Senior Event Planner

Sentinel; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading event planning company is seeking a Senior Event Planner to oversee the planning and execution of various corporate events. This position requires 5+ years of experience in corporate event planning, strong project management skills, and the ability to handle budgets effectively. Responsibilities include leading event logistics, vendor management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure successful event outcomes. The role is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in corporate event planning or related coordination roles.
• Ability to manage multiple events concurrently.
• Experience managing budgets and financial tracking.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution for internal and external events.
• Develop event concepts, budgets, and schedules.
• Manage event logistics and vendor relationships.

Skills

Project management skills

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving capabilities

Tools

Event management software

Job description

The Senior Event Planner will lead the planning and execution of internal and external events across three business units. This role will play a key part in shaping the experience and impact of conferences, corporate functions, training events, client engagements, and internal organizational milestones.

The Senior Event Planner blends creativity with operational excellence and thrives in a fast-paced environment. They will be responsible for driving the full event lifecycle from concept and content development through logistics, vendor/venue management, scheduling, and budget oversight.

Key Responsibilities

Event Planning & Execution

• Lead planning and execution for internal and external events, including corporate meetings, training events, workshops, retreats, and client-facing programs
• Develop event calendar, concepts content and budget that align with business objectives for each operating unit
• Build and maintain a consolidated, long-term event calendar aligned with organizational priorities
• Evolve event concepts into compelling, brand-aligned experiences that elevate engagement and outcomes
• Advise on content development, speaker curation, agendas, session flow, and audience experience
• Partner with senior leaders across business units to define event strategy, objectives, themes, and success metrics
• Identify, negotiate, and secure venues and services while ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality standards
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships
• Develop event budgets and track costs to maintain financial accountabilities
• Provide regular budget forecasts and post-event financial summaries

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal stakeholders, including leadership and business unit teams, to understand event objectives and deliverables
• Coordinate event materials, speakers, training facilitators, and internal contributors as needed

Operational Excellence

• Manage timelines, logistics, contracts, permits, and compliance requirements
• Provide on-site event management and day-of coordination
• Capture event feedback and data to continually improve process and experience

Qualifications

Experience & Skill

• 5+ years of professional experience in corporate event planning, meeting planning, or related coordination roles (training events preferred)
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events concurrently
• Excellent interpersonal and vendor negotiation skills
• Detail-oriented, proactive mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities
• Comfortable working directly with executive leadership with a high level of discretion

Technical

• Proficiency with calendars, scheduling tools, and event management software
• Comfortable managing budgets and financial tracking
• Familiarity with audio-visual production needs and vendor coordination

Preferred

• Experience supporting cross-functional teams or multiple business units