Special Events & Media Coordinator (6292) Job #85081 - Dept of Architecture (DBARC)

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Berkeley's Department of Architecture was founded on strong principles of design, multidisciplinary collaboration, and respect for experimentation. There are over 570 students, 180 of whom are graduate students; over 20 full-time faculty; over 30 part-time faculty; and 5 career staff. https://ced.berkeley.edu/arch

The Special Events & Media Coordinator manages the planning, production, and execution of departmental events while leading the development of integrated digital communications and visual content. This position oversees and coordinates all logistical aspects of lectures, exhibitions, final reviews, symposia, and related programs, and ensures that each event is supported by high-quality, brand-aligned media across web, social, and print platforms.

Working under general supervision, the coordinator independently manages complex event workflows, develops multimedia content, collaborates with faculty and students, and supervises student assistants to produce cohesive, design-forward communications. The role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong project management, a collaborative working style, and a refined design sensibility appropriate to a professional architecture environment.

The First Review Date for this job is: April 1, 2026 - Open until filled

35% Event Strategy, Planning & Production:

Under the general guidance of the Chair and Department Manager (MSO), the coordinator plans, manages, and executes the full range of departmental events, including the Architecture Lecture Series, exhibitions, final reviews, symposia, faculty searches, and other special programs. The role is responsible for developing comprehensive event timelines, production schedules, and run-of-show documentation; coordinating venues, audiovisual services, catering, travel, honoraria, contracts, and facilities logistics; and managing all associated budgets, payment processes, and financial reporting. The incumbent consults with faculty and other stakeholders to determine event objectives, scope, and resource needs, and exercises sound judgment in scheduling, advertising, participant coordination, and guest arrangements, including travel and accommodations for visiting critics and speakers.

The position establishes and implements procedures for managing event supplies, materials, and equipment, and ensures that programs are professionally staged and aligned with departmental design standards. The coordinator anticipates potential production challenges, develops contingency plans, and resolves logistical and operational issues in a timely manner using tact, discretion, and political acumen. This work requires a high level of detail orientation, the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities, and consistent follow-through to ensure smooth, effective events. Evening and weekend hours are required as needed to support event delivery.

30% Digital Media & Content Development:

The coordinator leads the development and execution of integrated digital media and content strategies that support departmental events and initiatives. This includes producing and managing multimedia communications across social media, web, email campaigns, digital signage, and print, with content highlighting the Architecture program. This includes, but is not limited to, lecture Series, exhibitions, final reviews, student work, visiting scholars, and faculty research. The role captures and coordinates photography and video documentation of lectures, reviews, and exhibitions, and collaborates with part-time student assistants and a videographer to generate high-quality, design-forward content.

Working closely with the College communications office, the coordinator manages editorial calendars, distribution strategies, and social media features; ensures technical accuracy, accessibility, and consistency with departmental and campus brand standards; and maintains organized digital asset libraries with appropriate metadata for archival and promotional use. The position designs and produces posters, newsletters, website content, and other visual materials, and oversees the department's public-facing visual identity across web platforms and on-site displays. The coordinator promotes exhibitions and events through multiple channels and oversees the collection, formatting, storage, and publication of student and faculty work for both physical and digital presentation.

15% Serves as the primary point of contact for faculty, guest speakers, critics, and exhibitors, coordinating communications and ensuring that all participants receive timely information and support. Acts as a liaison between faculty, students, and administrative units to interpret and apply university policies and procedures related to events, travel, and entertainment, and directs individuals to appropriate campus resources as needed. Coordinates facilities and space logistics, including scheduling, access, and setup requirements, and coordinates audiovisual and other equipment needs for events, reviews, and studio activities to ensure effective and compliant operations.

10% Develops and prepares budgets and other Ad Hoc reports and vendor payment or honoraria requests, which may be complex.

5% Identifies specific communications needs and develops the content and process for organizational improvements. May supervise a small staff of student employees. Other duties as required.

5% Analytical duties as required. Serves on committees representing the department and reports back to the Chair and MSO.

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, and practices of event planning and public relations, including event design, organization, and production.
• Thorough knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols, and procedures for travel, entertainment, honoraria, and general administration.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing deadlines.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, and practices of event planning and public relations, including event design, organization, and production.
• Highly developed judgment, decision-making, and problem recognition/resolution skills, including skill in determining those issues/problems that need to be brought to management's attention.
• Ensures production of high-quality products that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints.
• Have excellent design aesthetic for creating department media, including social media posts, student gallery work, web media, etc.
• Have strong communication, outreach, and organizational skills to work with faculty and students to generate content, and collect, categorize, and store assets. Familiarity with using a digital asset management system.
• Have excellent design aesthetic for creating department media, including social media posts, student gallery work, web media, etc.
• Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening, and political acumen skills. Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge and understanding of design concepts, various media, and applications. Thorough technical skills and fluency in software are required to create visual media for print and online.
• Experience with a variety of administrative operations activities such as event planning, risk management, entertainment/travel, and graphic/website design.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently to identify and effectively solve problems.
• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

• Experience in an academic, cultural, or design-focused environment.
• Experience supervising student staff or coordinating creative teams.
• Familiarity with architecture, design pedagogy, or exhibition practices.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $81,500 - $98,000.

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 40% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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

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.