Event Director

Planning Center

21h•$130,000 - $150,000•Remote

About The Position

Planning Center exists to help churches build stronger, more connected communities. Since 2006, over 80,000 churches have trusted our tools to care for their people—whether that’s communicating with their congregation, organizing important information, or coordinating the details that make ministry happen. We’re an independent, profitable company with no outside investors. That means we get to focus on building products thoughtfully, caring for our team well, and making decisions for the long term. Our team is fully remote, working together daily through tools like Slack, Asana, Linear, Notion, and Zoom. Three times a year, we gather in Carlsbad, CA to connect in person, strengthen relationships, and align on where we’re headed. As the Event Director, you'll own strategy and execution for large-scale, in-person customer events from planning through show day. Leading a small team, you’ll partner closely with the Director of Marketing and company leadership to turn ambitious ideas into high-impact experiences for tens of thousands of churches.

Requirements

Several years of experience owning strategy and execution for a software company's user conference (experience with general event planning, hospitality, church conferences, and weddings will not translate)
Track record managing complex logistics (e.g., venues, AV, F&B, registration, show flow) for large-scale events
Experience selecting and managing contractors and vendors, holding partners accountable to budget and vision
Experience developing sponsorship/exhibitor packages and driving sponsor sales for a conference or similar event, including managing those relationships through fulfillment
Comfortability translating vision into concrete plans, budgets, and timelines
Demonstrated ability to coach and manage direct reports while carrying heavy individual ownership
Calm, organized, and decisive presence under pressure
Strong communication skills to clearly represent vision internally and externally

Responsibilities

Own events end-to-end: format, program, venue, logistics, and overall show flow
Translate vision and goals set by the Director of Marketing and company leadership into a concrete plan, schedule, and budget
Select and manage all vendors and contractors (e.g., venue, production, AV, catering), negotiating contracts within the approved budget
Run the show on site, coordinating every moving part with company staff and third parties
Build the systems and processes that support strong, repeatable events over time
Own sponsorship and exhibitor strategy, packaging, and pricing
Drive sponsor and exhibitor sales, sourcing and closing partners
Manage sponsor and exhibitor relationships and fulfillment before, during, and after events
Work with the Event Marketing Manager to ensure success at other industry events and sponsorships
Support external events during user conference off season
Use the Event Marketing Manager's support (along with contractor and freelance resources) to staff events appropriately
Coach and develop your direct report(s), setting clear goals and feedback
Own execution of the budget allocated by company leadership, including all contractor and vendor negotiations
Build and maintain a trusted network of vendors and freelancers who can support large-scale events
Partner with the Director of Marketing and company leadership on vision and budgets
Coordinate with other Marketing Team members on content, messaging, and materials for events
Report regularly on planning progress, budget status, and key milestones