Event and Program Strategy Specialist

Brief Summary of Job Duties

The Event and Program Strategy Specialist is a programming role within the UCSB Multi Cultural Center (MCC) responsible for designing, coordinating, and advancing a comprehensive portfolio of cultural programming, training initiatives, and campus collaborations. Working closely with the Director, this role translates institutional goals, emerging campus needs, and equity-centered frameworks into high-impact programs, educational initiatives, and community experiences that strengthen campus climate and student engagement.

This position uniquely blends program strategy, event leadership, and research-informed practice to ensure that MCC programming is not only engaging but also intentional, coordinated, and aligned with broader campus priorities around diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Event and Program Strategy Specialist leads the planning and execution of complex, high-impact events (lectures, symposia, performances, conferences) and develops and manages educational training and certificate programs for student, staff, and faculty.

The events and programming represent a wide range of perspectives based upon race, class, national origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity and other issues pertaining to marginalized communities.

Designs and implements programs to convey the MCC's philosophy and mission to the university community and surrounding communities in a timely manner and advises and works with student groups affiliated with the MCC in planning and implementing programs and events that create a safe space through creating a platform/community space.

This role will conduct program assessment and evaluation to analyze continuous improvement while interpreting research, campus trends, and institutional priorities into actionable programming strategies. Serving as the liaison across departments, this position will strengthen collaboration and shared initiatives with campus partners, enhancing visibility and communication of MCC initiatives.

In collaboration with the Director, designs and executes a robust calendar of cultural and educational programming that centers on historically marginalized communities and fosters critical engagement. Works in close collaboration with faculty, ethnic department chairs, and other campus department staff and students to research, develop, plan, and implement programs such as lectures, films, discussions, workshops, and presentations representing a wide range of cultural perspectives across the division.

Programming events include both on-campus and off-campus venue locations.

Manages all aspects of event production, including logistics, contracts, budgets, and stakeholder coordination, while ensuring programming aligns with MCC's mission and campus priorities. Oversees and works in collaboration with the Office and Space Coordinator and Sound/Tech Team in coordinating technical and stage set-up such as sound, lighting, technical needs and furniture. Responsible for negotiating performance agreements and coordinating the schedule for guest performers (lodging, meals, travel).

Applies analytical and research skills to assess programming effectiveness, identify emerging trends, and inform strategic planning, while ensuring alignment with university policies and priorities.

Conducts evaluations, synthesizes findings, and develops recommendations to strengthen program impact and alignment with institutional goals.

Uses risk management techniques to anticipate, manage, and mitigate crises associated with programming.

Leads the development and implementation of social justice-oriented training programs and co-curricular (non-academic) certificate initiatives for undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, and faculty.

Oversees curriculum development, facilitator coordination, recruitment, and program evaluation to ensure high-quality, scalable educational offerings.

Collaborate with the marketing team, overseeing marketing campaigns to ensure alignment with the MCC's and Student Affair's missions. Organizes programming meetings and involves the programming staff in the programming process.

Supervises student employees. Supervision will include holding weekly meetings, training students in envisioning and executing events, overseeing the execution of student-driven events, and providing quarterly feedback to student staff related to professional development.

Serves as a central liaison connecting MCC with campus departments, faculty, student organizations, and community partners.

Builds collaborative relationships that expand programming reach, enhance resource sharing, and support coordinated initiatives. Works closely with marginalized campus communities to ensure equal representation across programming efforts, seeks input from campus constituents, and proactively responds to changing programming needs with campus partners. Oversees…