Events Manager
Salary: $100,572.84 - $145,644.48 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2600278
Division: Administrative Services
Department: Auxiliary Services
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: 9/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Description
About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.
College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.
When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.
Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.
- The Community - Coachella Valley
- College of the Desert
Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:
- Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
- Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
- Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
- Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
- Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.
BASIC FUNCTION
The Events Manager is a pivotal role responsible for centralizing, coordinating, and managing all events within District facilities, with a strong emphasis on maximizing revenue generation through external facility rentals. This position will serve as the District's primary point of contact for both internal and external groups seeking to utilize college spaces, ensuring seamless event execution, compliance with college policies, and efficient resource allocation. The Events Manager will lead a team of event setup staff and foster collaborative relationships across various college departments.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives direct supervision from the Vice President of Administrative Services or designee. Exercises supervision over assigned personnel.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The duties listed are intended to provide examples of the types of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. The District reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties consistent with the classification.
The following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position:
1. Serve as the primary institutional point of contact for the rental of District facilities, including but not limited to, gymnasiums, athletic fields, meeting rooms, and specialized external areas across all campuses.
2. Develop and execute marketing strategies to promote facility use to external community partners to optimize rental revenue.
3. Regularly evaluate and update the facility fee schedule to ensure fiscal sustainability and market competitiveness.
4. Manage the full lifecycle of event billing, including invoicing, income tracking, and the calculation of associated costs for staffing (overtime and regular rates). Oversee the facility fee waiver process, ensuring all documentation is prepared for Superintendent/Presidential or designee approval and tracked annually. Implement risk management protocols by ensuring all liability forms and insurance certificates are executed and on file for both internal and external facility users.
5. Facilitate comprehensive logistical support for a diverse range of campus events and programs sponsored by internal departments, student organizations (including ASCOD), administrative units, and other institutional stakeholders. Centralize the management of event resources, including the procurement, inventory, and maintenance of equipment such as tents, tables, chairs, and audiovisual assets. Coordinate directly with Maintenance & Operations (M&O), Campus Safety, and Information Technology to ensure seamless service delivery for on campus activities.
6. Serve as the system administrator for the District's event scheduling software to track assets and facilitate District-wide communication. Maintain a centralized college events calendar in coordination with the Public Relations Office to ensure broad notification via the website, email, and VIP alerts. Chair regular event stakeholder meetings and coordinate annual scheduling with external partners, such as the McCallum Theatre, to prevent facility conflicts.
7. Supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of assigned event setup and support staff. Manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage for evening and weekend events while monitoring departmental labor costs and efficiency.
Other Duties:
8. Attend workshops or conferences related to event management, safety, or California Education Code compliance regarding facility use (Civic Center Act).
9. Participate in District-wide committees as assigned by the supervisor.
10. Perform other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field,
AND three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in event planning, facility management, or a related field.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- Comprehensive principles and practices of event coordination, site logistics, and execution for both small-scale meetings and large-scale public events.
- Principles of budgeting, billing, and invoicing; methods for tracking expenses and revenue; and basic cost-recovery modeling.
- Applicable Federal, State, and District laws and regulations, including the Civic Center Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as they pertain to physical access and event accommodations.
- Understanding of basic insurance requirements (including Certificates of Insurance), hold harmless agreements, and safety protocols for public gatherings.
- Modern event scheduling software, centralized calendar management, and standard office productivity applications.
- Effective methods for managing equipment inventory and coordinating multi-departmental service requests involving Maintenance & Operations (M&O), Information Technology (IT), and Campus Safety.
- Basic principles of public relations and promotional strategies to drive facility rental interest and revenue.
- Customer service best practices and effective communication techniques for engaging with a diverse campus population and external community partners.
Ability to:
- Demonstrate sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.
- Plan and coordinate events from start to finish, ensuring they are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to a diverse community.
- Manage multiple priorities, stay organized, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Monitor budgets and support fiscally responsible decision-making.
- Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Lead, supervise, train, and motivate staff and event support teams to achieve operational goals and deliver high-quality services.
- Identify issues proactively and implement practical, timely solutions with sound judgment and minimal supervision.
- Apply policies and procedures consistently and fairly.
- Provide a high level of customer service while maintaining professionalism and responsiveness.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
- Classified Supervisor
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Classified Leadership Salary Range 7
SALARY PLACEMENT:
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Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
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Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria).
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This is a grant-funded position. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of Grant funds.
SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
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This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. Requires some evening and weekend responsibility, and to be available on-call to respond to emergency situations.
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The primary location is Palm Desert Campus but may travel to other campuses if needed.
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The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment: District office environment; subject to constant interruptions and frequent interaction with others; sitting for long periods at a time (up to 2-3 hours); repetitive use of upper extremities including hand coordination activities; requires some holiday, evening, and weekend responsibility; occasional travel to other locations to attend meetings or conduct work. The ability to type, use phone, stand intermittently, walk, bend and stoop, occasionally lift (up to 20 pounds), carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects of light to moderate weight, work at a computer, including sitting and viewing a monitor for various lengths of time, repetitive use of keyboard, mouse or other control device, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate keyboard, ability to communicate and provide information to others.
REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:
- Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
- Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
- Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
OPTIONAL UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
- College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.
REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:
- List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:
- Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
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College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
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Employment is contingent on residence in California.
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Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
- All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
- Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
- Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
- All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
- Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
- For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.
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FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.
TIMELINES:
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For consideration, please apply by Sunday, September 20, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on the last week of October 2026.
Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.
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Notice to all Candidates for Employment:
DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.
The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:
- Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
- Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
- Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
- Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.
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Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.
Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).
California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:
A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.
Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS
Disability Accommodations:
If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to
[email protected].
Attendance Requirement:
All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:
Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.
Non-Discrimination Notice:
The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
California Fair Chance Act:
The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:
The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.
The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.
Additional Resources
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
- Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
- Reasonable Accommodation
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
- COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
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THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5446860/events-manager
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