Commencement & Academic Affairs Events Planner

Commencement & Academic Affairs Events Planner

Apply now Job no: 559832
Work type: Staff
Location: Bakersfield
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

UNION CODE: R09

FT/PT: Full-time

PAY PLAN: 12-month

WORKPLACE TYPE: On-site (work in-person at business location)

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: Step 1 $ 5,079 – Step 4 $ 5,390

• However, offer amount will be commensurate with candidate’s experience, education, skills, and training.

CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: Step 1 $ 5,079 – Step 20 $ 7,399

PAY BASIS: Monthly

BENEFITS: CSU Bakersfield offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes medical plans, dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 15 paid holidays per year and more. See our benefits website for additional information.

CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE

TO APPLY:

Open to all qualified applicants

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT: FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION, applications must be received by 7/22/2026; however, the position will remain open until filled.

POSITION

PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Commencement & Academic Affairs Events Planner serves as the university's lead planner and project manager for Commencement ceremonies, University Week, and other major institutional events and programs sponsored by Academic Affairs and the Provost's Office. The incumbent independently plans, develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates large-scale, complex, and high-profile events that support university traditions, institutional priorities, academic initiatives, executive engagement, and strategic goals.

The Commencement & Academic Affairs Events Planner provides advanced event management expertise and exercises independent judgment in coordinating all aspects of event planning and execution, including project management, stakeholder engagement, logistical operations, communications, vendor relations, budget administration, contract coordination, and event assessment. Working collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, staff, students, community partners, and external service providers, the incumbent ensures the successful delivery of events with significant institutional, financial, and reputational impact.

The position serves as the primary liaison for major Academic Affairs and Provost-sponsored events, develops and implements event management procedures and operational strategies, provides lead work direction to staff, student assistants, volunteers, and vendors, and recommends process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness and the overall event experience. The incumbent operates with a high degree of independence, discretion, political acumen, and professionalism while managing multiple complex projects and supporting the achievement of university and Academic Affairs objectives.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Major Institutional Events Planning & Management

• Serve as the university's lead planner and project manager for Commencement ceremonies, University Week, and other major institutional events, overseeing the comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution of high-profile programs that support university traditions, engagement, recognition, and strategic priorities.
• Independently develop and manage master project plans, procedures, production timelines, event schedules, operational workflows, and implementation strategies to ensure successful execution of complex events and activities and ensure adherence to university traditions, executive expectations, and institutional standards.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs & Strategic Enrollment Management, Facilities Management, Public Safety, Information Technology, Marketing and Communications, and other campus departments to coordinate event requirements, resources, and operational support.
• Consult with campus leadership and event stakeholders to establish event objectives, themes, programming elements, ceremonial protocols,…