Event Operations Manager, Wharton San Francisco

Inside Higher Ed

Philadelphia (Philadelphia County)

On-site

USD 66,000 - 91,232

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Generous retirement plans

Paid time off

Wellness resources

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking an Event Operations Manager based in San Francisco to develop and implement event strategies that enhance engagement and drive revenue. The role involves extensive collaboration with faculty and stakeholders while managing event logistics and budgets. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and significant event planning experience, with preferred proficiency in event management software. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

3-5 years of experience in event planning or management.
Ability to handle high-pressure situations.
Strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Develop long-term event strategy.
Oversee contracts and budgets.
Manage client expectations.

Skills

Event planning

Budget management

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

Cvent

Salesforce

Job description

Event Operations Manager, Wharton San Francisco

Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. Wharton San Francisco (WSF) is the West Coast campus of the world’s leading business school, serving as a hub for learning, innovation, and industry connections. The campus is located in the Embarcadero area, offering stunning views of the Bay Bridge and proximity to major tech and business hubs.

The Event Operations Manager plays a crucial role in advancing WSF’s mission by developing and executing a strategic event vision that enhances engagement, drives revenue, and maximizes facility utilization. This position requires both strategic planning and hands‑on execution, ensuring that every event and class session reflects Wharton’s excellence and strengthens its presence in the Bay Area.

Job Responsibilities

Event Strategy & Planning – Develop a long‑term event strategy that aligns with Wharton’s academic, alumni, and industry engagement goals.
Revenue & Facility Optimization – Identify and implement strategies to increase external bookings and optimize event space usage for efficiency and financial sustainability.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement – Partner with faculty, students, alumni, and external clients to create impactful event experiences.
Vendor & Budget Management – Oversee contracts, negotiations, and event budgets to ensure cost‑effective and high‑quality execution.
Marketing & Brand Impact – Develop marketing strategies to expand event reach, attract corporate partners, and amplify Wharton’s presence in the Bay Area.
On‑Site Event Management – Be present during events to oversee setup, execution, and troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth experience for attendees.
Academic Scheduling and Classroom Operations – Manage and lead all class scheduling logistics for Wharton San Francisco, including room assignments, academic calendar alignment, faculty scheduling needs, technology and facilities coordination, and resolution of space conflicts.
Collaboration & Support – Work closely with the Senior Client Services Manager to ensure seamless operations and provide backup support for event execution.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, business administration, marketing, or a related field and 3‑5 years of experience in a professional setting with event planning, operations, or venue management, preferably in a higher education, corporate, or nonprofit setting; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to handle high‑pressure situations with professionalism and problem‑solving skills.
Strong attention to detail to ensure seamless attendee experiences.
Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills to collaborate with faculty, students, alumni, and corporate clients.
Ability to tailor event experiences to different audiences, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission.
Skilled in managing client expectations and delivering high‑impact event experiences.
Adaptability and flexibility to step in where needed for seamless event execution.
Ability to serve as a collaborative, cross‑functional team player who works effectively across diverse constituencies, including faculty, students, staff, alumni, and external clients, adapting communication and approach to meet varying needs while contributing to shared goals and seamless operations.

Preferred

Experience in negotiating contracts with vendors, caterers, AV providers, and other service providers.
Proficiency in event management software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite, EMS, Salesforce) or knowledge of event space management software and systems for scheduling and tracking usage.
Experience in identifying and implementing strategies to increase external bookings and optimize space utilization.
Proven experience designing event programs that drive engagement, revenue, and brand impact with an ability to manage multiple events simultaneously, from intimate gatherings to large‑scale conferences.

Job Location

San Francisco, California

Compensation Note

In compliance with California law, the minimum salary for this position is $70,304 annually.

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$66,000.00 – $91,232.00 Annual Rate

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Tuition: tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and eligible dependent children, including eligibility for other institutions.
Retirement: generous retirement plans, including basic, matching, and supplemental options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: substantial paid time off.
Long‑Term Care Insurance: partnership with Genworth Financial for faculty and staff, with coverage for eligible family members subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work‑Life Resources: programs and resources to support balance.
Professional and Personal Development: array of resources to advance personally and professionally.
University Resources: access to libraries, athletic facilities, cultural and recreational activities, museums, and more.
Discounts and Special Services: free or discounted admission to arts and cultural centers, museums, and access to savings on a variety of goods and services.
Flexible Work Hours: creative approaches to balancing work and personal commitments.
Penn Home Ownership Services: forgivable loan for eligible employees for home ownership or improvements.
Adoption Assistance: reimbursement for qualified expenses related to legal adoption of an eligible child, up to two adoptions.