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Special Event Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Chef Agency

Events Director

New York, NY · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

The Event Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing private events, corporate functions, social gatherings, and special experiences across a restaurant group's portfolio. This ...

the Chef Agency

Events Director

New York, NY · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

The Event Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing private events, corporate functions, social gatherings, and special experiences across a restaurant group's portfolio. This ...

SouthWest Transit

Special Event Staff

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Special Event Supervisor opens/closes the SWT park and ride facility/fairground area they are ... Direct passengers from the parking ramp or fairgrounds to the bus boarding area. * Assist ...

Strasburg Rail Road Company

Special Event Personnel

Ronks, PA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... and special offerings. Event Staff serve the company and its guests by fulfilling a variety of ... Direct traffic and/or the parking of vehicles. Greet guests as they enter the event and respective ...

Strasburg Rail Road

Special Event Personnel

Ronks, PA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... and special offerings. Event Staff serve the company and its guests by fulfilling a variety of ... Direct traffic and/or the parking of vehicles. Greet guests as they enter the event and respective ...

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Special Event Director information

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$32.5K

$78.2K

$140K

How much do special event director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 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 is the highest paying job in the event industry?

In the event industry, high-level roles such as Chief Event Officer or Executive Producer typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and often involve overseeing large-scale events and managing teams. Compensation varies based on company size, location, and individual expertise.

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 is the highest salary of an event manager?

The highest salaries for event managers can reach over $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in large organizations or high-cost regions. Senior event managers or directors overseeing large-scale events often earn the top end of this range, with additional compensation from bonuses or profit sharing.

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

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 is the highest salary for an event planner?

The highest salaries for event planners, including those in senior or executive roles like Special Event Directors, can exceed $100,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, large-scale event management, or working for high-paying organizations. Top earners often have advanced certifications, strong vendor relationships, and skills in budgeting and logistics.

What does a director of special events do?

A director of special events plans, coordinates, and oversees the execution of events such as conferences, fundraisers, and celebrations. They manage logistics, budgets, vendors, and staff to ensure successful event delivery, often requiring strong organizational and communication skills.
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:
Special Event Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Event Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,224 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Director of Special Events

Fussball Club Cincinnati LLC ("FC Cincinnati")

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Director of Special Events  

Department: Special Events  

Reports to: VP of Events 

Job Summary 

The Director of Special Events, reporting to the Vice President of Events, will be a key member of the TQL Stadium events team, focused on special events as a revenue driver  This role is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and development of the special events team, developing and executing strategic sales plans, projecting sales, and defining  clear sales goals and then delivering on them. Additionally, the Director will manage marketing and event development programs aimed at attracting new business while nurturing existing client relationships. The position demands a go-getting attitude and innovative solutions to deliver exceptional experiences and exceed client expectations, contributing significantly to the overall success of TQL Stadium's special events revenue. 

What You'll Do: 

  • Serve as a key driver of TQL Stadium special event revenue, identifying and securing opportunities across events ranging from, but not limited to, 20-5,000 guests to meet and exceed annual sales targets established in partnership with the Vice President of Events.
  • Negotiate contract terms for special events at the stadium. Ensure all contractual obligations from both parties are delivered upon. 
  • Lead proactive outbound sales efforts to identify, pursue, and convert new special events business with corporate clients, nonprofit organizations, and event agencies.
  • Collaborate and effectively communicate with the Stadium and Event Operations teams alongwith various other teams, including, but not limited to, Sales, Finance & Accounting, Guest Experience, Security, Turf Operations, Audio/Visual, and Housekeeping, to meet client expectations and deliver successful events. 
  • Administer and negotiate contracts with outside vendors as appropriate. 
  • Manage, coach, and develop the Special Events team, including the Special Event Sales Coordinator, Special Event Specialist, and part-time staff, to support professional growth and team success.
  • Assist the Stadium GM and Vice President of Events in the process of vetting and bidding for potential future stadium wide events, including event financial models. 
  • Work with the Stadium and Event Operations teams to keep detailed event files up to date, including all necessary information such as catering menus, internal equipment lists, staffing details, third-party contracts, and audio-visual capabilities. 
  • Work cross-functionally with Stadium and Event Operations teams to ensure all event needs are clearly defined, coordinated, and delivered successfully.
  • Collaborate with TQL Stadium's hospitality provider, Levy Restaurants, before, during, and after each event to provide the client with a seamless experience between event operations and catering. 
  • Foster customer loyalty and deliver a positive and memorable event experience through regular meetings. 
  • Create, track, and maintain all proposals and invoicing for prospective clients, detailing the progress of the sales process.
  • Represent FC Cincinnati and its related affiliates in a professional manner at all times.
  • Perform other related tasks as assigned.

What You'll Need: 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Marketing or another related field required.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of increasing responsibility in special event sealing and sales team management experience
  • Experience working in a stadium or unique venue atmosphere for various types of events and layouts.
  • Prior budgetary oversight for Operational, Event Settlement required.
  • Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite and other event booking software as appropriate.
  • Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time and occasionally lift, carry and/or drag up to fifty (50) pounds if necessary.

What You'll Bring: 

  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to execute tasks with a high level of accuracy.
  • Experience analyzing stadium event budgets for the bidding process preferred.
  • Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
  • Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays as

Why You'll Love FCC: 

  • Generous paid time off and holiday time 
  • Option for one work from home day per week (by department and schedule)
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401k plan with company match
  • Short-Term & Long-Term DisabilityInsurance
  • Maternity & Paternity Leave and Family Building Benefit
  • Employee Assistance Program and free subscription to the Calm App
  • Discount off merchandise in the FCC team store
  • Community volunteer opportunities
  • Professional development and Frequent team building opportunities
  • Employee recognition programs and referral programs
  • Opportunity for complimentary staff tickets to home FC Cincinnati matches

About FCC 

Founded in 2015, FC Cincinnati is a Major League Soccer team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. After achieving significant growth and success in the United Soccer League, the team joined MLS in 2019. FCC won the 2023 Supporters' Shield - the annual award given to the team with the most points in the regular season - and clinched a spot in the 2023 MLS Playoffs for the second straight year. With a diverse ownership group with strong ties to Cincinnati, the club strives to unite the community both on and off the pitch through FCC Foundation, and its dedication to improving the lives of children through soccer and those in the West End Community . FC Cincinnati are committed to ongoing growth and recognizing the vital importance of company culture.The club's DNA code, created by the staff for the staff, is actively implemented every day. FCC have been recognized locally and nationally as one of Sports Business Journal's Best Places to Work in Sports 2023, named to the Honor List as one of "75 Great Sports Companies to Call Home."; on the Business Courier's Fast 55 as one of Greater Cincinnati's fastest growing private companies; and named to The Enquirer's Top Workplaces 2024.  

Learn More! 

TQL Stadium: learn more 

Mercy Health Training Center: learn more 

MLS NextPro:  learn more 

FC Cincinnati is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

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