Events Manager (6292U) - #83772

The University of California, Berkeley, is a prestigious public research university renowned worldwide for its academic and research excellence, commitment to equity, and social justice. Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley has continuously innovated and created immense intellectual, economic, and social value, maintaining a dynamic academic community that thrives on diversity and inclusion. The campus fosters a culture of openness, belonging, and freedom, creating a supportive environment where students, faculty, and staff can excel in their pursuits. Being part of UC Berkeley means engaging with a community that prioritizes education as a vital element of social justice and actively seeks to reflect California's rich diversity within its workforce and student body.

The Department of History at UC Berkeley is one of the largest and most respected academic programs both nationally and globally. With over 8,000 students enrolling in 150 courses annually, it plays a crucial role in fulfilling campus-wide and departmental graduation requirements. The department is staffed by 50 tenure-track faculty, 30 emeriti, and a dedicated team of 12 career staff. It also hires numerous visiting instructors, scholars, and academic student employees each year. The department offers a wide array of interdisciplinary fields of study and is proud of its increasing diversity, particularly among graduate and undergraduate students of color.

The Events Manager position within the History Department is an essential role focused on providing expert supervision and guidance for the department's events. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Events Manager is responsible for managing and planning a wide range of departmental events, from small seminars to large-scale annual ceremonies like the Fall Welcome, History Homecoming, and Commencement. This role demands proficiency in coordinating logistics such as facilities management, catering, vendors, and technical support while ensuring seamless communication among program sponsors, speakers, and event staff.

This full-time, exempt position offers a competitive salary range of $74,700 to $95,000 annually, with eligibility for the comprehensive UC Benefits package. The role allows for up to 20% hybrid work arrangements, balancing on-campus responsibilities with remote flexibility in coordination with the supervisor.

The Events Manager will take ownership of initiating and directing the planning processes for recurring events, ensuring they align with budgets and schedules while striving for continuous improvement through feedback and analysis. Additional responsibilities include vendor management, securing necessary campus approvals, and supervising student Event Assistants who provide valuable operational support. This position also involves serving as a resource and trainer for department event coordinators and expanding web-based tools to enhance event management efficiencies.

Moreover, the Events Manager plays a strategic role in donor relations and stewardship by collaborating with department leadership to engage donors through tailored communications, exclusive events, and fundraising initiatives. They help build and maintain robust relationships with donors and alumni, ensuring a culture of giving and extended community engagement.

The role also requires strong administrative support functions such as scheduling special space uses within the department's humanities spaces, managing inventory with a focus on economical and environmentally-friendly options, and stepping in to support front office functions when required.

Candidates for this role must bring at least a bachelor's degree and three or more years of experience in event planning and management or an equivalent combination of education and training. The ideal Events Manager will demonstrate exceptional organizational, analytical, and project management skills combined with a thorough understanding of event planning practices and public relations. Superior interpersonal communication abilities, keen attention to detail, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively are essential for success. Experience managing events accommodating from 10 to 1,000 attendees and knowledge of crowd safety and emergency protocols are especially desirable.

UC Berkeley fosters an environment where professional development is encouraged, providing employees time and resources to grow their skills. As part of a supportive and inclusive community, the Events Manager will contribute meaningfully to the academic and social life of the History Department while advancing their career within one of the world’s top universities.