Special Events & Media Coordinator (6292) Job 85081 - Dept of Architecture (DBARC)

The University of California, Berkeley, is a prestigious and world-renowned academic institution dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community where students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds can thrive. Known for its academic and research excellence, Berkeley has a longstanding commitment to equity and social justice, serving as a leader in driving innovation and creating global intellectual, economic, and social value since its founding in 1868. The university embraces principles of openness, freedom, and belonging, making it a unique and inspiring environment for educational pursuits and career growth.

Within this rich cultural and intellectual setting, the Department of Architecture at UC Berkeley stands out as a beacon of multidisciplinary collaboration, creative experimentation, and design excellence. Comprising over 20 full-time faculty, more than 30 part-time faculty, roughly 570 students (including 180 graduate students), and five career staff members, the department fosters a dynamic, design-forward community that emphasizes the intersection of architecture, pedagogy, research, and societal impact. The department's programs and events are tailored to uphold strong principles of design innovation and artistic integrity while maintaining close collaboration among students, faculty, and administrative staff.

The Special Events & Media Coordinator at the Department of Architecture plays a vital role in shaping and amplifying the department's public presence and event programming. This full-time position, with a salary range of $81,500 - $98,000 annually, encompasses comprehensive management of the department’s wide-ranging events including lectures, exhibitions, final reviews, symposia, faculty searches, and other special programs. The Coordinator is responsible for the strategic planning, logistical coordination, and successful production of these events, ensuring they align with the department’s high standards and brand identity. The role demands meticulous attention to detail to develop production schedules, oversee venue coordination, manage audiovisual needs, handle contracts, and administer budgets with precision and fiscal responsibility.

In addition to event management, the role leads the development and deployment of integrated digital media and communications strategies. This includes creating and managing content across social media, websites, email campaigns, digital signage, and print media that highlight the department’s programs, student and faculty achievements, exhibitions, and scholarly research. The Coordinator collaborates closely with faculty, students, and college communications to produce multimedia content such as photography and video, ensuring consistency with both departmental and campus brand standards. They are also responsible for maintaining organized digital asset libraries and managing public-facing visual identities both online and within on-site displays.

The candidate will routinely serve as a key liaison for faculty, guest speakers, visiting critics, exhibitors, and administrative units, facilitating effective communication and coordination. They will ensure all participants receive timely information and support, interpreting university policies as they relate to event planning, travel, entertainment, and logistical setups. They will also be entrusted with supervising student assistants and coordinating creative teams, offering opportunities for leadership and mentorship within a dynamic academic environment.

This position demands a blend of high-level project management capabilities, a refined design sensibility appropriate for a professional architecture context, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of event planning principles, public relations strategies, university administrative processes, and possess technical proficiency in multimedia content creation and digital asset management. Working hours will occasionally extend into evenings and weekends to support event delivery, and the role offers up to 40% hybrid work flexibility based on departmental needs.

Overall, this opportunity at UC Berkeley’s Department of Architecture offers an engaging and meaningful career path for those passionate about event management and digital media within an academic and design-focused setting, where innovation, diversity, and social justice are deeply valued and actively promoted.