Event Planner Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related area
• Four years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices
• Extensive knowledge of event planning principles, project management, logistics, and hospitality practices
• Ability to independently manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders
• Strong customer service orientation
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and solve problems in dynamic environments
• Excellent skills managing vendors, contracts, and event budgets
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and event management technologies
• Ability to analyze operational needs and implement process improvements
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as required to support university events
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.
• Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Hospitality, Business or a related field (In lieu of a degree, an additional five years of experience may be substituted for the degree)
• Minimum two years of experience planning complex events in higher education, nonprofit, government, hospitality, or corporate environments
• Minimum two years of experience coordinating large-scale public events, ceremonies, conferences, or institutional events
• Minimum two years of experience working with university leadership, external stakeholders, and community partners
• Experience with event management software, CRM systems, and ticketing platforms (ie Ticketmaster, Paciolan, etc.)
• Experience coordinating vendor contracts, event logistics, and hospitality services

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of university events of varying size and complexity
• Develop comprehensive event plans, project timelines, production schedules, run-of-show documents, and logistical plans
• Coordinate venues, catering, audiovisual services, rentals, décor, entertainment, transportation, security, parking, registration platforms, data analytics, and other event services
• Collaborate with university departments to understand event objectives and develop event strategies that support institutional priorities
• Manage event budgets, contracts, vendor relationships, and purchasing processes
• Ensure events reflect university branding, hospitality standards, accessibility requirements, and risk management practices
• Provide on-site event leadership, including setup, execution, troubleshooting, and event breakdown
• Evaluate event outcomes and recommend improvements for future programs
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus departments, university leadership, faculty, staff, students, volunteers, sponsors, donors, alumni, and external partners
• Coordinate planning meetings and communicate project timelines, responsibilities, and event expectations
• Work collaboratively with Strategic Communications and Marketing, as well as other campus partners, to support event communications and promotional activities
• Serve as a primary liaison between event stakeholders and service providers to ensure successful event execution
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, customer service, and event planning processes
• Assist with planning and operational support for the university's commencement ceremonies and related events
• Maintain event records, planning documents, contracts, invoices, and reports

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary