Associate Director, Event Execution job at American Cancer Society in Chicago, IL, Houston, TX
American Cancer Society · Anywhere
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FULL-TIME
Remote
Posted Nov 7, 2026
Job Description
Associate Director, Event Execution – Chicago or Houston
Location:
Chicago, Illinois
Houston, Texas
Work Arrangement: 100% Remote (must be based in Chicago or Houston)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $85,000–$95,000 annually
About the American Cancer Society
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.
Position Overview
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 and Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum of 2 years of related event and fundraising experience.
Experience managing large, complex events preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.
Compensation and Benefits
Starting Salary: $85,000–$95,000 annually.
The final candidate's relevant experience and skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors, including geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.
Benefits include:
Generous paid time off.
Medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
Wellness programs.
Professional development programs to enhance staff skills.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The American Cancer Society is a proud equal opportunity employer.
People Management: Yes. This is a formal people-management position. The Associate Director manages and develops a team of event staff and is responsible for day-to-day direction, coaching, prioritization, and performance oversight. The posting does not specify the number of direct reports.
Location:
Chicago, Illinois
Houston, Texas
Work Arrangement: 100% Remote (must be based in Chicago or Houston)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $85,000–$95,000 annually
About the American Cancer Society
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.
Position Overview
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 and Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum of 2 years of related event and fundraising experience.
Experience managing large, complex events preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.
Compensation and Benefits
Starting Salary: $85,000–$95,000 annually.
The final candidate's relevant experience and skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors, including geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.
Benefits include:
Generous paid time off.
Medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
Wellness programs.
Professional development programs to enhance staff skills.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The American Cancer Society is a proud equal opportunity employer.
People Management: Yes. This is a formal people-management position. The Associate Director manages and develops a team of event staff and is responsible for day-to-day direction, coaching, prioritization, and performance oversight. The posting does not specify the number of direct reports.
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
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