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Special Event Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, Special Events

Stamford, CT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

As Director, Special Events, you will lead the strategy, development, and execution of the brand ... Ensure every event reflects vineyard vines' elevated brand standards while delivering memorable ...

Special Event Staff

Montclair, NJ · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • PTO

Under the general direction of the Enrichment & Family Director the Special Event Staff employee is responsible for interacting with the children ensuring their safety and well-being. OUR CULTURE:  ...

Assistant Director, Special Events Reports to Position : Director, Special Events Scope of ... event goals and revenue targets. In addition, the Assistant Director manages the day-to-day ...

Director, Special Events

Stamford, CT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

As Director, Special Events, you will lead the strategy, development, and execution of the brand ... Ensure every event reflects vineyard vines' elevated brand standards while delivering memorable ...

Director, Special Events

Little Rock, AR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Director of Special Events reports to the Executive Director of Donor Relations. The Director plans, executes, manages and coordinates all special events for Institutional Advancement. The ...

Showing results 41-60

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 16, 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.

STUDENT - Special Event Manager

Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Ithaca College rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Come join the Conference and Events Services Team as a Special Events Manager!
  • Must possess outstanding problem solving, communication and customer service skills.
  • Must be flexible and collaborative and willing to work with a variety of clients (faculty, students and staff) and accommodate their event related requests.
  • Oversee and manage events planned by the Conference and Event Services office staff.
  • Assist service providing departments/individuals in the provision of services as requested in the event summary.
  • Ensure the delivery of services requested for an event, including but not limited to set-up, audio-visual service, catering, parking, security, etc.
  • Be prepared to assist in providing set-up, audio-visual and other event related equipment or services as is necessary.
  • Resolve any on-site logistical issues regarding services as outlined in the event summary.
  • Assist clients prior to and during events - making sure that their event needs are met.
  • Maintain a safe and secure environment for all people attending an event.
  • Educate others and enforce college policies that may be related to the event and/or use of the facilities.
  • Document and evaluate each event for information as well as planning purposes for the full-time staff.
  • Understand how to use 25Live scheduling system for advanced search functions to access meeting and event location and time information.
  • Attend weekly meetings, as well as training several times each semester and in the fall and spring, prior to the start of classes.
  • Ability to work late nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Must be able to do all of the above independently with little to no direct supervision.

Pay Rate: $16.00
Hiring Manager: Peter Alario
About Us
Ithaca College's student employment program offers meaningful experiential learning opportunities that develop transferable skills sought by employers across various industries. These positions allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world professional settings, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.
It is advised that applicants apply attaching both a resume and cover letter. Application screening will begin immediately. For assistance with the application process, contact Student Employment at StudentEmployment@ithaca.edu.
For more information about student employment or specific job inquiries, visit our website or contact the hiring manager listed on the job posting.

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