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Special Events Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEG

Special Events Production Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Lead end-to-end production planning for premium member events, special events, fan experiences, and road-trip activations, ensuring all logistics, vendors, creative elements, and on-site operations ...

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How much do special events planner jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for special events planner in the United States is $30.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Special Events Planner, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and experience in event coordination, often supported by a degree in hospitality or a related field. Familiarity with event management software like Cvent, budgeting tools, and vendor management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills help professionals stand out when managing client expectations and responding to last-minute changes. These skills and qualities are essential to deliver seamless, memorable events that meet client goals and run smoothly under pressure.

What are some common challenges a Special Events Planner faces when coordinating large-scale events, and how are they typically addressed?

Special Events Planners often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, handling last-minute changes, and coordinating with multiple vendors and stakeholders. Effective organization, clear communication, and contingency planning are key strategies used to overcome these obstacles. Planners typically develop detailed timelines, maintain strong vendor relationships, and create backup plans to ensure events run smoothly even when unexpected issues arise. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential to adapting quickly and delivering successful events.

What does a Special Events Planner do?

A Special Events Planner is responsible for organizing and coordinating all aspects of events such as corporate meetings, weddings, fundraisers, and parties. Their duties include budgeting, selecting venues, securing vendors, arranging logistics, and ensuring that events run smoothly from start to finish. They collaborate with clients to understand their vision, manage timelines, and handle any issues that arise during the planning process. Successful Special Events Planners are detail-oriented, creative, and skilled in communication and negotiation.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Special Events Planners can earn around $3,000 a month through freelance or full-time roles, especially with experience and strong organizational skills. Other jobs that typically pay this amount without a degree include sales representatives, administrative assistants, and certain skilled trades like HVAC technicians or delivery drivers, which often require certifications or on-the-job training.

What is the difference between Special Events Planner vs Event Coordinator?

AspectSpecial Events PlannerEvent Coordinator
CredentialsOften requires experience in event planning, certifications like CMP or CSEP are commonMay require similar experience but less emphasis on certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks on planning and designing large or complex events, often with a longer lead timeHandles day-of event logistics, setup, and coordination
Employer & IndustryUsed in hospitality, corporate, nonprofit, and wedding industriesCommonly employed in similar settings, focusing on execution
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare roles to understand planning scope and responsibilitiesOften compared to understand on-the-ground event execution

In summary, Special Events Planners focus on the overall design and planning of events, requiring specific credentials and long-term coordination. Event Coordinators handle the logistics and execution on the event day, often working closely with planners. Both roles are essential in the event industry but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

More about Special Events Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Special Events Planner jobs? Cities with the most Special Events Planner job openings:
What states have the most Special Events Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Special Events Planner jobs include:
Special Events Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Events Planner job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,335 per year, or $30.4 per hour.
Special Events Coordinator

Special Events Coordinator

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

University Of Southern California rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The USC Gould School of Law Events Office is looking for an experienced and detail-oriented event planner to join their team. The Special Events Coordinator is responsible for the strategic development, planning, and execution of a wide range of events throughout the year.
This position will independently manage all aspects of 30-50 events annually, from conception to completion, and prepare detailed post-event reports. The role requires strong administrative and organizational skills, demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and familiarity with list management, website administration, and basic graphic design. The candidate must be an effective communicator - both in writing and in person - and able to work professionally with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
The successful candidate will also play a multi-faceted role to support in the planning and implementation CLE activities and services. The position has a high level of interaction with the 400+ volunteer Committee members and speakers for six annual institutes.
Events may take place on the USC campus or at off-site venues. Local travel will be required, and the candidate must have reliable transportation to run event-related errands and attend off-campus meetings and programs. This is a high-profile position in a collaborative, fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Early mornings, nights and weekend work will be required.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree
  • Experience: 3 years in event planning with substantial administrative responsibilities.
  • Field of Expertise: Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business administration, communications, public relations, or related field. Legal industry knowledge. Experience in higher education. Experience planning and coordinating corporate or large-scale events. Proven leadership and project management abilities. Understanding of all relevant state and local event regulations. Knowledge of local community and vendor landscape.

Job Accountabilities:
80% of effort will be dedicated to the Office of Events:
  • Plan, design, and manage special events from start to finish, serving as the primary liaison between the department and vendors, alumni, donors, speakers, and other stakeholders. Develop event concepts, oversee creation and distribution of promotional materials and invitations, and direct all logistical planning. Maintain comprehensive records of event progress, expenses, and post-event evaluations.
  • Attend and oversee events to ensure execution aligns with plans, resolve issues as they arise, and remain on-site through breakdown and cleanup. Provide guidance to staff and volunteers supporting event operations.
  • Negotiate and contract with vendors for goods and services, ensuring all deliverables meet contractual terms.
  • Build and maintain a strong network of internal and external contacts to support effective event planning.
  • Develop and manage budgets for each event, negotiate financial terms, and authorize expenditures with supervisor oversight.
  • Assess staffing needs for special events and coordinate temporary or additional staff as needed.

20% of effort will be dedicated to the Office of Continuing Legal Education:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for event registration, handling phone and email inquiries, and assisting customers with the registration process.
  • Manage and maintain accurate attendee records, including tracking registration numbers and preparing detailed attendance reports for each event.
  • Generate and organize attendee lists for on-site event check-in, and collect, verify, and input attendance data into internal systems to ensure a smooth registration experience and accurate awarding of continuing education credits.
  • Assist with applying for CLE accreditation through the American Bar Association and set up credit information within internal systems; serve as a liaison to support attendees with accessing their continuing education certificates.

Other Duties:
  • Assist with final exam administration and proctoring at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters and commencement each year.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • A high level of professionalism
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
  • Sound judgment and decision-making skills
  • Discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information and situations
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to frequent interruptions
  • Proficiency with computer systems and software applications
  • Attention to detail and grammar inaccuracies

ATTENTION: Applicants must upload a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this position.
Learn more about our benefits and perks here: https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks/
The Gould School of Law (Gould) considers candidates that demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values. Gould holds a unique position in society, and within the university, as every aspect of these principles are influenced by and can be protected through legal rules and institutions. At Gould, we are proudly committed to maintaining a community in which each person respects the rights of others to live, work, and learn in peace and dignity, to be proud of who and what they are, and to have equal opportunity to realize their full potential as individuals and members of society.
The hourly rate range for this position is $27.00 - $30.90. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
Minimum Experience: 2 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience with special events planning, fundraising management, or alumni and volunteer relations management. Experience with contracts and other legal documentation. Ability to support event planning (e.g., developing concepts, creating and estimating budgets, producing promotional materials). Experience with audio/visual equipment. Excellent organizational skills and ability to maintain multiple schedules. Excellent interpersonal and written and oral communications skills.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$146197.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880

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