Event Growth and Initiatives Specialist - Naperville, IL
Posted on October 24, 2025
Ulta Beauty is the largest North American beauty retailer and a premier destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skincare, haircare products, and salon services. With over 1,200 stores throughout the U.S., Ulta Beauty continuously evolves by opening new stores and re-engineering existing locations with the latest designs and technological advancements to deliver enhanced guest experiences. The company's expansive product assortment includes more than 25,000 products from approximately 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including its own private label. Each Ulta Beauty location also features a full-service salon offering hair, skin, brow, and makeup services, reinforcing its commitment to a comprehensive beauty experience for customers.
Ulta Beauty offers stability, support, and a dynamic environment for professionals looking to advance their careers, making it an ideal place for those driven by innovation, operational excellence, and passion for the beauty industry. The company encourages curiosity, flexibility, and growth, fostering a culture where associates can be more than they ever thought possible.
The Event Growth and Initiatives Specialist role at Ulta Beauty is instrumental in supporting the New Event Initiatives Manager with the development, execution, and optimization of event strategies specifically designed for new and high-priority brands. This position focuses on creating immersive, curated experiences that increase brand awareness, engagement, growth, and long-term customer loyalty. The specialist coordinates closely with internal teams such as marketing, merchandising, public relations, operations, and brand partners to manage the full event lifecycle from concept to execution.
Responsibilities include overseeing event logistics such as event boxes, launch event coordination, and identifying additional opportunities to amplify brand growth and visibility. The specialist ensures that all event activities align with brand goals and business priorities, implementing scalable and results-driven activations that reinforce brand identity. This role requires the ability to manage multiple projects within a fast-paced retail environment, balancing strategic creative vision with practical, operational execution.
Qualified candidates will bring strategic thinking, strong communication, and superior organizational skills to this role. Success in this position is defined by the ability to support and enhance field engagement through well-executed events that drive measurable business results and create exceptional guest experiences. The role supports Ulta Beauty’s mission by fostering a collaborative environment among cross-functional teams and external partners, driving a performance-driven culture focused on accountability and shared success.
This position offers a salary range of $57,300 to $75,800 annually, with the potential for bonus compensation according to company plans. Full-time positions come with paid time off and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Part-time roles are also eligible for dental, vision, life, and disability benefits. The position requires up to 50% travel, including overnight stays, and flexibility for evening, weekend, and holiday work schedules. Ulta Beauty prioritizes inclusivity and equal employment opportunities, welcoming applicants with diverse backgrounds, including those with arrest or conviction records in compliance with applicable laws.
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or a related field or equivalent experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in event planning, brand partnerships, or marketing within retail or service industry
- Proven ability to develop and execute event strategies aligned with business goals
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and presentation tools
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Ability to travel up to 50% as required
- Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays