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Special Event Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Event Director

Detroit Lakes, MN

$50K - $68K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Event Director to help create memorable experiences for our guests. This position is ideal for ... Oversee weddings, meetings, reunions, retreats, golf outings, and special events * Ensure events ...

Event Director

Detroit Lakes, MN

$50K - $68K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Event Director to help create memorable experiences for our guests. This position is ideal for ... Oversee weddings, meetings, reunions, retreats, golf outings, and special events * Ensure events ...

Event Director

Allen, TX · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

... events for residents, families, and staff and assists the community relations department as ... Takes on special projects or assignments outside of regular duties. 29. Serves and assists ...

Event Director

Allen, TX · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

... events for residents, families, and staff and assists the community relations department as ... Takes on special projects or assignments outside of regular duties. 29. Serves and assists ...

... events for residents, families, and staff and assists the community relations department as ... Takes on special projects or assignments outside of regular duties. 29. Serves and assists ...

... events for residents, families, and staff and assists the community relations department as ... Takes on special projects or assignments outside of regular duties. 29. Serves and assists ...

Special Event Manager

Columbia, SC · On-site

$42K - $53K/yr

Special Event Manager is also responsible for supporting events department as needed through ... Other duties as directed by General Manager, Director of Events, & Executive Staff. * Works Event ...

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Special Event Director information

See salary details

$32.5K

$78.2K

$140K

How much do special event director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for special event director in the United States is $78,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by special event directors when coordinating large-scale events?

Special Event Directors often face challenges such as managing tight deadlines, coordinating with multiple vendors and stakeholders, and adapting to last-minute changes. Ensuring seamless communication among team members and maintaining a clear vision under pressure are crucial for successful event execution. Additionally, balancing budget constraints while delivering a memorable experience requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Special Event Director vs Event Coordinator?

AspectSpecial Event DirectorEvent Coordinator
CredentialsExperience in event planning, sometimes certifications like CMP or CSEPSimilar credentials, often entry-level certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentLeads large-scale events, manages teams, oversees budgetsAssists with planning, coordinates logistics, supports event execution
Employer & IndustryEvent planning companies, corporations, nonprofitsEvent planning firms, venues, corporate clients

The Special Event Director typically oversees large events, managing teams and budgets, while the Event Coordinator supports the planning process and handles logistics. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special event director?

To thrive as a Special Event Director, you need strong organizational skills, project management expertise, and experience in event planning, often backed by a degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and logistics platforms is typically required, along with relevant certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional). Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities set top candidates apart in coordinating teams and engaging clients. These skills ensure seamless event execution, client satisfaction, and the ability to handle complex, high-pressure situations.

What does a special event director do?

A Special Event Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing events such as corporate functions, weddings, festivals, and fundraisers. They manage all aspects of an event, including budgeting, venue selection, vendor negotiations, logistics, and staff supervision. Their goal is to ensure each event runs smoothly, meets client expectations, and achieves its objectives. Special Event Directors must have strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills to handle unexpected challenges and deliver memorable experiences.

What cities are hiring for Special Event Director jobs?

Cities with the most Special Event Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Event jobs?

The most popular types of Special Event jobs are:

What states have the most Special Event Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Special Event Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Special Event Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,224 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Event Director

Fair Hills Resort

Detroit Lakes, MN

$50K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Join a Century of Hospitality

For 100 years, Fair Hills Resort has been creating unforgettable weddings, family reunions, corporate retreats, and celebrations on the shores of Pelican Lake. We may be 100 years old, but we aren't old, we're classic!

We're looking for an organized, personable, and detail-oriented Event Director to help create memorable experiences for our guests. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, planning events, and ensuring every detail comes together seamlessly.

From the first inquiry to the final farewell, you'll guide couples and group organizers through every step of the planning process while coordinating successful events throughout the season.

ResponsibilitiesSales & Event Planning
  • Respond to wedding and group inquiries
  • Give tours to prospective wedding couples and group organizers
  • Prepare event proposals and bids
  • Build relationships with wedding couples, reunion organizers, corporate planners, and other group leaders that carry through from year to year
  • Coordinate event details including meal & bar service, lodging, room layouts, timelines, and special requests
  • Communicate with resort departments to ensure every event is well organized
  • Prepare event billing and final invoices
Event Operations
  • Oversee weddings, meetings, reunions, retreats, golf outings, and special events
  • Ensure events run smoothly from start to finish
  • Solve problems quickly while maintaining exceptional guest service
  • Serve as the primary point of contact during events
  • Work closely with Dining Room Manager for events that include food & beverage
  • Teach and train interns to assist with all event operations

General Management Team

  • Assist with training of event, front desk, soda fountain, bar and dining room staff
  • Schedule staff in the event, front desk, soda fountain and bar departments
  • Collaborate with the team to coordinate staff activities, resort events and guest activities
  • Assist HR manager with interviewing candidates during the off-season
  • Knowledgeable in RDP (resort data processing) for reservations, billing, and guest check-ins
Qualifications

Experience in hospitality, event planning, sales, or customer service is preferred but not required. We're willing to train someone with the right attitude and willingness to learn.

