KPBS Event Specialist

Overview

The salary range for this position is $70,304 - $73,000 annual / $5,858.67 - $6,083.33 monthly depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

This position is scheduled to close on 10/12/26 at 4:00pm (PST).

 

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and web programming.  KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego.  Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience.  It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide.

 

The Event Specialist serves as a member of the station’s communications department and reports to the Special Events Manager. The purpose of the position is to plan and execute events and experiences that reflect and reinforce KPBS’s standards, value, and commitment to its audiences. Events provide opportunities for the organization to interact with audiences by providing unique experiences and engaging with the community to reflect our commitment to informative, cultural, and educational content. These include planning and hosting receptions featuring public media personalities, festivals, panel discussions, screenings, and seminars, either in person or virtually.   

The Event Specialist plans station events from conception to completion as assigned, ensuring alignment with strategic station goals. These events include experiences for KPBS members, planned giving supporters, major donors, station partners, underwriters, and general audiences. The Event Specialist may also plan KPBS’s participation in broader community-building opportunities.

Perks you'll enjoy as a member of #teamKPBS

• Working on a college campus & in public media: Access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer's market, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.
• 10 vacation days, 1 personal day & 13 holidays off (4+ days off over winter break)
• Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
• Opportunity drawings to attend events
• Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships)
• Free wellness classes & programs
• Staff pop-up events
• Full benefits packages that are unmatched (medical, dental, vision, life)
• Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
• On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
• Flexible spending account(s) (FSA)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan

Responsibilities

The following information is intended to be representative of the work performed by incumbents in this position and is not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of position responsibilities. Job descriptions may be changed at any time based on the needs of the department. Specific responsibilities include but not limited to:

 

Event Coordination - 75%

• In collaboration with internal stakeholders, produce event experiences that align with strategic goals and objectives. 
• Consult with station leaders, internal and external calendars, and budgets to schedule and develop event logistics, ensuring alignment with event objectives.     
• Review, recommend, and select program elements including venue, menu, audio/visuals, speakers, and entertainment, enduring compliance with hosting policies and contractual obligations.
• Manage production of programmatic materials which may include digital, print, audio and/or video for presentation or exhibition. Work with team members to ensure such elements meet KPBS’ quality standards. 
• Plan and coordinate guest(s) travel.
• Write remarks/speeches for presenters as needed.
• Advise, develop, and execute event promotions to target audience(s) using digital email  systems, social media, online listings, broadcast messages, and direct mail as needed. 
• Set up and manage RSVPs using internal mechanisms and programs.
• Plan and execute communications to attendees,  including reminders, updates, thank yous, and post-event surveys.
• Research, hire, and manage contracted vendors such as audio and visual professionals, caterers, musicians, etc. 
• Recruit, schedule, and oversee volunteers and/or staff to support event production.

 

Training & Collaboration - 10%

• Support team members and other departments with other station events as needed.
• Participate in a monthly station event committee.
• Coordinate use of shared resources, equipment, scheduling, and personnel.
• Assist in development and implementation of station guidelines and best practices relating to events.

 

Administration - 10%

• Work collaboratively with business and finance teams to ensure proper documentation of purchase orders, contracts, and vendor onboarding. 
• Manage, allocate, and maintain expenses, ensuring events stay within budget. Process vendor contracts and invoices. Request budget adjustments as needed.
• Provide exceptional customer service to members and guests to deliver quality experience as well as to internal and external partners
• Develop and maintain post-event reports to gauge event turnout, member satisfaction and impact.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned - 5%

Qualifications

Knowledge and Abilities 

• Demonstrated excellence in providing responsive, professional, and courteous customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to problem-solve and exercise sound judgement in a fast-paced, time-sensitive, and change environments
• Knowledge of event planning and production practices
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple events and projects simultaneously
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, clients and donors
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to demonstrate reliability and accountability by reporting to work on time and as scheduled, following established work rules and procedures, appropriately following supervisory direction and receiving and applying constructive feedback.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to demonstrate attention to detail, sound judgment, and common sense.
• Ability to work independently, learn quickly, and adapt to new procedures and changing priorities.
• Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and provide exceptional customer service.

 

Minimum Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related field

Minimum Education

• Three-years of related professional or technical experience

 

Preferred Qualifications and Special Skills

• Four years’ experience in event production and a proven track record of successful events
• Experience in an office or administrative environment 
• Experience using programs and software related to event management, communications, and donor cultivation, including Basecamp, Eventbrite, Email marketing platforms, or other similar programs 
• Experience researching, hiring and working with caterers, venues, promoters, and other event-related vendors
• Experience in directing the work of collaborators and supporters who aren't under the specialist’s direct supervision. This could include KPBS staff at all levels, outside vendors (such as venue management and staff, caterers, florists, and audio/visual), community board members, advisors or volunteers
• Demonstrated experience using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms; Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and budgeting tools
• Experience with event financial management including ticket sales/transaction fees, product sales and taxes and services fees
• Knowledge of public broadcasting or nonprofit organizations
• Possess valid California Driver's License, good driving record, access to a vehicle, and proof of insurance

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.