Director, University Events and Commencement

Job no: 563660 Work type: Management (MPP) Location: Long Beach Categories: MPP, At-Will, Full Time Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)! Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives. As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer. Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California’s future—offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth. Job Summary The Director of University Events and Commencement provides strategic and operational leadership for the university’s signature presidential, ceremonial, and divisional events and oversees CSULB’s commencement ceremonies. The Director personally plans, produces, and leads on-site execution of selected high-profile events, including presidential receptions, major ceremonies, and events involving distinguished guests. The Director also leads the University Events and Commencement team, manages its budget and vendor relationships, and sets standards for how the university hosts graduates, families, donors, elected officials, tribal leaders, and community partners. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Relations, the Director serves as the university’s senior event professional and primary advisor on ceremony, protocol, and event execution. The Director exercises independent judgment on matters that affect the university’s reputation and works closely with the Office of the President, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Administration and Finance, and the seven colleges. Key Responsibilities Presidential and signature university events: Provide leadership for the university’s signature events portfolio, setting the annual calendar and standards in consultation with senior leaders. Oversee presidential and divisional events, advise on protocol, and lead on-site delivery for events involving the President, trustees, elected officials, and principal donors. Ensure effective guest communications and sponsor recognition, and use attendance, cost, and feedback measures to guide event improvements. Commencement oversight: Provide oversight of commencement for the university’s seven colleges, setting direction and approving the schedule, venue plan, budget, and major ceremony features. Hold the staff and planning team accountable for milestones and outcomes; guide the review committee; ensure consistent protocol and accessible ceremonies; and serve as the senior event official during commencement week. Team leadership and unit management: Lead the university events unit by supervising and developing unit staff and setting goals, priorities, and workloads for the broader team of staff, student assistants, seasonal volunteers, and commencement ambassadors. Manage event intake and the university calendar, document procedures and templates, report on unit goals, and represent the unit on leadership and university committees. Budget, contracts, and vendor management: Manage budgets for commencement, university events, and donor and stewardship events; oversee procurement, contracts, vendors, and compliance with CSU…

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