Event Conference Planner III

CSU Careers•Turlock, CA

About The Position

The Event Conference Planner III is a full-time position in Fundraising and Special Events, available on or after November 9, 2026. Working independently under general supervision and with minimal oversight, the incumbent plans, organizes, and executes large and/or complex events and conferences that support university and divisional goals. The position exercises advanced judgment throughout the event lifecycle, including planning, logistics, budget administration, stakeholder and vendor relations, marketing, registration, and post-event evaluation. The incumbent ensures compliance with university policies, procedures, and applicable regulations; builds collaborative relationships with campus partners and external stakeholders; resolves complex event-related issues; recommends process improvements; and may provide lead work direction to volunteers, student employees, and event support personnel. The role coordinates event logistics and operations, including facilities, equipment, technology, staffing, schedules, vendors, security, parking, catering, and accommodations for speakers, VIPs, and attendees. It also develops event communications and promotional materials, administers registration systems and records, processes event documentation, monitors budgets and expenditures, and evaluates financial outcomes, event metrics, and attendee feedback. Additional training or certification may be required based on department or campus needs. The incumbent may support other areas as directed and perform other duties as assigned. Minimum qualifications are the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in a related area and four years of relevant experience. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, and an advanced degree in a related field may also substitute year for year. A valid California driver's license is required. A satisfactory background check is required before employment. The anticipated starting salary is $5,079–$5,181 per month, with a full salary range of $5,079–$7,399 per month, plus benefits. The position is with California State University, Stanislaus.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related area and four years of relevant experience; qualifying additional experience may substitute for education year for year, and an advanced degree in a related field may substitute year for year.
Valid California driver's license.
Advanced knowledge of event and conference planning and management principles, concepts, and best practices.
Ability to independently apply advanced judgment to resolve difficult and complex problems.
Advanced analytical and organizational skills to prioritize and deliver large or complex events within budget constraints.
Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, including political acumen to build partnerships and communicate across diverse stakeholder groups.
Ability to present ideas effectively and facilitate contract agreements.
Ability to lead, train, and mentor the work of others.
Advanced skill in using technology and relevant event planning and management tools.
Satisfactory completion of a background check before employment.
Applicants must complete a Stanislaus State online employment application and submit a cover letter and résumé.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field.
Three years of direct customer service experience in a related setting, such as event or conference planning, sales, or a related area.
Prior experience in a CSU or higher education setting.
Prior experience with event contracts, leases, direct pay, and reconciliation.
Experience developing or using event layouts, diagrams, or floor plans for event setup and space planning, such as Social Tables, Cvent Diagramming, or similar tools.
Three years of experience working with donors, stakeholders, and event attendees.
Prior experience using event management or scheduling systems, such as 25Live, EMS, or procurement systems, to coordinate events, maintain records, and track logistics.
Prior experience supporting event logistics and on-site coordination, including setup, vendor coordination, attendee support, and fundraising event execution.
Three years of experience coordinating events, conferences, or fundraising activities, including planning and execution support.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and execute complex events and conferences in accordance with university policies, procedures, and best practices.
Coordinate event logistics, including facilities, equipment, technology, staffing, schedules, setup, on-site operations, and post-event activities.
Arrange operational services involving vendors, security, parking, facilities, catering, and other event-related needs.
Develop and adjust event timelines, project schedules, and implementation plans as priorities and deadlines change.
Anticipate challenges, resolve operational issues, and support a positive participant experience.
Apply event-planning expertise and independent judgment to address complex, unique, or sensitive event matters.
Build and maintain relationships with campus partners, vendors, sponsors, speakers, attendees, and other internal and external stakeholders.
Facilitate communication among campus departments, vendors, and external partners to ensure event requirements are met.
Arrange accommodations, transportation, and specialized logistics for speakers, VIPs, and attendees.
Interpret university policies, procedures, and event requirements to provide guidance and resolve issues.
Provide lead work direction to volunteers, student employees, and event support personnel; lead, train, and mentor others as needed.
Address stakeholder concerns through proactive communication, sound judgment, and a customer-focused approach.
Develop event communications and promotional materials, including invitations, programs, signage, digital communications, and post-event surveys.
Implement promotional activities through university websites, email campaigns, social media, and other communication platforms.
Administer event registration processes and online registration systems; maintain event databases, registration records, and scheduling systems.
Prepare and process invoices, work orders, requisitions, contracts, and other event-related documentation; maintain records for reporting, compliance, and historical reference.
Analyze budgets and financial data to support planning, vendor selection, and resource allocation.
Monitor expenditures, reconcile financial records, and ensure compliance with university financial policies and procedures.
Prepare financial summaries, budget updates, and supporting documentation; evaluate post-event financial outcomes and identify fiscal improvements.
Review event metrics, attendee feedback, and operational data to identify trends and inform future planning.
Recommend improvements to event processes, financial accountability, and operational effectiveness.
Obtain additional training or certification when required by department or campus needs; provide support to other areas as directed and perform other duties as assigned.