Lead the planning and execution of a comprehensive annual events portfolio of approximately 60 events (per calendar year) that support USC Dornsife's academic mission, community engagement initiatives, and fundraising objectives
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with diverse university departments and partners to coordinate successful events
Manage event logistics including scheduling, budgeting, venue coordination, catering, transportation, and vendor management
Provide event production support including audiovisual coordination, stage setup, presentation management, and event troubleshooting
Coordinate run-of-show timelines and oversee event flow during live productions
Support high-profile university events involving senior leadership, VIP guests, alumni and keynote speakers
Partner with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external vendors to ensure successful event delivery
Supervise event staff, student workers, volunteers, and production crews
Ensure all events align with USC Dornsife branding, hospitality standards, and audience engagement goals
Additional responsibilities and special projects may be assigned based on departmental and event needs.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree or (5+ years) equivalent professional event experience
Experience in event production, hospitality, advancement, or related fields is preferred
Familiarity with event technology, and production operations
Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and occasional weekends
Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or live event environments preferred
Experience with Word, PPT, Excel, Canva, Concur, Workday and Salesforce
Why Join USC Dornsife?
Join a collaborative, energetic, and thriving events office
Work on high-level academic and fundraising events
Gain hands-on experience across event strategy, logistics, advancement partnerships, and production
Collaborate with faculty, university leadership, alumni and external partners
Access professional growth opportunities and university benefits
Be part of a team where you will continuously learn, grow, and expand your event and production skill set
Salary range:
Required Documents and Additional Information:
Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
Minimum Experience: 2 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience with special events planning, fundraising management and/or alumni volunteer relations management. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communications.
USC 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, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characte
Benefits
Health insuranceFlexible schedule
Additional Information
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a highly organized, creative, and motivated Lead Event Coordinator to support and execute a wide range of events that advance the college's academic mission and fundraising priorities. As a key member of the Events Office, this position manages and supports a diverse annual portfolio of approximately 60 events per year. Events include academic lectures, conferences, advancement events, student and faculty events, recognition ceremonies, and special institutional programs.
This role combines event leadership with hands-on production support to deliver engaging, seamless, and memorable experiences for the USC community and external guests. As part of a thriving and fast-paced events office, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to develop expertise across event strategy, logistics, production, while working on high-profile events featuring university leadership, distinguished guests, students, faculty, alumni, and prominent speakers.
University Of Southern California · Los Angeles