Event Coordinator (Events and Conference Planner II)

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a leading public research university, part of the prestigious California State University system, known for its dedication to academic excellence, diversity, and community engagement. SDSU's College of Arts and Letters, the largest of its seven colleges, comprises 18 academic departments, 12 interdisciplinary programs, 24 centers, and one joint doctoral program. This college is remarkable for delivering about 36% of the university's instruction, supported by over 475 permanent faculty and lecturers alongside approximately 60 clerical and technical staff. The Dean's Office within the College plays a vital role in implementing and supporting the instructional, research, and developmental processes that uphold the college's high educational standards and community impact.

The College of Arts and Letters is actively seeking a highly skilled Event Coordinator to join its team, ideally suited to those with a passion for creating well-organized, impactful events that resonate with academic, development, and community priorities. This full-time, probationary staff position is exempt under FLSA, offering standard SDSU work hours from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with eligibility for one day of telecommuting after initial training. The role is based on-site in San Diego but allows some telecommuting flexibility. The position earns a competitive salary within the CSU classification salary range of $4,617 to $6,727 per month, with initial step placement not expected to exceed $5,200 per month plus a comprehensive benefits package.

The Event Coordinator will independently manage a variety of events ranging from donor and alumni gatherings to lectures, conferences, symposia, recognition programs, and other special occasions. The role demands ownership of the event lifecycle from initial concept development and detailed planning to seamless on-site execution and reflective post-event analysis. Collaborating closely with college leadership, development and communications teams, academic units, campus partners, vendors, and diverse external stakeholders, the coordinator ensures tailored and flawless event delivery.

Key responsibilities include event planning and management, logistical coordination such as venues, catering, audiovisual needs, accessibility accommodations, parking, security, staffing, and vendor relations. The role also involves partnering specifically with the Development and University Relations teams to manage VIP and donor-focused occasions, oversee budgets, contracts, and financial administration, and provide operational leadership during events. Effective communication with all stakeholders and adherence to university compliance standards concerning finances, procurement, accessibility, risk management, and safety are critical, alongside continuous improvement initiatives for future events.

This role is ideal for professionals with experience in higher education or similar complex environments who possess strong organization, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently. The college values diversity and inclusivity, encouraging all applicants to embrace and foster these principles within their work and community engagement. By joining SDSU, you become part of a vibrant, intellectually stimulating, and diverse community that supports professional growth, equity, and the success of students and staff alike. This position presents an excellent opportunity to contribute meaningfully to one of the nation’s significant public university systems through impactful event coordination that underpins the college’s academic and advancement missions.