The ideal candidate is:

  • Organized and detail-oriented
  • Excellent communicator
  • Friendly and professional
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Calm under pressure
  • Strong problem solver
  • Team player
  • Self-motivated and dependable
  • Passionate about creating memorable guest experiences
Schedule

Off-Season (October through Mid-May)

  • Mainly Monday–Friday, weekend & evening tours and client meetings when scheduled
  • Five-day work week
  • 32-40 hour work week
  • Flexible schedule

Resort Season (Mid-May through End of September)

  • Six-day work week
  • Weekend & evening availability required for on-site weddings, events, tours & client meetings
  • 48-60 hour work weeks, depending on events
Why Fair Hills?

For more than 100 years, Fair Hills Resort has been creating unforgettable experiences through a tradition of hospitality excellence. Every wedding, family reunion, corporate retreat, golf outing, and celebration that takes place here becomes part of a story that guests will remember for a lifetime. As our Event Director, you'll have the privilege of helping create those moments and watching months of planning come to life in just a few extraordinary hours.

This isn't a typical event planning job. At Fair Hills, you'll build lasting relationships with couples, families, and group leaders, often working with them for months before welcoming them to the resort. Then, when they arrive, you'll be there to ensure every detail comes together seamlessly, allowing them to simply enjoy the moments they've been anticipating.

Our season is short, but it's incredibly full. From mid-May through the end of September, we pack an entire year's worth of celebrations, milestones, and memories into just a few months. The pace is energetic, the days are busy, and every week brings new weddings, reunions, meetings, and special events. It's challenging work, but it's also deeply rewarding. There is an unmatched sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing you helped create some of the happiest days in people's lives.

In winter, the pace shifts and it becomes a time to recharge, reflect, strengthen relationships with future clients, and prepare for another summer of unforgettable experiences. It's an opportunity to refine ideas, dream bigger, and renew your energy before welcoming another season of guests.

If you're looking for more than a career in event planning, if you want to be part of a team that creates lasting traditions and meaningful memories while carrying forward a century-long legacy of hospitality, Fair Hills Resort is the place for you. Here, you'll discover that the most rewarding events aren't just the ones you plan; they're the ones that become part of someone's family story for generations to come.

Benefits & Compensation
  • Salary Range of $50,000 - $68,000 DOE
  • Annual bonus to be awarded at the discretion of ownership
  • 401K Match available after the completion of your 2nd season
  • $30 cell phone allowance per month
  • 15 vacation days (120 hours) per year, to be accrued 5 days (40 hours) at a time, every 3 months after your first day, then annually. 
  • Paid Holidays:  Thanksgiving (2.5 days), Christmas (3 days), New Years (2 days) and Easter (1 day)
  • Health Insurance, fully paid on Silver Plan, to start on the 1st of the month 60 days after you start 
  • 40% discount on Fair Hills gift shop merchandise
  • Golf benefits at Wildflower Golf Course
  • 50% discount on Fair Hills rentals (golf carts, Big Pelican, etc.) 

Fair Hills Resort is a family vacation destination and special events venue. Owned and operated by the Kaldahl family since 1926, our beautiful lakeside resort and its accompanying properties offer a unique environment for events and vacations. Open seasonally from May through the end of September, Fair Hills hosts over 50 events each year and 10 weeks of all-inclusive family vacations. Fair Hills offers opportunities to gain experience in a variety of divisions across multiple industries, mainly pertaining to Hospitality, Business and Golf.
Fair Hills has a rich history and tradition rooted in music. One of the most well known events at the resort is the Hootenanny show on Tuesday nights. Performed by our very own staff, the Hootenanny is a favorite to all to be involved in or watch! We encourage all our staff to be involved in the Hootenanny as it is the longest running musical in the upper midwest and an integral way to bond with your fellow staff! Whether you are musically inclined or not, the Hootenanny is for everyone. Fair Hills also offers other talent outlets; Staff vs. Guest volleyball, Staff Talent Show, Karaoke, Yoga & Fitness Classes, etc. We love to showcase the talents and skills of the team!