Lead Marketing Events Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Lead Marketing Events Specialist

🔹 Company: Discover Financial Services

🔹 Location: Riverwoods, IL (Remote eligible)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 4+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Remote eligible)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic event planning and coordination
• Vendor management and contract negotiation
• Budgeting and financial management
• Cross-functional collaboration with internal business partners
• On-site event management and troubleshooting

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Experience in event planning, project management, or a related field is essential.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions

✅ Strategically align with internal business partners to determine objectives and requirements for events

✅ Review event bills for accuracy and approve payment

✅ Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security

✅ Arrange the availability of audio-visual equipment, transportation, displays, and other event needs

✅ Provide onsite event management as required

✅ Manage third party relationships as necessary

ASSUMPTION: This role involves frequent communication with vendors, clients, and internal stakeholders. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for success in this position.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Business Administrations and Management, Information Technology, Mathematics, Statistics and Analytics, or related field

Experience: 4+ years in Sales, Relationship Management, Marketing Associate, Project Management, Communications, Business, Event Marketing, Sponsorship Marketing, Hospitality, or related field

Required Skills:

• Proven event planning and coordination experience
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with event management software
• Fluency in a second language (Spanish)

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is preferred, Discover may consider candidates with at least 6+ years of relevant experience in lieu of education.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $77,500 - $131,500 per year (Based on experience and location)

Benefits:

• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Plan
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Health Savings Account
• Short and Long Term Disability, Life, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurances
• Recognition Program
• Education Assistance
• Commuter Benefits
• Family Support Programs
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required for events.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and location.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Financial Services. Discover is a leading direct bank and payment services company, offering credit cards, personal loans, student loans, and more.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, Discover offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: 1986. Discover was founded as a division of Sears and became an independent company in 2007.

Company Description:

• Discover is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace
• The company offers a range of benefits and programs based on eligibility
• Discover is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status

Company Specialties:

• Credit Cards
• Deposit Products
• Consumer Lending
• Consumer Savings
• Payments
• Payment Technology
• Student Loans
• Personal Loans
• Home Loans
• Home Equity Loans
• Debit and Transaction Services

Company Website: www.discover.com

ASSUMPTION: Discover's large size and diverse range of products and services provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level. This role requires significant experience in event planning, project management, or a related field.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Events Manager.

Work Arrangement: On-site (Remote eligible). While the role is primarily on-site, Discover offers remote work options for certain positions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Event Specialist or Event Manager roles
• Transition to other marketing or project management roles within the company
• Potential to work on high-profile events and projects

ASSUMPTION: Given Discover's large size and diverse range of products and services, there are numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate headquarters. Discover's Riverwoods, IL office serves as the company's global headquarters.

Office Location(s): 2500 Lake Cook Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015, US

Geographic Context:

• Riverwoods is a suburb of Chicago, located approximately 30 miles north of the city
• The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options
• Riverwoods is home to several major corporations, providing ample networking opportunities

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required for events.

ASSUMPTION: While the role is primarily on-site, Discover offers remote work options for certain positions. However, the role may require occasional travel for events.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Marketing Events Manager

Key Assessment Areas:

• Event planning and coordination skills
• Project management skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant event planning, project management, and marketing experience
• Demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines
• Showcase your strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your ability to work effectively with vendors and internal stakeholders

ATS Keywords: Event Planning, Project Management, Marketing, Vendor Management, Budgeting, Cross-Functional Collaboration, On-Site Event Management

ASSUMPTION: Discover uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume can help your application stand out.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Event management software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite, etc.)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required for this role. Experience with event management and project management software is preferred but not required.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centricity
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Results-driven and goal-oriented culture

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
• Are you able to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines?
• Do you have strong communication and interpersonal skills?
• Are you comfortable working with vendors and internal stakeholders?
• Do you have a proven track record of successful event planning and coordination?

ASSUMPTION: Discover values employees who are adaptable, flexible, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a proven track record of successful event planning and coordination, are essential for success in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required for events
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines can be challenging
• Working with vendors and internal stakeholders can be demanding
• Occasional travel may be required for events

ASSUMPTION: While this role offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development, it also presents certain challenges, such as managing multiple projects and deadlines, working with vendors and internal stakeholders, and occasional travel.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other event planning roles, this position offers a broader range of responsibilities and opportunities for career growth and development
• Discover's large size and diverse range of products and services provide ample opportunities for career advancement within the company
• This role may require more frequent travel than similar positions at smaller organizations

ASSUMPTION: While this role offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development, it may also require more frequent travel than similar positions at smaller organizations.

📝 Sample Projects

• Planning and executing a large-scale corporate event, such as a conference or trade show
• Coordinating a series of regional events or roadshows
• Managing a team of event coordinators or vendors to ensure successful event execution

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities for career growth and development in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
• How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for the company?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the company?
• How does Discover support work-life balance for employees in this role?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant event planning, project management, and marketing experience
• Prepare for your interview by researching Discover's company culture and values
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.