Position Summary

The Events Specialist plays a highly visible role in showcasing San Diego State University’s Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (RSCA). Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Partnerships within the Division of Research and Innovation (DRI), this position plans and executes high-profile events that elevate faculty and student research, strengthen community engagement, and promote the SDSU brand. Working closely with campus leadership and partners, the Specialist manages events from concept through completion in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee RSCA-focused events from concept through execution, including signature programs such as the SDSU Student Symposium, faculty celebrations, and research advancement events.
• Collaborate with campus leadership, faculty, staff, vendors, sponsors, and community partners to deliver high-quality, impactful events.
• Manage event logistics, timelines, budgets, contracts, and procurement to ensure successful, on-time, and cost-effective delivery.
• Develop and coordinate event communications, registration processes, and promotional materials using event and project management platforms.
• Provide lead work direction, guidance, and training to staff, students, and volunteers supporting event activities.

Why Join Us?

• Help elevate and celebrate SDSU’s faculty and student research, scholarship, and creative achievements.
• Plan and execute high-profile events that engage campus and community stakeholders.
• Work closely with senior leadership in a collaborative, innovative research environment.
• Apply creativity, strategy, and organizational expertise in a role with visible campus impact.
• Join a mission-driven division committed to advancing research excellence and community engagement.

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• 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 may vary based on operational needs (Evening and weekend hours are required to support events).
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 1 day per week with onsite work in San Diego

Department Summary

Our mission at the Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) is to amplify and invest in transformative, multidisciplinary research, scholarship and creative activities and fortify San Diego State University as a premier community-engaged and border-connected public research university where excellence and access converge. Our vision is to encourage university and community partners to push the limits of imagination and discovery, catalyzing innovative, equitable and collaborative solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.

For more information regarding the Division of Research and Innovation, 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

• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively coordinate with diverse internal and external stakeholders, vendors, sponsors, and event participants, and to develop clear communication and promotional materials.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and manage events and conferences from concept through execution, including establishing goals, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes using feedback, data, and defined success criteria.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, applying sound judgment and discretion to resolve non-routine issues and interpret applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines related to event planning and management.
• Proficiency in using event planning, project management, registration, communication, and financial systems (e.g., Asana, Salesforce, Canva, Cvent, or similar platforms) and other relevant technology and software packages.
• Ability to provide lead work direction, guidance, and training to student assistants, volunteers, and support staff involved in event and conference planning activities.
• Familiarity with planning and executing large-scale events 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:
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.
• 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 February 9, 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 Livia Peeples at lpeeples@sdsu.edu.