American Heart Association logo

Event Planning Director

Portland, OR, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Tuition Assistance
employee wellness program
Employee assistance program

Job Description

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a prominent nonprofit organization founded in 1924, dedicated to reducing cardiovascular disease and improving overall heart health across the United States. Over the decades, the AHA has been a trailblazer in cutting cardiovascular deaths in half by advancing scientific research, advocating for sound public health policies, and providing education and resources to millions of people. The organization operates with a passionate mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Through its wide array of programs and campaigns, the AHA targets major health challenges concerning cardiovascular and brain health, ensuring that impactful solutions reach communities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic status.

The American Heart Association is currently seeking an experienced Event Planning Director to join their team in Portland, Oregon. This hybrid position involves working at least one day weekly from the Portland office, with flexibility for increased on-site presence during peak event seasons and local travel for venue visits and event execution. The Event Planning Director plays a crucial role in driving the success of the association's fundraising campaigns by developing, managing, and implementing events that meet revenue, volunteer engagement, and health impact goals. This position requires a strategic thinker with excellent project management skills who can oversee all aspects of event planning—from conceptual design, vendor selection, and contract negotiation to budget management and execution.

In this role, you will work closely with internal partners across Development and Communications & Marketing teams to create innovative and engaging event experiences that align with the AHA's branding and mission. The Event Planning Director is responsible for managing event budgets meticulously to ensure expenses remain within approved limits and for optimizing resource allocation for maximum efficiency. They also lead volunteer recruitment, orientation, and management efforts for events, ensuring staff and volunteer collaboration drives high-quality experiences for attendees. By proactively evaluating event processes and continuously seeking improvements, this leader helps elevate event effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

The American Heart Association is highly committed to supporting its employees' personal and professional growth, offering access to Heart U, their award-winning corporate university, and additional professional development resources. Employees are encouraged to thrive within a culture committed to work-life balance and inclusivity, underscoring the philosophy of #TheAHALife that values being seen, heard, and valued. This role offers competitive compensation with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, retirement plans with employer match, paid time off, tuition assistance, and much more, ensuring the Event Planning Director can perform at their best while maintaining well-being.

Joining the American Heart Association means becoming part of a movement that is dedicated to advancing health equity and combating cardiovascular disease through innovative solutions and community involvement. Your work as the Event Planning Director will directly contribute to life-saving initiatives and the ongoing success of fundraising campaigns that empower the AHA to deliver on its bold 2028 goals. If you are a proactive, detail-oriented event professional driven by impact and community, this position offers a unique opportunity to use your skills in the service of a healthier future for all.

Job Requirements

  • Minimum of three years experience in event management
  • ability to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines
  • excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • problem-solving aptitude
  • project management skills in a dynamic environment
  • experience with organizational change management
  • negotiation skills
  • university or college degree or equivalent experience

Job Qualifications

  • Minimum of three years experience in special events management
  • demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple projects
  • highly effective interpersonal and communication skills
  • proven problem-solving skills
  • effective project and event management skills
  • experience managing change and creating contingency plans
  • experience in negotiating services and managing service level agreements
  • university or college degree or equivalent experience
  • knowledge of American Heart Association standards preferred
  • experience with sales or fundraising strategies preferred
  • experience managing staff and volunteers preferred

Job Duties

  • Plans, manages and implements assigned events
  • researches, secures, manages and evaluates vendors
  • collaborates with Development and Communications & Marketing teams to design event materials
  • provides staff leadership in volunteer recruitment and management
  • ensures delivery of sponsor benefits and develops innovative sponsor activations
  • secures necessary permits
  • manages customer and campaign information in systems
  • provides general operations support including processing mail and donations
  • communicates and coordinates with staff and volunteers to meet campaign goals

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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