Sr. Event Planner Job at Northern Trust in Chicago

Join to apply for the Sr. Event Planner role at Northern Trust.

About Northern Trust Northern Trust is a Fortune 500 company, a globally recognized award‑winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889. We provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world’s most successful individuals, families, and institutions, remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Role / Department: Sr Event Planner / Corporate Marketing, Events. Responsible for planning and managing all aspects of events, from initial concept to execution. Tasks include leading project teams, overseeing vendor management and contract negotiation, selecting event sites, handling communications, and conducting post‑event measurement. Portfolio includes external client and prospecting events as well as employee programs and meetings. Event types cover thought leadership events, multi‑day travel programs, tradeshows, and sponsorships designed to support brand visibility, engagement with stakeholders, and community relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Plans and coordinates events and conferences for corporate functions, including client conferences and workshops, meetings, receptions, and sponsorship events.
• In partnership with the marketing team develops a unified brand message, agenda, and theme to support the event goals.
• Coordinates with internal partners, vendors, and suppliers to ensure flawless attendee journey and experience.
• Establishes project plan and leads the planning team to deliver against timelines, budgets and objectives.
• Negotiates contracts with suppliers and vendors as needed.
• Ensures proper branding and messaging occurs at all events.
• Supports risk assessment and contingency plans; ensures compliance with health and safety obligations.
• Works independently, communicating measurable objectives and executing defined event priorities.
• Manages logistics such as catering, audio‑visual, décor, themes, travel and scheduling.
• Remains current on trends in event planning, design, production, and technology.

Skills & Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in event planning.
• Proven experience managing large corporate events.
• In‑depth understanding of event coordination, marketing, and communications principles.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills; ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• Strong project‑management skills with a strategic focus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent customer service skills; ability to build relationships with clients and vendors.
• Quick problem‑solving on event day.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, hotel management, event planning, or related field (preferred).
• CMP certification beneficial.

Working Model: Hybrid (balanced office and remote). The candidate will spend time both in the office and working from home.

Salary Range: $83,100 – $141,300 USD. Benefits include retirement plans (401(k), pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, HSA, etc.), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life and accident insurance, discretionary bonus program with possible equity component.

Reasonable Accommodation: Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation, email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com.

We hope you’re excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. Apply today and let’s discuss your flexible working requirements to achieve greater.