Event Coordinator; Events and Conference Planner II

Job no: 562025
Work type:
Staff

Location:

San Diego
Categories:
Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time, Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)

Are you an experienced event professional who enjoys turning complex plans into seamless, high-impact experiences? The College of Arts and Letters is seeking an Event Coordinator to independently plan and execute a diverse portfolio of college events that support academic, development, and community engagement priorities. From donor and alumni gatherings to lectures, conferences, symposia, recognition programs, and other special events, this position takes ownership of assigned events from initial concept and planning through on-site execution and post-event follow-up.

Working as a central resource within the Dean’s Office, the Event Coordinator partners with college leadership, development and communications teams, academic units, campus partners, vendors, and external stakeholders. The role requires strong professional judgment, organization, and attention to detail, along with the ability to anticipate operational needs, manage competing priorities, and independently resolve issues while keeping leadership informed of significant changes, risks, and decisions.

• Event Planning & Execution:
  Independently manage assigned events from concept through completion, developing timelines, run-of-show documents, task assignments, and detailed logistical plans to ensure successful execution.
• Logistics & Vendor Management:
  Coordinate venues, catering, audiovisual services, accessibility accommodations, facilities, parking, transportation, equipment, security, staffing, and external vendors based on the needs of each event.
• Advancement & VIP Events:
  Partner with Development and University Relations on donor cultivation, stewardship, alumni engagement, and fundraising events, including guest management and donor/VIP protocols.
• Budget & Financial Administration:
  Develop event budgets and cost estimates, monitor expenditures, and coordinate contracts, purchasing, payments, reimbursements, deposits, permits, insurance, and other required approvals.
• On-Site Event Leadership:
  Serve as the operational lead during events, directing staff and vendors, monitoring event flow, troubleshooting issues, and making timely decisions to keep programs running smoothly.
• Stakeholder & Event Communications:
  Serve as the central point of coordination for assigned events, maintaining clear communication with leadership, event sponsors, campus partners, vendors, and communications teams throughout the planning process.
• Compliance & Continuous Improvement:
  Ensure events align with university fiscal, procurement, accessibility, risk management, safety, and advancement requirements while evaluating outcomes and identifying opportunities to improve future events.

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is approved for one day of telecommuting after an initial training period with onsite work in San Diego.

The College of Arts and Letters has 18 academic departments, 12 interdisciplinary programs, 24 centers, and one joint doctoral program. With over 475 permanent faculty and associated lecturers, the College is the largest of the seven colleges at San Diego State University and is responsible for 36% of the instruction at the University. There are approximately 60 clerical and technical employees in the college.

The Dean's Office is responsible for the implementation and continued support of the instructional, research, and development processes in the college.

For more information regarding the College of Arts and Letters, .

Bachelor's degree in a related field and two 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 for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

• Experience planning events in a higher education, academic, nonprofit, or advancement/development…