Director, University Events and Commencement

California State University, Long Beach•Long Beach, CA

7d•$8,334 - $9,667•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of University Events and Commencement provides strategic and operational leadership for California State University, Long Beach’s signature presidential, ceremonial, and divisional events and oversees commencement ceremonies. The Director personally plans, produces, and leads on-site execution of selected high-profile events, including presidential receptions, major ceremonies, and events involving distinguished guests. The role leads the University Events and Commencement team, manages its budget and vendor relationships, and sets standards for hosting graduates, families, donors, elected officials, tribal leaders, and community partners. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Relations, the Director serves as the university’s senior event professional and primary advisor on ceremony, protocol, and event execution. The role exercises independent judgment on matters affecting the university’s reputation and works closely with the Office of the President, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Administration and Finance, and the seven colleges. This is a regular, at-will Administrator II position in the University Relations department. The hiring range is $8,334–$9,667 per month, commensurate with the candidate’s education, experience, skills, and training. Salary placement also considers internal equity and the hiring department’s fiscal resources. Employees must reside in California upon their hire date. The position requires a satisfactory background check and a California driver license. The role is classified as medium work and may involve lifting 20–40 pounds, standing, squatting, kneeling, walking, and pushing or pulling objects within the stated weight limits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience planning and producing large, complex events, including ceremonies or public events with audiences in the thousands.
At least 3 years of experience supervising professional staff.
California driver license.
Thorough knowledge of event production, including staging, audiovisual, seating, crowd flow, ticketing, catering, and livestreaming.
Knowledge of academic ceremony traditions and protocol, including processionals, regalia, platform party order, and order of precedence.
Knowledge of accessibility requirements for public events and ability to design events with accessibility in mind from the start.
Ability to lead, coach, and hold a team accountable during sustained periods of high demand.
Ability to manage a multi-year planning calendar and many concurrent projects without losing detail.
Ability to build consensus among deans, faculty, students, and administrators with differing views of ceremonies.
Ability to read contracts, identify risk, and negotiate terms that protect the university.
Sound judgment and composure under pressure, including during disruptions, medical incidents, and weather events.
Clear, direct writing and speaking skills, including the ability to brief the President and Cabinet.
Discretion with confidential information and matters involving donors, officials, and honored guests.
Commitment to serving a diverse community of graduates and families.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and event registration, guest management, and project management tools.
Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
Ability to follow university policies, procedures, and guidelines, including safety, civility, information security, and nondiscrimination requirements.
Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for every student and support the university’s vision of excellence.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership for the university’s signature events portfolio, set the annual calendar and standards in consultation with senior leaders, oversee presidential and divisional events, advise on protocol, and lead on-site delivery for events involving the President, trustees, elected officials, and principal donors.
Ensure effective guest communications and sponsor recognition, and use attendance, cost, and feedback measures to guide event improvements.
Oversee commencement for the university’s seven colleges, setting direction and approving the schedule, venue plan, budget, and major ceremony features.
Hold commencement staff and planning teams accountable for milestones and outcomes; guide the review committee; ensure consistent protocol and accessible ceremonies; and serve as the senior event official during commencement week.
Lead the university events unit by supervising and developing unit staff and setting goals, priorities, and workloads for staff, student assistants, seasonal volunteers, and commencement ambassadors.
Manage event intake and the university calendar, document procedures and templates, report on unit goals, and represent the unit on leadership and university committees.
Manage budgets for commencement, university events, and donor and stewardship events; oversee procurement, contracts, vendors, and compliance with CSU and CSULB requirements.
Oversee event safety and emergency planning with campus and public safety partners, and ensure events meet accessibility, university policy, insurance, and media-release requirements.

Benefits

Up to 24 vacation days per year, based on employee group and/or length of service.
14 paid holidays.
12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit retirement plan.
Voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
Wellness programs.
Professional development opportunities.
Insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.