Event Operations Coordinator

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The IRD for this job is:
10-19-2026

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a public marine science center at UC Santa Cruz, located on a spectacular coastal bluff overlooking Monterey Bay. Through hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and special events, the Center connects people with the ocean and the groundbreaking research happening at UC Santa Cruz. The Seymour Marine Discovery Center events program welcomes clients and guests into spaces where ocean views, science, and genuine hospitality come together.

The events program brings weddings, university gatherings, nonprofit celebrations, and community events to life at one of Santa Cruz's most distinctive venues while generating revenue essential to run the Center.

Under the supervision of the Director of Events & Revenue, the Event Operations Coordinator manages the event pipeline for university, nonprofit, and external clients and coordinates a portfolio of smaller and less complex events. The role serves as the primary client contact for assigned events and the onsite representative when the Director is absent. The Event Operations Coordinator supports the planning and execution of weddings and other complex events.

The Event Operations Coordinator is a hands-on role for an organized, service-minded professional who enjoys both the details behind the scenes and the energy of event day. The Event Operations Coordinator owns a portfolio of events from inquiry through closeout, builds client and vendor relationships, leads a small team of student employees, and helps refine the systems that keep a growing events program running smoothly while contributing to the Center's revenue.

Pricing exceptions, refunds, material contract changes, and higher-risk decisions are escalated to the Director.

Budgeted Salary: $29.00 - $32.00/hourly. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Core benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 75%, 30 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week:
  Tuesday through Saturday, with the occasional evening or weekend

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 5 months from date of hire, with possibility of extension

Work Location: Off Campus - Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Union Representation: CX Union

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

35% - Client Experience and Event Portfolio Management

• Manages client relationships for university, nonprofit, and external events from initial inquiry through post-event follow-up, ensuring a positive client experience throughout the event lifecycle.
• Quickly learns each client's goals, guest count, budget, and operational needs; recommends the right spaces, services, and rental options; and conducts venue tours.
• Prepares estimates, proposals, contracts, and payment schedules and proactively tracks deposits, insurance, permits, vendor agreements, and other deadlines.
• Maintains clear, complete event records across Honey Book, File Maker, Google Drive, calendars, and related systems.
• Coordinates internal events in partnership with campus departments and vendors, with guidance from the Director.

25% - Event Planning and Onsite Leadership

• Independently plans and executes assigned small and less complex…