ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Events Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Paramount

Coordinator, Special Events

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$52K - $60K/yr

Overview and Responsibilities This position is responsible for supporting and assisting Event Managers and the Executive Director of Operations on event prep, execution and post administrative ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsEvents JobsDirector Events JobsDirector Events Jobs in California

Director Events information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$77.4K

$127.3K

How much do director events jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for director events in California is $77,423.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $95,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of events do?

A Director of Events is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of events for an organization. This role involves managing event budgets, leading a team, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring all logistics run smoothly. Directors of Events typically work on conferences, corporate meetings, product launches, and other large-scale gatherings, ensuring each event aligns with the organization's goals and brand. They also evaluate event success and implement improvements for future events.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of events, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Events, you need expertise in event planning, budget management, and strategic leadership, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software (such as Cvent or Eventbrite), project management tools, and industry certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) is highly valuable. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are essential for orchestrating seamless events, managing complex logistics, and delivering exceptional experiences that meet organizational goals.

How does a director of events typically collaborate with other departments to ensure successful event execution?

As a Director of Events, collaboration with departments such as marketing, sales, operations, and finance is essential to align event objectives with broader organizational goals. Regular cross-functional meetings are common to coordinate logistics, branding, budget management, and attendee experience. Directors of Events often serve as the primary liaison, ensuring clear communication of timelines, needs, and responsibilities, while also gathering feedback post-event to drive continuous improvement. This collaborative approach helps ensure events are executed smoothly and deliver maximum value to the organization.

What is the difference between Director Events vs Event Manager?

AspectDirector EventsEvent Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in event planning, leadership skillsBachelor's degree or diploma, experience in event coordination
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing multiple events, managing teamsExecuting event logistics, vendor coordination, on-site management
Employer & IndustryCorporations, non-profits, event agenciesEvent planning companies, corporate events, hospitality

The main difference is that a Director Events focuses on strategic oversight, leadership, and high-level planning of multiple events, while an Event Manager handles the day-to-day logistics and execution of individual events. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the Director role involves more management and strategic responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Events jobs in California?

The most popular types of Events jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Events jobs in California?

For Director Events jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Events jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Events jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Events jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Events job openings:

Director Events jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Events job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,423 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Associate Director, Alumni Events

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$19.75 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

University Of Southern California rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The USC Alumni Association seeks an Associate Director of Alumni Events who is a collaborative partner, creative problem-solver, and experienced event professional to support the execution of signature programs that engage the Trojan Family worldwide. Reporting to the Alumni Events Director, this role plays a key leadership role in delivering a diverse portfolio of high-impact events, including Trojan Huddles, Alumni Weekend, and Spring Week.
The Associate Director will oversee event planning and logistics, contribute to strategic event design, and manage key relationships with campus partners, alumni volunteers, and vendors. This role may supervise student workers and is expected to model strong project management, communication, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate brings experience executing complex events, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
This is a hybrid-fixed position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of an on-site presence for 3 days/week on the University Park Campus. Late nights, weekends, and occasional out-of-town travel are required for this position.
University Advancement is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all, where all advancement staff and our stakeholders have the opportunity to connect, belong, and grow while supporting the University of Southern California's mission, values, and goals.
Responsibilities
Event Planning & Management (45%)
  • Lead the planning and execution of assigned alumni events, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and alumni engagement goals.
  • Manage event timelines, run-of-show, and logistics to deliver seamless, high-quality experiences.
  • Partner with internal teams and external vendors to execute event components, including venue, catering, production, and guest experience.
  • Support innovation in event formats, including hybrid and digital components, to engage diverse alumni audiences.
  • Track event outcomes, attendee feedback, and engagement data to inform continuous improvement.

Project Management and Operations (15%)
  • Develop and manage event budgets in collaboration with leadership, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
  • Oversee project plans, workflows, and timelines across multiple concurrent events.
  • Ensure compliance with university policies, accessibility standards, and risk management protocols.
  • Maintain accurate records in CRM and event management systems.

Event Logistics & Experience Design (20%)
  • Lead logistical planning for assigned events, including timelines, run-of-show, accessibility, and safety protocols, while supporting the Events Director on complex, large-scale programs.
  • Partner with campus departments and external vendors to deliver high-quality, seamless event experiences.
  • Integrate technology, design, and engagement strategies that elevate the attendee experience.
  • Ensure compliance with university policies, ADA requirements, and industry best practices for risk management and safety.

Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement (10%)
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned events and a supporting liaison to university leadership, alumni boards, donors, and external partners on larger programs.
  • Support vendor sourcing, contract coordination, and relationship management to ensure quality and value.
  • Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to align events with broader engagement and fundraising strategies.

Market Research & Innovation (10%)
  • Monitor trends in event management, alumni engagement, and the Los Angeles market to inform event planning.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of new engagement strategies, including interactive formats and digital platforms.
  • Support revenue-generating events and identify opportunities for growth and improved sustainability.
  • Provide data-informed insights and recommendations to enhance event strategy and alumni experiences.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of event planning experience.
  • Experience supporting or executing large-scale, complex events.
  • Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform well under pressure.
  • Familiarity with event-related software, CRM, and communications tools.
  • Availability for evenings, weekends, and travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with university or alumni events.
  • Experience working with volunteers or advisory boards.
  • Knowledge of the Los Angeles event landscape.
  • Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships.
  • Familiarity with strategic planning and translating goals into execution.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.
Required Documents
Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
Compensation and Benefits
The budgeted salary for this position is up to $80,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC's comprehensive benefits here.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education .Minimum of 3-5 years of event planning experience. Experience supporting or executing large-scale, complex events.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$151406.htmld

What University Of Southern California employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Southern California logo

About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880

View All University of Southern California Jobs

Apply