Conference Coordinator

San Jose State University (SJSU) is a renowned public university located in San Jose, California, committed to providing excellent educational opportunities and support services to its diverse student community. SJSU is recognized for its vibrant campus life, inclusive environment, and comprehensive range of academic programs. The university prioritizes student success and wellness, offering numerous support services that cater to both academic and residential life needs. One of the key components of student support at SJSU is University Housing Services (UHS), which manages student housing, conference housing, and related programs aimed at enriching the campus living experience and facilitating a variety of events throughout the year.

The Conference Coordinator position at San Jose State University plays a pivotal role within the University Housing Services by overseeing the Conference Housing Program. This program accommodates between 5,000 to 7,500 individuals annually during the summer and the academic year, including students, conference groups, and guests. The Conference Coordinator is responsible for the effective management and leadership of this comprehensive housing program, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional guest services. This role operates under general supervision but requires a high degree of independent judgment and initiative. It involves a mix of administrative duties, customer service, marketing efforts, policy development, and crisis intervention responsibilities.

The Conference Coordinator’s duties include managing contracts and scheduling for 40 to 60 summer programs and academic year groups, collaborating with various campus departments and conference organizers to identify needs, and administering the conference housing database system. The role also extends to supervising daily guest check-ins and checkouts, overseeing the SJSU Cares Housing program, and supporting overnight guest housing during the academic year. Due to the nature of conference events, the position demands flexibility, including on-call availability, weekday after-hours, and weekend work, especially during the peak summer conference season from June to August.

In addition to operational management, the Conference Coordinator spearheads marketing initiatives aimed at increasing conference business on local, regional, national, and international levels. This includes creating marketing materials, managing social media platforms, pursuing new clients through proposals and site visits, and cultivating partnerships with academic departments such as Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Management. The role requires excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

SJSU offers a competitive monthly salary range from $5,098 to $5,304 (Step 6 - Step 8), with the broader CSU salary scale ranging from $4,617 to $6,727 (Step 1 - Step 20). Employees benefit from a comprehensive package typically worth 30-35% of base salary, covering health, retirement, and wellness programs. This position also includes mandatory compliance with CSU policies, COVID-19 safety recommendations, background checks, and Title IX reporting requirements.

This role is ideal for candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in fields such as education, hospitality management, or business administration, and at least two years of relevant experience. Preferred candidates will have experience in event or conference planning, hospitality management, supervisory roles, and customer service within educational or residential settings.

Overall, the Conference Coordinator position at SJSU offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the university's dynamic campus community by managing a vital program that supports students, guests, and external partners throughout the year. The role demands strong leadership, organizational skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality service in a collaborative environment.