Events Specialist

Wayfair; Wilmette (IL); On-site; USD 23,419 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discount

Parental leave

Job summary

Wayfair Stores is seeking a Community Event Specialist in Wilmette, IL to bring our brand to life through engaging, community‑focused events, manage supplier demos to local gatherings, and support in-store promotions and visual merchandising.

Reporting to the Manager of People & Community, you’ll lead event execution, coordinate logistics, manage staffing, capture social content with Marketing, and collaborate across teams to align events with business priorities.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of event execution, hospitality, community engagement, or customer-facing experience.
• Strong organization skills and the ability to manage event logistics and lead staff from start to finish.
• Team leadership experience directing small teams and coordinating vendors during fast-paced events.
• Excellent communication, engaging both new and existing customers, partners, and senior leaders with warmth and clarity.
• Creative problem-solving, detail-oriented with a passion for people, events, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Independent, adaptable, and energized by fast-moving, high-impact environments.
• Proficiency with mobile photography, taking well-composed, scroll-stopping photos using a phone.
• Flexible availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays to support event and store needs.
• Travel readiness: comfortable with up to 50% travel, typically within a 50-mile radius.

Responsibilities

• Operate as “One Team”: support Wayfair’s total store goals by cross-training across key store functions, including sales and back-of-house operations.
• Event Support & Execution: support and deliver engaging in-store and external community events that boost brand visibility and drive foot traffic.
• Logistics Management: coordinate setup, breakdown, staffing, and vendor needs to ensure smooth, successful events.
• Customer Engagement: serve as the main contact during events, answering questions and ensuring a positive experience and impression of Wayfair.
• Promotional Oversight: manage distribution and tracking of promotional materials and coupons accurately.
• Content Creation Instincts: capture and help create engaging social media content in partnership with the Marketing team.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: work closely with leadership, store support teams, new store openings, and People Operations to align event goals with business priorities.

Skills

Event execution

Hospitality experience

Community engagement

Customer service

Team leadership

Communication skills

Mobile photography

Job description

Salary

$20.00 per hour is a fixed entry rate for new hires. Future pay increases are determined by performance, growth, and time in role, in accordance with our compensation policy.

Overview

As a Community Event Specialist for Wayfair Stores, you’ll bring our brand to life through engaging, community‑focused events that drive customer traffic and local awareness. Reporting to the Manager of People & Community, you’ll lead event execution from supplier demos to community gatherings while ensuring seamless logistics and staffing. Beyond events, you’ll support in‑store promotions, sales, events, and visual merchandising to keep the store environment fresh and inviting. This role is your chance to own how Wayfair connects with customers and communities through memorable experiences.

What Does a Community Event Specialist Do?

• Operate as “One Team”: support Wayfair’s total store goals by cross‑training across key store functions, including sales and back‑of‑house operations.
• Event Support & Execution: support and deliver engaging in‑store and external community events that boost brand visibility and drive foot traffic.
• Logistics Management: coordinate setup, breakdown, staffing, and vendor needs to ensure smooth, successful events.
• Customer Engagement: serve as the main contact during events, answering questions and ensuring a positive experience and impression of Wayfair.
• Promotional Oversight: manage distribution and tracking of promotional materials and coupons accurately.
• Content Creation Instincts: capture and help create engaging social media content in partnership with the Marketing team.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: work closely with leadership, store support teams, new store openings, and People Operations to align event goals with business priorities.

You’ll Thrive In This Role If You Have

• 1‑2 years of event execution, hospitality, community engagement, or customer‑facing experience.
• Strong organization skills and the ability to manage event logistics and lead staff from start to finish.
• Team leadership experience directing small teams and coordinating vendors during fast‑paced events.
• Excellent communication, engaging both new and existing customers, partners, and senior leaders with warmth and clarity.
• Creative problem‑solving, detail‑oriented with a passion for people, events, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Independent, adaptable, and energized by fast‑moving, high‑impact environments.
• Proficiency with mobile photography, taking well‑composed, scroll‑stopping photos using a phone.
• Flexible availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays to support event and store needs.
• Travel readiness: comfortable with up to 50% travel, typically within a 50‑mile radius.

Additional Physical And Environmental Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, and reaching; occasional sitting, climbing, balancing, and crawling.
• Frequent stooping, kneeling, and crouching throughout the day.
• Lifting ability: lift and move up to 50 lbs independently on a regular basis; heavier items may require assistance or equipment.
• Vision requirements: close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception and focus adjustment.
• Temperature flexibility: comfortable in varied temperature conditions.
• Noise tolerance: exposure to moderate noise levels and physical activity.
• Safety awareness: minimal exposure to workplace hazards; adherence to all safety protocols.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with opportunities for performance‑based increases.
• Career growth through professional development and advancement opportunities.
• Health benefits from day one: medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off accruing immediately.
• 401(k) with company match up to 4%.
• Tuition reimbursement after 6 months of employment.
• Wayfair employee discount up to 30% on most products and 10% off in‑store restaurant.
• Parental leave options, paid and unpaid, to support growing families.
• Additional benefits available to full‑time and part‑time employees (detailed information from recruiter).

Assistance For Individuals With Disabilities

Wayfair is fully committed to providing equal opportunities for all individuals, including those with disabilities. We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified applicants unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on business operations. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please complete our Accommodations for Applicants form.

EEO Statement

Wayfair is a proud equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these factors.