Event Planning Director, Dallas

Overview Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us. The American Heart Association has an exciting Event Planning Director position available in our Dallas regional office. The Director of Events is responsible for preparing all event documentation and execution while coordinating with AHA development, property/venue departments, and donors/volunteers to ensure consistent, high-level service experience throughout pre-event, event, and post-event phases of property events. Duties will include management of outside vendor relations that require the ability to make final decisions about elements and logistics of all Greater Dallas area events, including venues, walk routes, fence staging, tenting, banner production and distribution, signage production, and/or premium orders. The Director will need to make independent decisions regarding decorations, room and site set‑up, and production material orders. Attention to detail and management of the production timeline and schedule for collateral materials in the office, e.g., invitations, brochures, and programs, is critical. This will require the ability to negotiate with outside vendors on pricing, paper, print quality, and quantities to the approved budget for the market. This is an office-based position that offers a hybrid schedule. Our office is located in Irving, TX. The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work‑life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award‑winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally. #TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work‑life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs. Responsibilities Vendor Management: research and negotiate to secure the most appropriate and cost‑effective relations with outside vendors To include: obtaining several bids and reviews Venue Management: research and negotiate to secure the most appropriate and cost‑effective relations with venues To include receiving approval of F&B minimums, venue fees and miscellaneous expenses related to the venue Creating a menu within budget Day‑of‑Event Management: To include decorations, set up and tear down management and/or execution Budget Management: track direct expenses for FY and EY across all events Submitting invoices in a timely manner and staying in line on the budget targets Timeline Management: responsible for overall communication timing and schedules and collateral timelines and deadlines for all events Volunteer Management: determine amount of volunteer support for each event and create job descriptions, on‑site volunteer management, work with event chairs to achieve their overall look and feel of the event. Contractor Management: work closely with Heart Walk independent contractors on all specific walk logistics Position requires periodic travel throughout the designated local markets in the Greater Dallas area Qualifications University/College degree or equivalent experience 3 years of relevant experience in event logistics & event management. Prior vendor and volunteer management experience a plus. Knowledge of the principles and practices of complex meeting management. Excellent verbal and written business communications skills. Ability to anticipate and satisfy customer needs; to work independently and take initiative; to solve problems creatively and effectively; to meet and interact with all levels of American Heart Association staff and volunteers. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, knowledge of database programs a plus. Proficiency in design (Canva preferred). Able to lift at least 20 lbs. from the ground to waist level with or without reasonable accommodations. Ability to work evenings/weekends, when necessary, with reliable transportation. Compensation & Benefits The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details. Compensation: Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed. Performance and Recognition: You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs. Benefits: We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well‑being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation. Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule. Work‑Life Harmonization: The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year. Tuition Assistance: We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization. The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are. At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities. In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment. EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities Location: Irving, TX #J-18808-Ljbffr