Special Events Project Director

Spears Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading events management company is seeking a Special Events Project Director to lead large-scale events and manage sponsorships. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience, strong leadership skills, and a background in budget management. This role involves comprehensive planning, execution, and evaluation of events, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience managing large-scale events, festivals, or experiential marketing projects.
• Demonstrated success in sponsorship management, brand activations, or partnership development.
• Strong background in budget management, contract negotiation, and vendor coordination.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable working evenings and weekends as required for event schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of large-scale events.
• Oversee budgets, ensuring financial accountability and maximizing ROI.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure cohesive event branding.
• Direct event teams and vendors through project plans and deadlines.
• Develop and manage sponsor relationships.
• Lead all on-site event operations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership skills

Resourcefulness

Problem-solving

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications or related field

Job description

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Job Title: Special Events Project Director

Location: Houston, TX

Reports To: CEO/ Executive Producer

Employment Type: Contract-Temporary-Full-Time- Six Months

Position Overview

The Special Events Project Director is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for the planning, execution, and success of large-scale events, festivals, and branded experiences. This role oversees all aspects of event management — from creative development and logistics to sponsor relations and on-site production — ensuring each project delivers exceptional experiences that align with client goals and organizational standards.

The ideal candidate is a visionary project manager with a proven track record of leading complex, high-impact events from concept to completion. They thrive in fast-paced environments, balance creativity with precision, and excel at building strong relationships with sponsors, vendors, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of large-scale events, festivals, and corporate experiences.
• Develop event concepts, timelines, and production plans that align with organizational and client objectives.
• Oversee budgets, ensuring financial accountability and maximizing ROI for both clients and sponsors.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and creative teams to ensure cohesive event branding and delivery.

Project & Team Management

• Direct event teams, vendors, and contractors through detailed project plans, deliverables, and deadlines.
• Establish and manage workflows, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and projects stay on track.
• Anticipate challenges, identify solutions, and maintain calm under pressure in dynamic, fast-changing environments.

Sponsorship & Partnership Management

• Develop and manage sponsor relationships, from acquisition and contract negotiation to activation and post-event reporting.
• Work closely with partners to ensure brand integration and fulfillment of all sponsorship deliverables.
• Identify new partnership opportunities that enhance event impact and community engagement.

Event Execution & Production

• Lead all on-site event operations, including setup, production schedules, and event-day management.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, permitting, and vendor requirements.
• Deliver a seamless, high-quality attendee and partner experience that reflects brand excellence.

Post-Event Evaluation

• Conduct post-event assessments, including budget reconciliation, ROI analysis, and impact reporting.
• Gather stakeholder feedback and apply learnings to future projects for continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years of experience managing large-scale events, festivals, or experiential marketing projects.
• Demonstrated success in sponsorship management, brand activations, or partnership development.
• Strong background in budget management, contract negotiation, and vendor coordination.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working evenings and weekends as required for event schedules.
• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications or related field preferred.

Key Attributes

• Strategic thinker with an eye for creative detail.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• Resourceful, proactive, and results-driven.
• Passion for creating memorable, meaningful event experiences.