Event Coordinator

SDSU University Relations & Development

The pay rate for this position is $23.00-$25.00 per hour and is non-negotiable.

This position is eligible for health benefits, vacation, and sick leave.

The Event Coordinator position will support the planning, coordination, and successful execution of the events at the Alumni Center, a dynamic, multi-space venue that hosts over 200 events annually. This position assists with scheduling, setup, client communication, and on-site logistics to ensure the successful execution of a wide range of events, including meetings, receptions, and university functions.

Under general direction of the Association Director, this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The coordinator serves as a key point of contact for clients and vendors, ensuring all events meet quality standards and client expectations. This is a regular, full-time position (40 hours/week). Flexibility and willingness to work long and irregular hours and days, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed by event schedule.  Outside of scheduled events, standard SDSU work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Event Coordinator is responsible for but not limited to:

Primary Functions

Event Coordination (20%)

• Independently coordinate logistical aspects of events, prioritize tasks, adjust timelines, and assist in resolving planning and operational challenges in alignment with Alumni Center and University procedures.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making (20%)

• Respond to event-day issues in real-time using reasoning, judgment, and creativity to solve complex problems related to event coordination. Address issues that arise during events, ensuring that all events run smoothly and meet or exceed client expectations.

Client Liaison and Customer Service (15%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external event clients, ensuring effective communication and satisfaction. Offer high-level support for clients and guests, proactively anticipate needs, resolve issues in real time, and conduct post-event follow-ups to gather feedback and improve future events.

Day-Of Support (15%)

• Provide on-site support during events, ensuring logistics are in place, and client expectations are met or exceeded. Remain accountable for the overall success of each event, proactively managing issues, adapting in real-time, and delivering a seamless experience from setup through breakdown.

Event Setup and Breakdown (10%)

• Coordinate and assist with the physical setup and teardown of events based on event diagrams. This includes arranging tables, chairs, staging, and equipment to meet event specifications. Requires regular physical labor such as lifting, carrying, and standing for extended periods. Ensure all setups are safe, functional, and aligned with event plans, and that breakdown is completed efficiently and with care for venue equipment.

Team Coordination (6%)

• Foster a collaborative environment by coordinating closely with team members, ensuring clear communication and seamless operations. Provide guidance to part-time staff or student assistants during setup and execution as needed.

Vendor and Logistics Coordination (4%)

• Coordinate with vendors, such as catering, parking services, and custodial services to ensure all event logistics are executive in alignment with event requirements and to support a seamless experience.

Event Layout and Diagram Design (4%)

• Develop event layouts and diagrams to ensure optimal flow, functionality, and guest experience. Collaborate with clients and vendors to translate event concepts into practical setups that meet logistical and aesthetic requirements.

Audio-Visual Support (3%)

• Set up and operate AV equipment. Troubleshoot technical issues during events and ensure client needs are met in coordination with available tech support.

Other Duties As Assigned (3%)

• Support special projects and collaborate on cross-functional event initiatives as needed to advance departmental goals.

• Strong problem-solving abilities with sound judgment, particularly in time-sensitive or high-pressure situations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to engage effectively with clients, vendors, colleagues, and university personnel at all levels.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and familiar with event planning or project management tools, and ability to learn and utilize new software programs.
• Detail-oriented with strong time management skills, able to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, make sound decisions, and consistently meet deadlines under pressure.
• Eagerness to learn and grow skills and knowledge in support of team and departmental goals.
• Must be self-motivated, self-starter and perform with minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to interpret and communicate policies and procedures.

• Experience in hospitality, customer service, or event-related environment preferred.
• Experience in the coordination and planning of meetings, conferences, or special events preferred.
• Experience with basic audiovisual equipment preferred.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).

• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.

• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.

• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII 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), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.

• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.