Director, Protocol & Signature Events (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. 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, 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 full salary range for this position is $95,600 - $181,800. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $95,000 - $115,000.

This position is appoved for a hybrid work modality. Incumbent will have some remote opportunity although business needs will require flexibility in this fast-paced environment.

Initial Applicant review will take place on or around November 21st and posting may close any time after that.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Oversees the most complex events and ceremonies, which are high visibility, including Commencement and signature events, those that have high institutional and/or community significance, requiring expert technical expertise because of the nature of the guest list, specific considerations such as security concerns, and/or a potential impact on institutional brand and reputation. Serves in a strategic capacity to design events from conception to execution with a focus on creating an engaging environment that promotes the University in a way that achieves the highest level of stewardship and engagement. Typically, these events have little or no precedence. The Director is considered a subject matter expert on campus. Manages staff and functions of the Office of Protocol and Signature Events. Candidate must be highly skills in organizing resources and establishing priorities, and have the ability to develop, plan, and implement short-and long-range goals. Must thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Manages a team of event planners and related staff. Creates clear performance expectations and provides frequent performance feedback. Ensure events management coverage based on vacation schedules and time out of the office. Provides personnel development and mentoring for successful performance outcomes. Selects, trains, leads, directs, mentors, evaluates and as required, takes corrective action with subordinate professional staff.
2. Manages a diverse variety of signature events, ranging from small events with complex guest lists to large, campus-wide events requiring coordination of multiple internal and external resources. Not limited to commencement, signature events, board of trustees' events/meetings, campus-wide ribbon-cutting ceremonies, foreign dignitary visits, and complex fundraising events.
3. Performs frequent and robust communications related to all activities. Ensure collaborative means of working across all campus constituencies, including support functions in Purchasing, Finance/Accounting, Facilities, and other campus partners.
4. Manages and oversees complex event budgets. Demonstrates the ability to develop and manage budgets. Demonstrates knowledge in cost analysis and drafting budget proposals, with skill in monitoring expenditures for each event.
5. Mentors and manages less experienced events staff, and may lead a team of Events Specialist professionals.
6. Other duties as assigned.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree in related areas such as events management, hospitality, or logistics management; and
• 8 years directly related, progressively responsible experience; and/or
• 12 years of equivalent experience/training (without degree); and
• Valid California Driver's License (required).
• Expert skills in all aspects of event planning/management, including a thorough understanding of effective
• design, organization, and production of quality events.
• Expert knowledge of the campus, including its achievements, vision, mission, goals, programs, and infrastructure.
• Expert public relations skills.
• Expert interpersonal communication skills to build and maintain sound working relationships at all campus levels and with a variety of publics; mentor less experienced staff.
• Expert political acumen and social perceptiveness to successfully meet the needs of guests and ensure guest and client satisfaction.
• Expert political acumen, diplomacy, and skill in judgment, decision-making and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution.
• Expert skills in meeting goals and objectives within budget and time constraints.
• Ability to establish a strong network of campus contacts to build knowledge about events and programs in order to secure support for department needs.
• Ability to lead teams in the development, implementation, management, and evaluation of complex events involving multiple constituencies.
• Ability to provide strategic planning advice and guidance to university students, staff, faculty, alumni, and campus VIPs on all aspects of event management, setting clear goals and objectives with measurable outcomes.
• Expert understanding of protocol standards, along with the ability to advocate for and negotiate necessary improvements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint required. Experience with design software such as Adobe Illustrator or PhotoShop preferred. Ability to learn new software as needed.
• Highly skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities, and can develop, plan, and implement short-and long-range goals. Must thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.