Assistant Director, Student Union Programming

sjsustudentunion; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Student Union, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Director of Student Union Programming to lead weekly programs and major annual events at San José State University.

You will build partnerships with campus departments, develop budgets, assess programs, and manage risk and contracts with vendors and promoters. Reporting to the Director of the Events Center, you will supervise two coordinators and student assistants, coordinate with campus partners, and promote inclusive student engagement across

Qualifications

• Experience planning and executing diverse events, from small programs to large campus events.
• Ability to develop and manage annual budgets and post-event settlements.
• Proven skill in negotiating contracts with vendors, performers, and promoters.

Responsibilities

• Direct department goals and drive innovative programs aligned with the Student Union mission.
• Plan and coordinate complex events including concerts, performing arts, multicultural programs, and movie nights.
• Develop and manage the annual department budget and end-of-event settlements.
• Evaluate programs via participant feedback and surveys to measure learning outcomes and campus impact.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure insurance and required documentation are in place per policies.
• Oversee training and supervision of full-time coordinators and student staff.

Skills

Event planning

Budget management

Contract negotiation

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview

The Student Union, Inc. is 501(c)(3) nonprofit auxiliary that maintains three major facilities at San José State University in downtown San José, California. These facilities include the Diaz Compean Student Union Building, the Provident Credit Union Event Center, and the Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center. The Student Union, Inc. functions as part of the Student Affairs Division on campus, and is governed by a Board of Directors made up of a student majority, faculty, and administrators.

Mission

The Student Union, Inc. of San Jose State University supports the development, growth, and well‑being of students and the campus community by providing diverse programs, desired services, and quality facilities to enhance the collegiate experience.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director, Student Union Programming is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing high quality Student Union weekly programs and large‑scale annual events, develops and sustains strong partnerships and collaboration with campus departments on shared programs; creates and manages the annual department budget, conducts program assessments, manage and prepare risk and contract management for events, vendors, and promoters. This position manages the Student Union Information Center for effective communication and shared campus wide services and resources. The Manager will demonstrate an openness to connect with students and engage campus/community partners to support diverse, equitable, and inclusive student engagement opportunities. The position reports to, and receives general supervision and direction from the Director of the Events Center.

Essential Functions and Tasks

• Ability to direct department goals and objectives, facilitate innovation and change in new and existing programs to meet the needs of Student Union mission, campus culture, and foster student engagement.
• Plan and coordinate multiple and complex Student Union events and programs including comedy, annual SpartanFest and other concerts, performing arts, multicultural programs, movie nights, and other special events.
• Develops and maintains the annual budget for the department, including preliminary event expense budget and end‑of‑event settlements.
• Oversees the ongoing evaluation of all event programs, including completing participant evaluations, focus groups, informal discussion, and written program surveys for a learning outcome, and value to the student or campus community.
• Negotiate contracts on behalf of the Student Union, Inc. and ensures contracts and required insurance are executed with vendors, performers, and sponsor in accordance with Student Union and SJSU policies.
• Responsible for the training, supervision and evaluation of two full‑time program and event Coordinators and SU event and information center student assistants. Oversight of employee training, scheduling, payroll, supervision of work performance.
• Develops and sustains strategic partnerships and collaborations with other departments in the division, as well as academics, athletics, alumni and parent programs, and operations and planning (Greek Organizations, Associated Students, Residence Hall Council, and Student Involvement) to develop, plan, market, and produce a variety of events.
• Serves on SJSU campus‑wide committees and coordinate SU participation in campus wide programs, including but not limited to the Homecoming, Admitted Spartans Day, Orientation sessions, Weeks of Welcome. In addition, support volunteer planning committees and host teams in support of events, participating in regular committee meetings.
• Works with SUI Student Success and Assessment team to ensures learning outcomes are developed annually for the student staff; and conducts program and event assessments to ensure department goals and objectives are met.
• Works with the Associate Executive Director on risk management and emergency procedures, safety practices and risk management procedures and ensure all activities are conducted in accordance to Student Union, SJSU and CSU risk management policies for programs and events.
• Works with SUI Marketing department to support the promotion of programs and events through the SU programs and Events web‑site, digital platforms, social media, and flyers.
• Works with SUI Student Success and Assessment team to ensures learning outcomes are developed and assessed annually for the student staff.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.