Associate Event Manager

A little about usCKE is a boutique B2B events agency that helps companies plan and deliver conferences, trade shows, field marketing programs, and internal events. Since 2016, we've partnered with teams at companies to bring events to life around the world. We stay boutique on purpose, working closely with a select group of clients so we can stay hands-on, move quickly, and give every event the attention it deserves. Our approach is simple: We follow through on our commitments.We communicate openly and honestly.We solve problems before they become problems. We care about the details.We build relationships that last. We're looking for someone who shares those values and takes pride in doing great work. If you're highly organized, dependable, thoughtful, and excited by the idea of helping clients create meaningful experiences, we'd love to meet you. What you'll be doingWe're looking for an Associate Event Manager who's done this before and genuinely loves it: someone who's pulled the long days, handled the last-minute pivots when plans change right before doors open, and still gets a rush watching an event they built come together. You know this work is a grind: the late nights, the early call times. And you keep coming back because there's nothing like the moment a room fills up, and everything you planned actually happens. This is a role for someone who can hold both ends of the job at once: the creative instinct to make an event feel memorable and special, and the operational rigor to make sure every vendor, timeline, and budget line actually holds up under pressure. You'll own project coordination from kickoff to post-event wrap-up, build out event strategy, manage logistics and vendor relationships, keep clients in the loop, and travel onsite (domestically and internationally) to make sure execution matches the plan. To start, you'll co-lead this function directly alongside our Founder, Charlene, working side by side on strategy and execution, with the plan to take on more ownership as you get up to speed on our clients and our way of doing things. Some of your responsibilities include:Own project coordination end-to-end, from initial planning through onsite execution to post-event analysis and process improvementsDevelop event strategy and translate it into real, workable logisticsManage vendor relationships and keep every moving piece (venues, production, catering, materials) on schedule and on budgetCommunicate directly with clients, keeping them informed and confident throughout the processSupport budget tracking and help keep programs financially on trackTravel onsite for site visits and event execution, and run the room when it matters mostBring a genuinely creative eye to how events look, feel, and flow, not just whether the boxes get checked Who you are3+ years in event planning or project managementReal operational rigor: you build the plan, you build the backup plan, and you don't let details slipStrong project management instincts and the organizational chops to run multiple events at once without dropping a threadExcellent communication with clients, vendors, and your team: clear, proactive, and calm under pressureA creative streak: you care about making events look and feel good, not just run smoothlyYou've worked events before; you know it's demanding work, and you love it anywayA genuinely fun, energetic presence. Someone who's excited about the work and brings good energy to a team and a roomTech-savvy and quick to pick up new tools (we use ClickUp and Google Workspace) without needing much hand-holdingComfortable using AI tools like Claude as a real working resource, not just a novelty, to move faster and work smarterReliability, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problems before they become issues ExpectationsRole: Full-timeCompensation: $60,000 to $67,000 annuallyLocation: Remote, USA-based (Southwest, and Midwest preferred)Manager: Reports directly to the Founder, Charlene DitchTravel: Domestic and international travel required for site visits and eventsBenefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; professional development; flexible PTO; wellness stipends; $1,000 paid-paid vacation How to applyWe read every application, so help us get to know you quickly. Email Charlene at careers@workwithcke.com with:Subject line: “Qualified Associate Event Manager – [Your Name]”Your resume as a PDFInstead of a cover letter, short answers (2–4 sentences each) to the questions below, submitted as a PDF:Why this role? What specifically about the opportunity at CKE caught your attention?Tell us about an event day that went sideways. What broke, what did you do in the moment, and how did it ultimately land?Show us your creative instincts. You’re planning a 70s-themed party; pitch us one unexpected activation and tell us why guests would love it.What are your salary expectations for this role? Keep it short, specific, and you. We’re much more interested in how you think than a perfectly polished cover letter.