Program and Events Manager

Position Title:

Program and Events ManagerPosition Type:

Limited-Term (Renewable)Job Number:

SA58424Full or Part Time:

full-time 40 hours weeklyFair Labor Standard Act Classification:

ExemptAnticipated Pay Range:

$70,000 - $80,000Pay Range Information:

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.Job Description Summary:

The Or Initiative and Presidential Studies programs at Chapman University seek a Programs and Events Manager to support the planning, implementation, and administration of their research programs and academic events. This position will play a central role in ensuring the success of both programs' day-to-day operations and events. The ideal candidate will have experience in both administrative support and event coordination in a higher education or research-focused environment, be highly organized and proactive, and a central part of the programs' teams.

The Program and Events Manager is a full-time, exempt position that supports both the Or Initiative and Presidential Studies, with time and responsibilities divided based on program needs (approximately three-fifths of time dedicated to the Or Initiative and two-fifths to Presidential Studies). Both programs are housed within the School of Communication at Chapman University. This is a hybrid position requiring three days per week in-office in Orange, CA, with additional days in-office needed during event weeks.

The Or Initiative is a new program dedicated to fostering civil discourse among middle school, high school, and college students, with a particular emphasis on the Middle East conflict, combating antisemitism, and other politically contentious issues. The Or Initiative's work includes development of evidence-based curriculum, educator trainings, research and evaluation, and events and convenings.

Presidential Studies is an interdisciplinary initiative focused on the American presidency, exploring its historical, political, and cultural significance. It offers students opportunities for research, internships, and engagement with presidential scholarship and archives, emphasizing civic education, leadership, and the study of executive power in U.S. history and contemporary politics.Responsibilities:

Program Management

Develop and maintain clearly organized, efficient digital file systems to support project management and team communication for Or Initiative and Presidential Studies programs

Manage shared calendars for program staff and set up coordinated activities, events, and internal and external meetings.

Monitor and administer program and project revenues and expenses; may participate in the development of new funding proposals.

Provide logistical, travel, and scheduling support to program directors and staff.

Maintain accurate and organized event documentation, budgets, and correspondence.

Serve as main contact for students, faculty, staff, other departments, and/or external constituencies on day-to-day programmatic, operational, and administrative matters.

Monitor and administer program/project revenues and expenses; may develop or participate in the development of funding proposals for the program.

Maintain program and project records and support development of data reports and summaries.

Event Management

Plan and execute campus events including symposia, workshops, speaker series, and convenings for Or Initiative and Presidential Studies.

Manage event logistics such as venue booking, catering, AV setup, vendor contracts, press releases and inquiries, and on-site coordination.

Promote programs through print and digital channels in collaboration with Chapman U communications staff.

Track event attendance and feedback, manage mailing lists, and prepare post-event assessments and summaries.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree desired. An equivalent combination of education and progressive professional experience may be considered.

At least three years of experience in program management, event planning, or administrative operations, preferably in a university, research institute, or nonprofit environment.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, and oversee program operations from planning through execution.

Proven success supervising or mentoring staff, student workers, or project teams.

Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft and edit professional correspondence, reports, and marketing materials.

Comfort interacting with diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, administrators, and external partners.

High level of discretion, diplomacy, and professional judgment, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Teams, Google Workspace, and other task/project management tools such as Asana and Trello.

Ability to use and learn enterprise systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Salesforce, Eventbrite). Experience managing digital filing systems, calendars, and event logistics using collaborative platforms.

Ability to gather, interpret, and report on data to support program goals and budget management.

Familiarity with budgeting, financial tracking, and cost-control procedures.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience supporting or managing grant-funded research or academic initiatives.

Familiarity with university policies and procedures, especially those related to strategic initiatives and research compliance.

Knowledge of higher education marketing, communications, or stakeholder engagement strategies.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.Minimum Number of References:

3

Permanent