Event and Program Strategy Specialist

UC Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara's Multicultural Center seeks an Event and Program Strategy Specialist to design, coordinate, and advance a portfolio of cultural programming and training initiatives. Working with the Director, you will translate equity-focused goals into high-impact programs that enhance campus climate and student engagement.

The role emphasizes leadership in event production, partnership development, budgeting, and operations, with additional duties to support staff development and special

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant field; 1–3 years in student affairs or higher education administration.
• Experience initiating programs, conceptualizing change, and implementing initiatives.
• Knowledge of social justice frameworks and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Strong public speaking and communication abilities; discreet handling of sensitive issues.
• Analytical, organized, detail-oriented with strong service orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and problem-solve under pressure.
• Awareness of social media and contemporary marketing practices.
• Long-term planning and team effectiveness demonstrated.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and evaluate a calendar of cultural/educational programming.
• Coordinate event logistics, contracts, budgets, and stakeholder relations.
• Develop partnerships with campus departments, faculty, and community partners.
• Support budgeting, fundraising, and resource management for programs.
• Maintain MCC archives and support staff development and projects.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Cross-cultural collaboration

Budgeting

Event planning

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, or equivalent

Master’s Degree in Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, or 2–5 years of relevant experience

Job description

The Event and Program Strategy Specialist is a programming role within the UCSB MultiCultural Center (MCC) responsible for designing, coordinating, and advancing a comprehensive portfolio of cultural programming, training initiatives, and campus collaborations. Working closely with the Director, this role translates institutional goals and equity‑centered frameworks into high‑impact programs, educational initiatives, and community experiences that strengthen campus climate and student engagement.

Job Duties

Strategic Programming & Event Leadership - In collaboration with the Director, design, execute, and evaluate a robust calendar of cultural and educational programming that centers on historically marginalized communities. Manage all aspects of event production, including logistics, contracts, budgets, and stakeholder coordination, while ensuring programming aligns with MCC’s mission.

Institutional Partnership Development - Serve as a central liaison connecting MCC with campus departments, faculty, student organizations, and community partners to expand programming reach and enhance resource sharing.

Budgeting, Resource Management & Operations - Assist the Director in strategic budget planning, manage program budgets, negotiate vendor contracts, and oversee fundraising and underwriting initiatives.

Other Duties - Maintain the MCC archives, coordinate staff development sessions, participate in special projects and committees, and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1–3 years of experience working in Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, or Higher Education Administration.
• 1–3 years of experience initiating new programs, conceptualizing, organizing, and implementing transformative change.
• Knowledge of social justice issues and frameworks, with the ability to create an open climate and foster cross‑cultural collaboration.
• Strong public speaking, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to convey information effectively to all levels of staff, students, and the public.
• Judgment and discretion in responding to politically sensitive issues, maintaining confidentiality, and providing coaching and mentoring to support staff.
• Analytical, organizational, and multitasking skills, with a strong service orientation and attention to detail.
• Adaptability to multiple competing deadlines and troubleshooting needs.
• Awareness of social media and modern marketing practices.
• Strong abilities in long‑term planning and team effectiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, or 2–5 years of relevant experience.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Evening and weekend work required.
• Mandatory reporting requirements of Child Abuse.
• UCSB Campus Security Authority under the Clery Act.
• Satisfactory criminal history background check.
• UCSB is a Tobacco‑Free environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected status under state or federal law.