Event and Program Strategy Specialist

Brief Summary of Job Duties

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, emerging campus needs, and equity-centered frameworks into high-impact programs, educational initiatives, and community experiences that strengthen campus climate and student engagement.

This position uniquely blends program strategy, event leadership, and research-informed practice to ensure that MCC programming is not only engaging but also intentional, coordinated, and aligned with broader campus priorities around diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Event and Program Strategy Specialist leads the planning and execution of complex, high-impact events (lectures, symposia, performances, conferences) and develops and manages educational training and certificate programs for student, staff, and faculty. The events and programming represent a wide range of perspectives based upon race, class, national origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity and other issues pertaining to marginalized communities.

Designs and implements programs to convey the MCC's philosophy and mission to the university community and surrounding communities in a timely manner and advises and works with student groups affiliated with the MCC in planning and implementing programs and events that create a safe space through creating a platform/community space.

This role will conduct program assessment and evaluation to analyze continuous improvement while interpreting research, campus trends, and institutional priorities into actionable programming strategies. Serving as the liaison across departments, this position will strengthen collaboration and shared initiatives with campus partners, enhancing visibility and communication of MCC initiatives.

Job Functions and Percentages of Time

50% Strategic Programming & Event Leadership

In collaboration with the Director, designs and executes a robust calendar of cultural and educational programming that centers on historically marginalized communities and fosters critical engagement. Works in close collaboration with faculty, ethnic department chairs, and other campus department staff and students to research, develop, plan, and implement programs such as lectures, films, discussions, workshops, and presentations representing a wide range of cultural perspectives across the division. Programming events include both on-campus and off-campus venue locations.

Manages all aspects of event production, including logistics, contracts, budgets, and stakeholder coordination, while ensuring programming aligns with MCC's mission and campus priorities. Oversees and works in collaboration with the Office and Space Coordinator and Sound/Tech Team in coordinating technical and stage set-up such as sound, lighting, technical needs and furniture. Responsible for negotiating performance agreements and coordinating the schedule for guest performers (lodging, meals, travel).

Applies analytical and research skills to assess programming effectiveness, identify emerging trends, and inform strategic planning, while ensuring alignment with university policies and priorities.

Conducts evaluations, synthesizes findings, and develops recommendations to strengthen program impact and alignment with institutional goals.

Uses risk management techniques to anticipate, manage, and mitigate crises associated with programming.

Leads the development and implementation of social justice-oriented training programs and co-curricular (non-academic) certificate initiatives for undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, and faculty.

Oversees curriculum development, facilitator coordination, recruitment, and program evaluation to ensure high-quality, scalable educational offerings.

Collaborate with the marketing team, overseeing marketing campaigns to ensure alignment with the MCC's and Student Affair's missions. Organizes programming meetings and involves the programming staff in the programming process.

Supervises student employees. Supervision will include holding weekly meetings, training students in envisioning and executing events, overseeing the execution of student-driven events, and providing quarterly feedback to student staff related to professional development.

25% Institutional Partnership Development

Serves as a central liaison connecting MCC with campus departments, faculty, student organizations, and community partners.

Builds collaborative relationships that expand programming reach, enhance resource sharing, and support coordinated initiatives. Works closely with marginalized campus communities to ensure equal representation across programming efforts, seeks input from campus constituents, and proactively responds to changing programming needs with campus partners. Oversees cultural and educational programming that expand to the Student Affairs division.

Supports the development of communications that promote programming, share outcomes, and align messaging with broader campus DEI efforts. Responsible for promoting outstanding attendance at MCC events. Acts as the primary coordinator for communication with faculty and departments. In collaboration with the Marketing team, oversees the program's marketing goals, social media, and MCC event write-ups.

Prepares reports, briefs, and materials that contribute to strategic decision-making and leadership communication.

20% Budgeting, Resource Management & Operations

Assists the Director in strategic and budget planning for the MCC.

Manages program budgets, contracts, and resource allocation to ensure effective and responsible use of funds. Supports long-term planning by aligning programmatic investments with strategic priorities.

Responsible for staying informed of campus policies for expenses and contracts. Consults and collaborates with the Director on setting presenter fees. Actively negotiates with vendors, agents, speakers, performers, and film producers to ensure the best possible financial "deal" for the MCC. Monitors and reports on the budget to the Director.

Works closely with the Student Affairs development officers. Develops and solicits underwriting, in-kind contributions or advertising from campus community sources and outside sources for MCC programs and publications. Arranges other fundraising events and opportunities. Seeks co-sponsorships for MCC programs.

5% Other Duties

Maintains the MultiCultural Center Archives and researches historical aspects of the MCC. Works with the Associate Director to plan and coordinate staff development sessions. Involvement in special projects and committees as needed. Participates in board meetings. Other duties as assigned by the MCC Director and Associate Director.

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 experience working in Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration.
• 1-3 years experience initiating new programs, conceptualizing, organizing, and implementing transformative change.
• Knowledge of social justice issues, both current and historical and knowledge of social justice frameworks.
• Skill and ability to provide an open climate and create opportunities for strong collaborations, cross cultural communication, and department interaction.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, students, administration, guest speakers, and the public verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns of a political nature, both on campus and with the public.
• Strong interpersonal skills, analytical skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, attention to detail, ability to multitask in a high volume environment, organizational skills.
• Able to adapt to multiple competing deadlines and the frequent need to trouble shoot.
• Ability to function effectively as a member of a team.
• Awareness of social media and modern marketing practices.
• Strong abilities in long term planning.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Skills to provide coaching and mentoring to support staff.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Special Conditions of Employment

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

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

UC Vaccination Programs Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.

As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up‑to‑Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt‑Out Program no later than the Compliance Date. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations -

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

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 other protected status under state or federal law.

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