary for a senior event manager can exceed $100,000 annually, especially in large organizations or high-cost regions. Experienced professionals with specialized skills and certifications may earn even higher compensation, including bonuses and benefits.
What are the most commonly searched types of Senior Event jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Senior Event jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Event Manager jobs in Iowa? For Senior Event Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Event Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Event Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Event Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Event Manager job openings:
Senior Event Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Event Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,076 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Congress Sr. Event Manager

ITA Group Inc

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Senior Congress Event Manager will work in our Pharma Operations team. They will coordinate the operation of group event travel and virtual event programs for specific clients and serve as a project manager for the internal team. The Senior Congress Event Manager provides thought leadership, creating custom-crafted, powerful experiences that engage and inspire the attendees. Sometimes working independently and in other cases leading strategic teams for both international and domestic events, the Senior Congress Event Manager requires enthusiastic multi-tasking while managing simultaneous events in their entirety along with organizational skills ensuring no detail is left to chance.

The Senior Congress Event Manager collaborates with internal teams, ensuring deliverables are met, budgets are balanced, and client needs are anticipated and aligned to their vision. In addition, the Senior Congress Event Manager optimizes external relationships with third-party suppliers. They serve as a mentor to Event Managers and assist with the development and implementation of trainings and learning labs. The Senior Event Manager often works on more complex, international or new business programs and opportunities.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Liberal Arts, Public Relations, or Communications required.
  • Five years’ experience in the event management industry in a position of similar accountabilities and responsibilities, or a minimum of three-years’ experience in ITA Group’s Event Management division.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage details.
  • Ability to handle numerous projects, prioritize workload and delegate responsibility.
  • Experience in effective communication and relationship building skills, business writing and client presentations. Ability to interact with all levels of client management.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft® PowerPoint, Microsoft® Word and Microsoft® Excel.
  • Knowledge of financial and accounting principles with experience in preparing and assessing financial budgets and profitability.
  • Experience in negotiations in a business environment.
  • Excellent human relations skills with the ability to be flexible and sensitive to people's needs.
  • Ability to think and act in a proactive manner. Capable of seeing the big picture while understanding how each element contributes to the greater whole. Must be competent to project how a change or delay in one area will impact the overall project. Willingness to try new ideas and challenge status quo.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to take and give direction within a matrix organizational structure and team environment.
  • Ability to generate enthusiasm and dedication to support team members in order to achieve client business objectives.
  • Ability to display a sense of urgency, ownership and accountability.
  • Ability to travel up to 25-30% of the year.
  • Ability to listen, understand and respond to external and internal customers’ needs in a timely manner; customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred.
  • Ability to work the time necessary to complete projects and/or meet deadlines.

ABOUT ITA GROUP

ITA Group is an employee-owned engagement and loyalty company that provides data-driven solutions designed to uniquely motivate and inspire our clients’ employees, channel partners and customers. Creating engaging employee experiences is at the heart of what we do and who we are, and we continuously evaluate our team member benefits to ensure our team members are cared for. We offer an array of competitive benefits, including healthy retirement contributions, health, dental and vision insurance, paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, Volunteer Time Off, paid sabbaticals, anniversary awards and more! Come join our team, recently recognized by several top organizations as a Great Place to Work.

ITA Group is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.