Events and Engagement Specialist, Marketing and Communications

ArtCenter College of Design•Pasadena, CA

5d•$39 - $44•Hybrid

About The Position

ArtCenter College of Design is searching for an experienced Events and Engagement Specialist, Marketing and Communications to join our team. The salary range for this position: $38.50 - 43.95 per hour (7-hour workday). Hourly positions are based on a 35 hour work week. Final salary is based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity. About ArtCenter: Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education and has had an international reputation for its rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum, faculty of professionals, strong ties to industry, and commitment to socially responsible design. ArtCenter is a private nonprofit fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Every position at ArtCenter plays an important part in carrying out the cultural values, goals, strategic vision, and mission of the College. This includes upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Reporting to the director, Special Events, the Events and Engagement Specialist collaborates with campus partners to support the planning, promotion, coordination, and execution of the College's signature events. The incumbent contributes to the successful delivery of high-profile events that strengthen the College's brand, advance strategic vision and plans, support strategic priorities, and foster meaningful engagement with internal and external audiences. The incumbent also supports venue rental sales, marketing and operations, public event promotion, and continuous improvement of event planning policies, processes and experiences.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Event Management, Hospitality, Business, or a related field from an accredited college or university, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
Four or more years of professional experience in event planning, event management, marketing, communications, hospitality, or related fields.
Experience coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder events from planning through execution.
Experience supporting executive-level, ceremonial, protocol, or VIP events.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
Experience coordinating vendors, venues, contracts, and event logistics.
Experience supporting event marketing and promotional activities across digital and traditional communication channels.
Familiarity with event registration, CRM, project management, and collaboration software.
Knowledge of event planning best practices, customer service principles, accessibility requirements, and risk management.
Ability to analyze event outcomes and apply insights to improve future planning and execution.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat/Adobe Sign.
Ability to handle confidential information with tact and discretion and recognize the confidential nature of ArtCenter business.
Demonstrated experience in cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment within ArtCenter's diverse community of faculty, staff, students, visitors, and external partners.
Ability to enforce, follow, and implement institutional policies and procedures.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required to support College events.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, arts and culture, nonprofit, or creative organizations.
Experience supporting venue rentals, conference services, or external partnerships.
Experience with event registration, ticketing, or event management platforms.
Familiarity with event budgeting, reporting, and analytics.
Knowledge of accessibility standards, event safety practices, and protocol for executive or ceremonial events.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the planning and execution of assigned on-campus and off-site signature events, including orientation, graduation, Grad Show, Board meetings, donor and government events, community celebrations, and other high-profile College events.
Develop and maintain event project plans, production schedules, timelines, run-of-show documents, floor plans, and event checklists.
Coordinate event logistics including venues, catering, audio/visual services, signage, registration, transportation, accessibility, security, volunteers and event materials.
Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned events, collaborating with campus partners, vendors, sponsors, and service providers to ensure successful event delivery.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, executive leadership, vendors, sponsors, community partners, and external clients to support successful event outcomes.
Support executive-level events involving the President, Board of Trustees, donors, government officials, and distinguished guests while ensuring appropriate protocol and a high-quality guest experience.
Support speakers, VIP guests, volunteers, and participants throughout the event lifecycle.
Assist with event budgets, purchasing, invoicing, and post-event reconciliation.
Support on-site event operations, troubleshooting issues and ensuring a seamless attendee experience.
Serve as a brand steward by ensuring College events reflect ArtCenter's visual identity, messaging, hospitality standards, and commitment to delivering exceptional attendee experiences.
Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop and implement promotional strategies for signature and public-facing events.
Coordinate event marketing timelines and support content development across web, email, social media, campus communications, and event calendars.
Support initiatives that increase awareness, attendance, and community engagement through flagship College events.
Assist in marketing the College's event and meeting spaces to external organizations, community partners, and businesses.
Respond to venue rental inquiries, coordinate site visits, and support client communications throughout the booking process.
Maintain venue rental marketing materials, website content, and promotional resources.
Identify opportunities to increase awareness, utilization and revenue generated through campus event spaces and locations.
Support the delivery of event experiences that strengthen ArtCenter's reputation, celebrate the creative community, and foster meaningful connections with prospective students, alumni, donors, industry partners, and the public.
Contribute to the development and implementation of College-wide event strategies that strengthen the College's reputation, support enrollment and advancement objectives, and enhance community engagement.
Participate in event planning meetings, post-event evaluations, and operational debriefs.
Recommend improvements to event workflows, operational processes, attendee experiences, and service delivery.
Develop and maintain event planning resources, templates, operational procedures, and best practices.
Analyze attendance, audience engagement, venue utilization, participant feedback, and operational outcomes.
Support the implementation and effective use of event management, registration, CRM, and project management platforms to improve planning, communication, and reporting.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies, safety protocols, accessibility standards, and applicable event-related procedures.
Maintain memberships, professional engagement, and active involvement in applicable professional organizations.
Serve on educational or College-wide committees, work groups, task forces, and/or councils.
Other duties as assigned.