Events and Outreach Specialist or Lead

Overview This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place after August 25, 2026. The wage is dependent upon qualifications, classification level and is non-negotiable.  Events and Outreach Specialist: $26.00- $31.50 per hour. This position is hourly, non - exempt.  Events and Outreach Lead is $5,583.33 - $5,916.67 per month ($67,000-$71,000 per year) this position is salaried, exempt.  The ZIP Launchpad at San Diego State University is a startup incubator designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students. The program is within the Division of Research and Innovation. The program provides resources, mentorship, and guidance to help students develop their ideas into viable startups. The department supports a diverse range of projects, from tech startups to social enterprises, aiming to turn innovative concepts into market-ready businesses. The ZIP Launchpad typically comprises around 5-7 full-time staff members alongside a varying number of student assistants. Student, staff, and faculty make up the program participants which can range from 50 to 100 depending on the semester and the number of active projects. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION Under the supervision of the ZIP Launchpad Program Manager, the Events and Outreach Specialist or Lead orchestrates a diverse array of events, for 20-400 guests, encompassing all aspects of planning, from catering and guest list management to parking logistics and event setup. This role also involves coordinating a large number of classroom presentations each semester, spearheading a team of student employees, and facilitating their training. Additionally, the Events and Outreach Specialist or Lead cultivates strategic relationships with campus clubs and organizations, facilitating programming to enhance these partnerships. The position requires adeptness in crafting communication pieces, media relations, and marketing while providing support on various high-level projects. Responsibilities Job Responsibilities: Event Planning and Coordination: 50% Responsible for the creation and maintenance of the annual event calendar, tracking programming, application cycles, and events, and coordinating with campus partners. Supports the planning and execution events such as Startup Bootcamp, Board Meetings, Social Venture Challenges, Hackathons, San Diego Startup Week SDSU Day, Startup Story Speaker events. Handle event logistics, including parking, directions, instructions, and coordinating external guests. Coordinate catering orders, external vendor waivers, hospitality justifications, and pickup arrangements. Supports event coordination for partner organizations, including but not limited to the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center, San Diego Techstars powered by SDSU, and the Advancement of Research Commercialization in collaboration with the Technology Transfer Office. Outreach and Partnerships: 20% Accountable for the success of events and partnerships as measured by KPIs for the number of applications received from club relationships, events, and class presentations. Facilitates, with the support of student interns, the execution of 100+ classroom presentations each semester to promote the ZIP Launchpad application cycle. Maintains and sustains club outreach, partnerships, and programming. Coordinates MGT Design Thinking Workshops with faculty each semester. Supports the Educational Opportunity Programs stipends program, including help with promoting, recruiting, reviewing/selecting applicants, and tracking attendance and awards. Intern Team 15% Carefully select, hire, train, and oversee a dedicated team of student interns each semester. Space Logistics: 10% Oversee the day-to-day operations, organization, and maintenance of the William E. Leonhard Entrepreneurship Center, including ordering supplies, swipe access and door control for events, maintaining shared spaces, coordinating room setups, and ensuring the center is welcoming and event-ready. Book external rooms for programming as needed Handle all bookings of the William E. Leonhard Entrepreneurship Center Additional Support: 5% With the support of advisors and the Program Manager, identify, track, select, and support competition participants. Provide event/tabling support coordination for DRI/URAD/ZIP Launchpad activities as needed Support Techstars events and parking logistics. Qualifications Knowledge & Abilities Events and Outreach Specialist:  Proficiency in planning, organizing, and executing events, including workshops, seminars, and networking events. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with students, faculty, and industry profession. Ability to work fairly autonomously and exercise sound judgment and discretion in completion of assignments and projects. Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines. Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong public speaking, listening , and interpretive skills. Capability to oversee a team of student interns, providing guidance and supervision throughout the event planning process. A keen eye for detail to ensure all aspects of event planning and execution are meticulously handled. Events and Outreach Lead: Proficiency in planning, organizing, and executing events, including workshops, seminars, and networking events. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with students, faculty, and industry profession. Ability to work fairly autonomously and exercise sound judgment and discretion in completion of assignments and projects. Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines. Working knowledge of and ability to apply standard theories, practices, principles and techniques related to communications. Exceptional interpersonal skills, including