Sr. Events Planner (Special Events)

Inside Higher Ed; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 53,800 - 94,400; Full time

Job summary

A higher education media company in Baltimore is seeking an experienced Senior Events Planner to manage complex organizational events. The role includes coordinating logistics, managing budgets and providing support to leadership. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree and at least four years of related experience. This position offers a starting salary range of $53,800 - $94,400 annually, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Four years of related experience, preferably in higher education.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Experience managing large conferences or events preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute complex events with internal and external impact.
• Develop and manage budgets, contracts, and financial records.
• Coordinate catering and site arrangements for events.

Skills

Budgeting

Event Planning

Guest Relations

Invoicing

Menu Planning

Public Relations

Vendor Management

Vendor Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Social Tables

InitLive

Formstack

Eventbrite

Cvent

Boomset

Teams

Zoom

IBM Player

Job description

Sr. Events Planner (Special Events) – Inside Higher Ed

We are seeking an experienced Senior Events Planner to independently conceptualize, implement, manage, and evaluate organizational events. The role involves complex logistics, including international travel, high‑profile guests, and enhanced security requirements, while upholding and enhancing the JHU brand. The Planner will serve as a resource to managers and employees throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute medium‑to‑large, complex divisional/departmental/organizational events with broad internal and external impact.
• Develop and manage event budgets, commit funds, finalize contracts, and maintain accurate financial records in the system.
• Create and enforce procedures and protocols for events and venue usage.
• Identify policy improvements and provide effective recommendations related to event planning.
• Collaborate with leadership to plan campus and off‑site events, including theme development, communication strategy, venue selection, and event flows.
• Produce project schedules, manage timelines, and ensure the accuracy of invitations, RSVPs, programs, and related details (e.g., dietary requirements).
• Coordinate catering, rentals, custodial services, flowers, and other site arrangements.
• Maintain inventory of event supplies, approve invoices and expenses, and manage vendor relationships.
• Develop an annual calendar of events and support marketing & communications in designing promotion plans, including social media and collateral.
• Recruit, prep speakers, develop agendas, manage guest lists, and provide day‑of support or train staff as needed.
• Create inclusive, accessible event experiences and prepare briefings, status updates, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends as required.

Digital Events & Production

• Maintain knowledge of industry software (Social Tables, InitLive, Formstack, Eventbrite, Cvent, Boomset) to improve planning processes.
• Train colleagues and stakeholders on digital platforms to enhance event experience.
• Use Teams, Zoom, and IBM Player to facilitate virtual events, live streams, podcasts, and other broadcasts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Four years of related experience, preferably in higher education or comparable setting.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience as allowed by JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing large conferences, symposiums, or national events in higher education or related fields.
• Experience in technical production for large‑scale events.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) through the Convention and Industry Council (CIC).

Technical Skills & Proficiency

• Budgeting – Intermediate
• Event Planning – Intermediate
• Guest Relations – Intermediate
• Invoicing – Intermediate
• Menu Planning – Intermediate
• Public Relations – Intermediate
• Vendor Management – Intermediate
• Vendor Relationship Management – Intermediate

Compensation

Starting Salary Range: $53,800 - $94,400 Annually (target $74,100). Salary is commensurate with experience.

Employment Details

Position Type: Full‑time
Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:30 – 5:00
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid – School of Nursing

Benefits

Johns Hopkins offers a comprehensive total‑rewards package supporting health, life, career, and retirement. For detailed information, visit https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Accommodation Information

Contact the Talent Acquisition Office at [e-mail] for assistance or accommodations during the pre‑employment process. For additional accessibility resources, visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements

All faculty, staff, and students must receive the seasonal flu vaccine unless a medical or religious exemption is granted. Requests for an exemption must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.

EEO is the Law

Refer to the EEOC guidelines: EEOC E-Book.