Associate director, event execution - chicago/houston

At the American Cancer Society, we're working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Our employees and 1.3 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We are a culture comprised of diverse backgrounds and experience, to better serve our communities.

The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

This is a fully remote position and has a required base in Chicago or Houston.

Responsible for translating enterprise strategy into actionable plans and leading the successful delivery of a portfolio of market-based fundraising events. Serves as a player-coach, leading a team while actively contributing to execution across key phases of event delivery. Oversees teams responsible for planning and executing events from initiation through evaluation, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to established standards and best practices. Provides day-to-day leadership, prioritization, and performance oversight, fostering a high-functioning, collaborative team environment that delivers best-in-class event experiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Leads the execution of a portfolio of priority events, ensuring delivery aligns with strategy, standards, and revenue goals. 30%
• Manages and develops a team of event staff, providing day-to-day direction, coaching, and performance oversight. 25%
• Oversees event planning and execution across teams, including project management, vendor coordination, budgeting, and on-site operations, stepping in as needed. 20%
• Drives cross-functional coordination to ensure alignment, communication, and successful delivery of all event components. 10%
• Monitors progress, risks, and performance across events, ensuring timely reporting and facilitating post-event evaluations to improve future execution. 10%
• Supports sponsorship and partner experience execution in collaboration with internal stakeholders. 5%

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's Degree
• Years of experience: 2+ years related event and fundraising experience; large-complex event management preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:

• Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of complex events and ensure high-quality execution.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills, with experience managing and developing team members.
• Ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and drive execution across multiple events.
• Strong project management skills, including managing timelines, budgets, and competing priorities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and align stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Experience managing vendors, contracts, and event operations.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate risks and implement solutions.
• Effective communication skills, including providing clear direction, updates, and feedback.
• Ability to build relationships with internal partners, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining focus on overall event quality and outcomes.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Regular travel to events and related meetings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

No specific physical requirements

The starting rate is $85,000 to $95,000. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.