Events and Outreach Specialist or Lead

The wage is dependent upon qualifications, classification level and is non-negotiable.

• Events and Outreach Specialist $26.00- $31.50 per hour. This position is hourly, non - exempt.
• Events and Outreach Lead is $5,583.33 - $5,916.67 per month ($67,000-$71,000 per year) this position is salaried, exempt.
  
  
  

The ZIP Launchpad at San Diego State University is a startup incubator designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students. The program is within the Division of Research and Innovation. The program provides resources, mentorship, and guidance to help students develop their ideas into viable startups. The department supports a diverse range of projects, from tech startups to social enterprises, aiming to turn innovative concepts into market-ready businesses. The ZIP Launchpad typically comprises around 5-7 full-time staff members alongside a varying number of student assistants. Student, staff, and faculty make up the program participants which can range from 50 to 100 depending on the semester and the number of active projects.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Under the supervision of the ZIP Launchpad Program Manager, the Events and Outreach Specialist or Lead orchestrates a diverse array of events, for 20-400 guests, encompassing all aspects of planning, from catering and guest list management to parking logistics and event setup. This role also involves coordinating a large number of classroom presentations each semester, spearheading a team of student employees, and facilitating their training. Additionally, the Events and Outreach Specialist or Lead cultivates strategic relationships with campus clubs and organizations, facilitating programming to enhance these partnerships. The position requires adeptness in crafting communication pieces, media relations, and marketing while providing support on various high-level projects.

Under the supervision of the ZIP Launchpad Program Manager, the Events and Outreach Specialist or Lead plays a key role in organizing and executing a wide range of events and programs, from large-scale events like Startup Bootcamps and Hackathons to classroom presentations. They create an annual event calendar, coordinate with faculty, and foster partnerships with campus clubs. Their responsibilities include handling all aspects of event planning such as catering, parking, and guest coordination, as well as overseeing space and room bookings. The Events and Outreach Specialist or Lead also works or leads with a team of event interns, administers stipends, supports competition participation, and assists with promotional activities. The Events and Outreach Specialist or Lead supports a number of other entities on campus with event needs, such as Lavin Entrepreneurship Center, San Diego Techstars powered by SDSU, and the Advancement of Research Commercialization in collaboration with the Technology Transfer Office.

Event Planning and Coordination 50%

• Responsible for the creation and maintenance of the annual event calendar, tracking programming, application cycles, and events, and coordinating with campus partners.
• Heads the planning and execution events such as Startup Bootcamp, Board Meetings, Social Venture Challenges, Hackathons, San Diego Startup Week SDSU Day, Startup Story Speaker events.
• Handle event logistics, including parking, directions, instructions, and coordinating external guests.
• Coordinate catering orders, external vendor waivers, hospitality justifications, and pickup arrangements.
• Supports event coordination for partner organizations, including but not limited to the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center, San Diego Techstars powered by SDSU, and the Advancement of Research Commercialization in collaboration with the Technology Transfer Office.
  
  
  

Outreach and Partnerships 20%

Events and Outreach Specialist

• Accountable for the success of events and partnerships as measured by KPIs agreed upon by the ZIP Launchpad Program Manager and the Events and Outreach Lead for the number of applications received from club relationships, events, and class presentations.
• Facilitates with the support of student interns, the execution of 100+ classroom presentations each semester to promote the ZIP Launchpad application cycle.
• Maintains and sustain s club outreach, partnerships, and programming.
• Coordinates MGT Design Thinking Workshops with faculty each semester.
• Supports the Educational Opportunity Programs stipends program, including help with promoting, recruiting, reviewing/selecting applicants, and tracking attendance and awards.
  
  
  

Events and Outreach Lead

• Accountable for the success of events and partnerships as measured by KPIs for the number of applications received from club relationships, events, and class presentations.
• Responsible for the support of student interns, thethe efficacy, quality, and the execution of 100+ classroom presentations each semester to promote the ZIP Launchpad application cycle.
• Develops and sustains club outreach, partnerships, and programming.
• Orchestrate MGT Design Thinking Workshops with faculty each semester.
• Leads the Educational Opportunity Programs stipends program, including help with promoting, recruiting, reviewing/selecting applicants, and tracking attendance and awards.
  
  
  

Intern Team 15%

• Carefully select, hire, train, and oversee a dedicated team of student interns each semester.
  
  
  

Space Logistics 10%

• Oversee space logistics, including swipe access and door control for events.
• Book external rooms for programming as needed.
• Handle all bookings of the William E. Leonhard Entrepreneurship Center.
  
  
  

Additional Support 5%

• With the support of advisors and the Program Manager, identify, track, select, and support competition participants.
• Provide event/tabling support coordination for DRI/URAD/ZIP Launchpad activities as needed.
• Support Techstars events and parking logistics.
  
  
  

Knowledge & Abilities

Events and Outreach Specialist

• Proficiency in planning, organizing, and executing events, including workshops, seminars, and networking events.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with students, faculty, and industry profession.
• Ability to work fairly autonomously and exercise sound judgment and discretion in completion of assignments and projects.
• Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong public speaking, listening , and interpretive skills.
• Capability to oversee a team of student interns, providing guidance and supervision throughout the event planning process.
• A keen eye for detail to ensure all aspects of event planning and execution are meticulously handled.
  
  
  

Events and outreach Lead

• Proficiency in planning, organizing, and executing events, including workshops, seminars, and networking events.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with students, faculty, and industry profession.
• Ability to work fairly autonomously and exercise sound judgment and discretion in completion of assignments and projects.
• Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Working knowledge of and ability to apply standard theories, practices, principles and techniques related to communications.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong public speaking, listening, and interpretive skills.
• Capability to lead and manage oversee a team of student interns, providing guidance and supervision throughout the event planning process.
• A keen eye for detail to ensure all aspects of event planning and execution are meticulously handled.
• Ability to develop innovative event concepts and themes that align with the mission and goals of the SDSU ZIP Launchpad.
• Skill in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including sponsors, partners, and attendees.
• Experience in managing event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial responsibility.
• Ability to leverage and coordinate with various external and campus resources, including facilities management, security, IT services, and catering.
• Ability to conduct thorough post-event evaluations to measure success, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
  
  
  

Education/Experience

Events and Outreach Specialist

• Equivalent to a bachelors degree, which includes relevant coursework in the field.
• Two years of related professional or technical experience.
  
  
  

Events and Outreach Lead

• Equivalent to a bachelors degree, which includes relevant coursework in the field.
• Three years of related professional or technical experience.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications and Special Skills

• Thorough knowledge of the program and applicable communications communication techniques.
• San Diego State University Graduate.
• Master’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in collaborating with academic departments, student organizations, and faculty to create events that complement educational objectives.
• Proficient in managing on campus event logistics, including venue selection, equipment rental, transportation, and accommodation arrangements ensuring optimal use and compliance with campus regulations.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures related to event planning, including safety regulations, accessibility requirements, and financial protocols.
• Ability to plan events that align with the academic calendar, avoiding conflicts with major exams, holidays, and other significant campus events.
  
  
  

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California or live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer.