Director of Executive Events

California State University•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$9,000 - $10,167•Onsite

About The Position

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is seeking a Director of Executive Events. This Administrator II position reports to the Senior Director of Executive Operations and provides leadership for events, meetings, official visits, protocol, and ceremonial functions on behalf of the Office of the President. The Director acts as the President’s liaison for university-wide events requiring presidential participation, working collaboratively with the President, executive leadership, and campus community to ensure high-quality events. The role involves identifying and resolving event-related issues, maintaining professional standards, and overseeing presidential protocol, executive hospitality, and ceremonial functions. The Director coordinates presidential participation in major university events, oversees executive event logistics, and leads the execution of events involving the President and the Office of the President. This includes planning and executing retreats, receptions, official visits, and recognition events. The Director also provides event planning support to executive and senior leadership and serves as the President’s liaison for major university-wide events like Commencement and Convocation, coordinating presidential participation, protocol, and logistics. Additionally, the Director supports annual community events, convenes cross-divisional committees, and represents the Office of the President on various university committees. The position handles highly visible events and requires access to sensitive and confidential information.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in executive event management, event planning and production, protocol, executive administration, hospitality management, project management, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating, and executing high-profile executive events.
Fiscal and budget management knowledge and experience, including the ability to prepare, manage, and monitor event budgets and to anticipate production, technical, hospitality, and logistical needs.
Ability to learn and apply University policies and procedures and to adhere to applicable internal controls and systems.
Demonstrated ability to manage a broad range of interpersonal contacts, including those at senior levels and those sensitive in nature.
Demonstrated ability to formulate creative ideas and to analyze, evaluate, negotiate, and coordinate the details that contribute to a successful event.
Demonstrated ability to carry out event goals in a manner that enhances the image and reputation of the University and to coordinate complex projects and events involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and broad institutional impact.
Demonstrated ability to maintain highly confidential and sensitive information and to use forethought, discretion, and independent judgment in resolving problems.
Ability to manage last-minute changes, delegate tasks, and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in situations involving numerous competing demands and broad impact.
Demonstrated consultative skills in working with internal and external constituent groups, as well as the ability to lead committees and teams, facilitate groups, and build consensus.
Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated integrity, dependability, sound judgment, diplomacy, and resourcefulness in establishing and maintaining collaborative, positive, and effective working relationships.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment with evolving needs, competing priorities, and firm deadlines.
Ability to work evenings and weekends and to travel as required.
Must demonstrate an interest or ability in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU.
Reside in the State of California.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, government, executive administration, advancement, or a related environment.
Knowledge of presidential and executive protocol, ceremonial practices, and executive hospitality.
Experience coordinating executive or VIP visits and supporting events involving a president, chancellor, CEO, elected official, or other senior executive.
Experience coordinating events involving governing boards, elected officials, dignitaries, donors, alumni, community leaders, or other distinguished guests.
Familiarity with CSU policies, governance, university organizational structures, and university event operations.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership for Office of the President events, presidential meetings, official visits, protocol, ceremonial functions, and other events and programs undertaken on behalf of the Office of the President.
Serves as the President’s liaison and designee for university-wide events and requests requiring presidential participation.
Works directly and collaboratively with the President, executive and senior leadership, Office of the President staff, and members of the campus community to ensure high-quality presidential and executive events and functions.
Independently identifies and facilitates discussion and decisions on issues affecting events, ensuring that high standards and presidential and university-wide priorities are reflected in event planning and execution.
Develops and maintains highly professional standards and procedures for presidential events, consistent with the image and reputation of the Office of the President and the University.
Provides leadership for presidential protocol, official visits, executive hospitality, ceremonial functions, and the execution of presidential events.
Coordinates presidential participation in major university events and executive functions and oversees the executive event logistics that support the President’s priorities.
Leads the execution of events involving the President and the Office of the President and, as assigned, independently plans and executes Office of the President events and presidential meetings—including executive and senior leadership retreats, presidential receptions, official visits, recognition events, and other presidential programs.
Provides event planning, coordination, and execution support to executive and senior leadership as assigned.
Serves as the President’s liaison and designee to the university divisions and campus event planning teams responsible for overall planning and production for major university-wide events, including Commencement, Convocation, and other signature institutional events.
Coordinates presidential participation, protocol, executive logistics, briefing materials, and on-site presidential support, ensuring that presidential and Office of the President priorities are appropriately reflected in event execution.
May staff the President at university and community events to provide on-site coordination and support.
Supports annual community events and traditions, working collaboratively with campus partners to coordinate the University’s participation.
Convenes and coordinates cross-divisional committees and planning teams to ensure high-quality planning and execution, consistent with university priorities and standards.
Represents the Office of the President on university committees, event planning teams, and working groups as assigned.
Handles highly visible events and has access to sensitive and confidential information related to the President, executive and senior leadership, and distinguished guests.