Events Manager - Contract

Dallas, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Work Schedule

Fixed Shifts

Benefits

potential for full-time employment

Flat per-event project fee

Flexible project-based schedule

Opportunity to work with a leading media company

Networking within the Dallas-Fort Worth events industry

Job Description

D Magazine Partners is a renowned media company based in Dallas, Texas, known for its influential publications such as D Magazine, D Home, and D Weddings. With a strong foothold in the local market, the company focuses on delivering quality content related to lifestyle, real estate, home design, and weddings through its highly regarded magazines and digital platforms. D Magazine Partners is dedicated to producing high-impact events that complement its editorial offerings, engaging a broad community of readers, professionals, and local businesses throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As a dynamic media company, they continually seek innovative ways to connect with their audience and strengthen their brand presence through memorable, well-executed events.

The Events Manager role at D Magazine Partners is a project-based 1099 contract position that offers an exciting opportunity to lead the planning, production, and execution of the remainder of the 2026 event portfolio. The contract role is designed to manage marquee events across the company’s flagship brands, including the prestigious Best Real Estate Agents, Best Doctors & Pediatric Specialists, and Best of Big D events. This engagement spans from June 2026 through the end of the year with no guaranteed minimum term, as each event is individually scoped, contracted, and compensated via a flat fee. The contractor is responsible for all aspects of event production from venue booking to post-event documentation, requiring an on-site presence during events and some in-office collaboration with the internal marketing and events teams.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Marketing & Events, the contractor will function alongside the internal events team, including the in-house Events Manager and event coordinators, as well as a dedicated intern team. Although the contractor has no direct reports, strong coordination skills and an ability to lead cross-functional communication with editorial, sales, marketing, venues, vendors, and sponsors are essential for success in the role.

This position demands seasoned expertise in managing comprehensive event lifecycles in a corporate or consumer context, highlighting experience in sponsor activations and vendor negotiations. Successful candidates will demonstrate financial acumen to optimize budgets while delivering superior event experiences. Proficiency in event registration platforms such as Accelevents and SquadUP, alongside strong Microsoft Office skills, is required.

Given the complexity and prestige of the events handled, candidates must bring excellent organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and a calm, decisive approach to dynamic event environments. The role is ideal for someone with existing connections in the Dallas-Fort Worth event industry and a passion for delivering high-quality event experiences.

Strong performers during the contract period may be considered for a full-time, benefits-eligible role beginning in 2027, offering a longer-term career path within the company. This position requires candidates to reside in the DFW area and have reliable personal transportation due to the on-site nature of event execution. Compensation is provided on a per-event project fee basis, with all expenses and taxes managed independently by the contractor. This contract opportunity is ideal for an experienced events professional looking for flexible, project-based work with potential for future full-time employment within a vibrant media organization.

Job Requirements

Minimum five years of relevant event production experience
Proven ability to manage all phases of corporate and consumer events
Strong negotiation skills for vendor contracts
Experience managing event budgets
Excellent project management capability
Outstanding communication skills
Must reside in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
Must have reliable personal transportation
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and some in-office days for meetings
Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite
Familiarity with event registration software

Job Qualifications

Minimum five years of experience producing corporate, B2B, or large-scale consumer events
Proven track record managing end-to-end event production including venues, vendors, budgets, and on-site execution
Strong business and financial acumen to negotiate contracts and manage budgets
Excellent project management and organizational skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities with a hospitality-oriented approach
Ability to think strategically while executing tactically
Calm and decisive under pressure
Existing relationships within the Dallas-Fort Worth event industry preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Experience with event registration platforms such as Accelevents and SquadUP

Job Duties

Plan and produce end-to-end event production including venue booking, run-of-show, seating, signage, attendee experience, speaker coordination, catering, event design, materials, and on-site execution
Select, negotiate, and manage vendors including catering, AV, rentals, photography, valet, decor, and printing
Deliver sponsor activation executions in coordination with the sales team
Manage invitations, registrations, and guest experience including RSVP platforms and on-site check-in
Track and manage event budgets with detailed reporting to senior leadership
Coordinate cross-functionally with editorial, sales, marketing, venues, vendors, and sponsors
Participate in setup, execution, and strike with physical on-site presence for event days
Maintain documentation such as vendor contacts, run-of-show templates, and post-event reports
Engage in event-specific planning meetings with internal teams and sales