Position Overview
The Senior Event Specialist is a key leader within Encore’s Event Design & Decor Department, responsible for independently managing and designing events from concept to execution. This includes both external client events and internal Encore-led initiatives. The role combines strategic thinking, creative vision, and operational expertise to deliver impactful event experiences that align with brand goals and elevate the attendee experience.
Senior Event Specialists lead the development of creative concepts, design execution, vendor coordination, and on-site management, while also mentoring junior staff and contributing to department growth.
Key Job Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Execution
- Lead end-to-end management of assigned events, including design and execution for both Encore-produced and client events.
- Translate creative briefs into high-impact, visually compelling events.
- Manage timelines, budgets, and detailed workback schedules.
- Act as the on-site lead for installations and live event execution, ensuring alignment with the vision and event goals.
- Anticipate and resolve issues with agility and professionalism.
Event Design
- Create custom design concepts, floorplans, mood boards, and visual presentations for internal Encore events and external client projects.
- Design visual elements such as staging, signage, floral, furniture layouts, and thematic décor.
- Ensure cohesive storytelling and brand alignment in all design aspects.
- Collaborate with the internal creative team, production, and digital departments to bring designs to life.
- Maintain awareness of industry trends to develop fresh, innovative design approaches.
Client & Vendor Management
- Serve as the lead contact for assigned clients, offering creative direction and ongoing communication.
- Source and manage vendors for décor, floral, rentals, entertainment, and more.
- Oversee all procurement processes including purchase orders, quoting, and invoicing.
- Cultivate strong relationships with venues and partners to enhance execution capabilities.
Team Collaboration & Mentorship
- Guide and mentor Junior Event Specialists and Coordinators in both design and logistics.
- Support onboarding and knowledge sharing within the department.
- Collaborate closely with production, sales, and digital teams to ensure seamless delivery.
Reporting & Tools
- Track and report on project performance using Polaris, Resource Manager, SmartSheet, and Microsoft Office tools.
- Support month-end reporting and department planning.
- Lead inventory strategy for design elements and décor items in collaboration with warehouse teams.
Job Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in a related field is preferred but not required.
- 4–6 years of experience in event design, planning, or production.
- Experience managing projects ranging from $60K to $250K+ is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to design and manage both internal and external events.
- Strong visual storytelling and design sensibility.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Experience with Microsoft Office; Polaris and SmartSheet knowledge an asset.
- Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously with creativity and precision.
Competency Group
Deliver World Class Service
Do The Right Thing
- Demonstrates Self-Awareness
Drive Results
See The Big Picture
- Decision Quality
- Manages Complexity
Value People
Hourly Pay Range: $32.00 - $36.00
The compensation offered for this role is determined based on the qualifications outlined in the job posting for the specified location. Final compensation is based on a number of factors including location, travel, relevant work experience, or particular skills and expertise. In addition, some positions may be eligible for other compensation such as potential overtime, bonuses or incentives.
We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help screen and/or assess applications for this role. These tools analyze information you provide (for example, your résumé or answers to questions using the chat to apply feature) to support our hiring team’s review. All hiring decisions include human judgment.
Work Environment
Hotel
Work is performed in a hotel/convention center environment with moderate exposure to outdoor temperatures and to dirt, sand and/or dust. The working conditions will vary between moderately quiet to noisy volumes. Team members will use high-end audio-visual equipment and electrical components and will be exposed to heights via lifts and ladders. Team members may be asked to work in multiple hotel locations. Working times will include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore based on an individual hotel or a representation of hotels in that city or area.
Office
Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Working times may include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore based in an office environment and when traveling, on an individual venue or a representation of venues in that city or area.
The above information on this description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.
