Position Summary

The Event Coordinator plays a key role in bringing the College of Arts and Letters’ vision to life through impactful, well-executed events. As part of the Dean’s Office team, this position collaborates closely with college leadership, communications, development, and resource management to plan and deliver a wide range of events that support strategic priorities, community engagement, and advancement efforts. With a balanced focus on donor/alumni events and broader college programming, the role manages all aspects of event planning—from concept through execution and follow-up. This is an exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented, creative professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys producing meaningful, high-visibility events.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute college-sponsored events, including donor and alumni engagement activities, lectures, conferences, and recognition events.
• Manage event logistics, timelines, budgets, and financial processes in compliance with university policies.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, vendors, and community partners.
• Support event promotion in coordination with communications staff and ensure strong audience engagement.
• Lead on-site event execution and post-event follow-up, including documentation and evaluation.

Why Join Us?

• Create impactful events that support arts, humanities, and community engagement initiatives.
• Work closely with college leadership and advancement teams on high-visibility programming.
• Apply creativity and organization in a role that blends strategy, logistics, and collaboration.
• Gain experience supporting donor relations and alumni engagement efforts.
• Join a mission-driven college committed to cultural enrichment, scholarship, and public engagement.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but are expected to vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary

The College of Arts and Letters has 18 academic departments, 12 interdisciplinary programs, 24 centers, and one joint doctoral program. With over 475 permanent faculty and associated lecturers, the College is the largest of the seven colleges at San Diego State University and is responsible for 36% of the instruction at the University. There are approximately 60 clerical and technical employees in the college. The Dean's Office is responsible for the implementation and continued support of the instructional, research, and development processes in the college.

For more information regarding the College of Arts and Letters, click here.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Key Qualifications

• Experience coordinating logistics for events, meetings, or programs, including venue coordination, catering, audiovisual support, and scheduling.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and deadlines while preparing detailed event documentation such as run-of-show materials, checklists, and schedules.
• Working knowledge of financial and administrative processes, including tracking and reconciling event expenses and applying procurement, contract, and compliance policies.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in standard office software and the ability to quickly learn event management and campus systems.
• Experience planning and coordinating events in academic, advancement, or development environments, including large-scale events with 50+ attendees is preferred.
• Experience supporting donor cultivation, stewardship, and alumni engagement events, with an understanding of audience-focused event execution is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate the work of student assistants, staff, and/or volunteers during event planning and execution is preferred.
• Experience developing standardized event planning tools, templates, and process documentation to improve efficiency and consistency is preferred.
• Knowledge of SDSU and CSU systems and policies is preferred.
• Ability to collaborate with marketing and communications teams on event promotion, with familiarity with ADA accessibility considerations and experience working in public-facing or unionized environments is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:

CSUEU Salary

Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 7 ($5,200) for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,617–$6,727 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by April 12, 2026  to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Danan Pacheco (dpacheco@sdsu.edu).