Associate Director, Event Execution - Chicago/Houston

American Cancer Society•Chicago, IL

4d•Remote

About The Position

The Associate Director, Event Execution translates enterprise strategy into actionable plans and leads the successful delivery of a portfolio of market-based fundraising events. This player-coach leads a team while actively contributing to execution across key phases of event delivery. The role oversees teams planning and executing events from initiation through evaluation, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to established standards and best practices. It provides day-to-day leadership, prioritization, and performance oversight while fostering a collaborative team environment that delivers high-quality event experiences. This is a fully remote position with a required base in Chicago or Houston, and regular travel to events and related meetings is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least 2 years of related event and fundraising experience.
Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of complex events and ensure high-quality execution.
Strong leadership and coaching skills, with experience managing and developing team members.
Ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and drive execution across multiple events.
Strong project management skills, including managing timelines, budgets, and competing priorities.
Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and align stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
Experience managing vendors, contracts, and event operations.
Strong problem-solving skills, including anticipating risks and implementing solutions.
Effective communication skills, including providing clear direction, updates, and feedback.
Ability to build relationships with internal partners, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
Strong attention to detail while maintaining focus on overall event quality and outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Large-complex event management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead execution of a portfolio of priority events, ensuring delivery aligns with strategy, standards, and revenue goals.
Manage and develop event staff, providing day-to-day direction, coaching, and performance oversight.
Oversee event planning and execution across teams, including project management, vendor coordination, budgeting, and on-site operations, stepping in as needed.
Drive cross-functional coordination to ensure alignment, communication, and successful delivery of all event components.
Monitor progress, risks, and performance across events; ensure timely reporting and facilitate post-event evaluations to improve future execution.
Support sponsorship and partner experience execution in collaboration with internal stakeholders.