Manager of Special Events

Chapman University is a prestigious private university located in Orange, California, known for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. As a dynamic institution with a rich history, Chapman fosters innovation, creativity, and leadership among its students, faculty, and staff. The university offers a vibrant campus environment where collaboration and inclusiveness thrive, supported by strong administrative and operational teams dedicated to enhancing the university experience for all stakeholders. Chapman’s culture emphasizes in-person engagement, which is integral to sustaining its close-knit community and advancing its educational mission in an ever-evolving higher education landscape.

The role of Manager of Special Events at Chapman University is a full-time, exempt position offering an anticipated pay range of $73,000 to $78,000 annually. This pivotal role is responsible for the conceptualization, planning, and execution of university events, with special focus on University Advancement-related functions involving senior university leadership such as the president, provost, and board of trustees or governors. The Manager of Special Events plays a critical role in ensuring that high-profile events reflect the institution’s values and strategic priorities while delivering seamless and memorable experiences.

This position requires a comprehensive approach to event management, from initial concept development through post-event evaluation. The successful candidate will lead logistical planning, vendor negotiations, and contract management across a spectrum of services including catering, audiovisual, rentals, and parking arrangements. A vital part of the role is to manage and supervise a team of volunteers, students, and staff supporting events, fostering a collaborative and goal-driven environment. The Manager of Special Events also oversees the Student Ambassador program—a key initiative aimed at cultivating leadership and engagement among students. Responsibilities include recruitment, training, program administration, and coordinating ambassadors’ involvement in campus events.

The role demands proficient use of various university systems supporting event management, venue reservations, ticketing, payment processing, and advancement data, such as 25Live, AudienceView, TouchNet, and Blackbaud CRM. Close collaboration with multiple university departments, including Advancement Operations, IS&T, ticketing teams, and campus partners, is essential to coordinate communication strategies, donation record maintenance, event registrations, and financial processing. Additionally, the Manager of Special Events is tasked with budget management, preparing financial forms, monitoring expenses, and ensuring compliance with university policies.

Chapman University values individuals who demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, strategic and critical thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment. The position also demands strong analytical skills, high confidentiality, and a commitment to promoting the university’s mission through special events and student leadership engagement programs. This role supports Chapman’s vibrant campus community and advancing university-wide initiatives, providing operational support to facilitate successful events that enhance institutional goals and community relations.