1099 Event Planner – 15-Year Anniversary Celebrations (2027) at EmployU, Inc

Winter Springs, Florida, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

10 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

12 Mar, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Event Planning, Project Management, Budget Management, Vendor Negotiation, Contract Management, Strategic Collaboration, Logistics Coordination, Stakeholder Management, Risk Mitigation, On-Site Execution, Run-of-Show Development, Cost Estimation, Brand Alignment, Executive Collaboration, Contingency Planning, Guest Experience Management

Industry

Professional Training and Coaching

Description

Description At employU, our culture is EPIC.It’s not just a buzzword; it’s how we show up every day for our team and the community we serve. employU Values Statement — EPIC Empowerment – We give every person the tools, support, and confidence to chart their own career path. Passion – Energy and enthusiasm drive us to exceed expectations and change lives. Integrity – Honesty, transparency, and ethical decision-making guide everything we do. Commitment – We invest in long-term partnerships with clients, employers, and one another to ensure shared success. Looking for meaningful work with a team that lives its values? You’ll fit right in at employU. Join our team! A flexible schedule, paid weekly, working in the community, making a difference, being surrounded by a great team, and maintaining work/life balance—this is what you can expect working at employU. Our team works within the disability community to empower our customers with the knowledge, connections, and confidence required to achieve independence by establishing a sustainable career. Because we are always expanding, there is always an opportunity for growth for those seeking career advancement Requirements Location: Primarily local with some remote coordination Type: Independent Contractor (1099) Project Term: 2026 planning through execution in 2027 Events: Two anniversary events (one community-based celebration + one formal gala-style event) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced, results-driven Event Planner to lead the planning and execution of our 15-Year Anniversary celebrations in 2027. This contract role will oversee two distinct events: Community Celebration Event – A mission-driven, community-focused gathering designed to celebrate impact, partnerships, and the people we serve. Formal Gala Event – A polished, high-impact evening event designed to celebrate 15 years of service, elevate the brand, engage stakeholders, and create a memorable guest experience. The Event Planner will work in close collaboration with executive leadership and key staff to ensure both events reflect organizational priorities, brand standards, and strategic goals. This is a 1099 contractor role with milestone-based deliverables. Key Responsibilities Strategic Collaboration & Planning Partner with executive leadership and key staff to define event vision, goals, and success metrics Translate leadership priorities into cohesive event concepts and guest experiences Provide strategic recommendations aligned with organizational messaging and brand Lead regular planning meetings and provide progress updates Event Strategy & Development Develop comprehensive event plans for both celebrations Create detailed project timelines and planning calendars Define event themes, flow, program structure, and overall guest experience Ensure alignment between the community event and formal gala while maintaining distinct identities Budget Management Develop and manage event budgets in collaboration with leadership Provide cost estimates and vendor comparisons Track expenses and ensure financial accountability Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality Venue & Vendor Management Research, secure, and coordinate with venues Negotiate contracts with vendors (catering, AV, décor, rentals, entertainment, photographers, etc.) Manage vendor timelines, logistics, and deliverables Serve as primary vendor liaison Logistics & Operations Develop run-of-show documents and event timelines Coordinate layout design, guest flow, and program elements Manage permits, insurance requirements, and event compliance Coordinate registration systems and guest tracking in collaboration with internal staff Develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies Stakeholder, Sponsor & VIP Coordination Work with leadership to identify sponsors and key stakeholders Coordinate sponsor benefits and recognition Support VIP guest experience and special accommodations Ensure appropriate recognition elements are executed with precision On-Site Execution Serve as lead event manager during both events Coordinate staff, volunteers, and vendors on-site Troubleshoot issues in real time Ensure seamless execution and guest experience Post-Event Reporting Provide a comprehensive post-event report including budget reconciliation, attendance metrics, and recommendations Participate in leadership debrief meetings Coordinate vendor wrap-up and final payments Qualifications 3–5+ years of event planning experience (nonprofit, corporate, or large-scale events preferred) Experience planning both community-based events and formal gala-style events Proven ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional teams Strong vendor negotiation and contract management experience Demonstrated success managing budgets and timelines Excellent organizational and communication skills Ability to remain calm and solutions-focused under pressure Contractor Details 1099 independent contractor role Flexible planning schedule with required availability during event weeks Must provide own equipment and transportation Compensation structure: flat project fee or milestone-based (to be negotiated) Contract term anticipated to begin in 2026 with execution in 2027

Responsibilities

The Event Planner will lead the planning and execution of two distinct 15-Year Anniversary celebrations: a community event and a formal gala, collaborating closely with executive leadership to ensure alignment with organizational goals and brand standards. Key duties include comprehensive event strategy development, meticulous budget management, venue and vendor coordination, on-site execution management, and post-event reporting.