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

About Berkeley

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Departmental Overview

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.

Application Review Date

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

Responsibilities

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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Salary & Benefits

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.

Other Information

• 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.