Event Manager (EVENTS SPEC 3 CX)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Education reimbursement

Wellness programs

Job summary

The University of California, Davis is seeking an experienced Events Specialist to lead comprehensive planning for high-visibility events on campus, across California and the United States. The role includes directing contracts with multiple vendors and managing budgets to ensure events stay within allocations.

You will lead recruitment, yield and community-based events, ensuring health, safety and security. Hybrid work arrangement and a 100% time commitment are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least two years of highly-visible, large-scale event management experience.
• Experience exercising sound independent judgement, maintaining confidentiality, and guiding event planning for staff and volunteers.
• High level knowledge of client management systems, registration/check-in systems and event scheduling tools.
• Advanced knowledge of event planning, design, organization, and production of complex, high-visibility events.
• Analytical skills to interpret laws, regulations and university policies.
• Long-range planning and project management with strong interpersonal communication.
• Skill in budgeting, hiring, training, supervising an event team, negotiating contracts and advising on program planning.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage high-visibility events across campus and beyond.
• Oversee contracts with service contractors and budget management.
• Lead recruitment, yield and community-based events and ensure safety and compliance.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Summary

Responsible for comprehensive event planning for multiple, very complex events, including from conception, design, development, management, team coordination, implementation and post event evaluation. Events are on campus and off campus throughout California and the U.S. Events range from several hours to multiple days in length and from 50 to 10,000 in attendance. This position directs the contracts for multiple service contractors and subcontractors. Develops and manages comprehensive event budgets to assure event maintains within budget allocations. Takes lead on managing assigned recruitment, yield, and community-based events. Responsible for the development and ensures health, safety and security of all events. Responsible for decision making, long-range planning, project management and organizing events. Builds and maintains relationships with all campus partners, executive administrators, Deans Offices, and outside organizations/industry partners with common mission and goals for the outcome of events

Apply By Date

September 08, 2026

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree and at least two years of highly-visible, large-scale event management, preferably at a higher education institution, or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience exercising sound independent judgement, maintaining confidentiality, acting with tact and discretion with sensitive information, providing guidance and event planning advice, and motivating employees and volunteers.li>
• High level of knowledge and experience with client management systems, registration check-in systems, and event scheduling and navigational platforms.
• Advanced knowledge of the concepts, techniques, principles and best practices of event planning and public relations, including design, organization, and production of complex events, particularly high visibility, high impact, and high-risk events.
• Analytical skills to read, interpret, understand, evaluate and apply federal, county, and state laws, as well as University rules, regulations and policies.
• Long-range planning, project management, and interpersonal communication skills to build and maintain relationships at all organizational levels with a variety of external partners.
• Skill in meeting goals and objectives, managing budgets, hiring, training, and supervising an event team, negotiating contracts, strategizing, and providing advice in all aspects of program planning, implementation and evaluation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in executing large scale events in a higher education setting.
• Highly developed political acumen skills and social perceptiveness to successfully meet the needs of guests and ensure guest satisfaction of critical events that influence a positive enrollment outcome for UC Davis.
• Advanced judgement in decision making, problem solving recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• Flexibility to manage multiple responsibilities with conflicting deadlines, and priorities in a complex and diverse environment.
• Knowledge of UC and campus admission policies and procedures

Key Responsibilities

• 90% - Event Coordination and Management
• 10% - Analysis and Budget

Department Overview

Under the Office of the Chancellor/Provost, Enrollment Management and Undergraduate Admissions, manages highly complex events, including high visible events that result in campus meeting enrollment goals. These events involve influential and important people from the UCOP, UC Davis campus community, California community college leaders, and all UCs. Orchestrates large scale events including senior campus management, university executives, faculty, international dignitaries and government officials.

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $69,600.00 - $124,200.00/year
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: 21
• UC Job Title: EVENTS SPEC 3
• UC Job Code: 006292
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: No
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page. If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Work flexible hours, including occasional overtime, evenings and weekends to meet operational needs and goals. Travel to locations off campus with overnight stay. Limited vacation usage during peak workload periods.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks #CA-CB