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Special Events Associate Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

CIA

Special Events Operations Manager

Napa, CA · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY The Special Events Operations Manager is responsible for the oversight and ... Associate's degree in hospitality or management, or equivalent work experience in lieu thereof.

Got Light

Lighting Warehouse Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23.20/hr

Special Event Design & Production Company seeking a Lighting Warehouse Associate. In this position you will be responsible for the accurate pick, pack, pull of technical equipment for special events.

Got Light

Lighting Warehouse Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23.20/hr

Special Event Design & Production Company seeking a Lighting Warehouse Associate. In this position you will be responsible for the accurate pick, pack, pull of technical equipment for special events.

HiredFirst

Facilities Associate

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Complete work orders timely; support special events setup/takedown * CPI/TEAM required (per department license/cert section) Role Overview: Routine and preventative maintenance, light repairs ...

Club Pilates

Sales Associate

Daly City, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

As a Sales Associate, you will play a crucial role in supporting the General Manager (GM) in ... Attend special events and trainings as needed Part time RESPONSIBILITIES: * Execute full sales ...

Riser Fitness, LLC

Sales Associate

Daly City, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

As a Sales Associate, you will play a crucial role in supporting the General Manager (GM) in ... Attend special events and trainings as needed Part time RESPONSIBILITIES: * Execute full sales ...

Club Pilates

Sales Associate

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

As a Sales Associate, you will play a crucial role in supporting the General Manager (GM) in ... Attend special events and trainings as needed Part time RESPONSIBILITIES: * Execute full sales ...

Riser Fitness, LLC

Sales Associate

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

As a Sales Associate, you will play a crucial role in supporting the General Manager (GM) in ... Attend special events and trainings as needed Part time RESPONSIBILITIES: * Execute full sales ...

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All JobsSpecial Events Associate JobsSpecial Events Associate Jobs in San Rafael, CA

Special Events Associate information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$13

$22

$28

How much do special events associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for special events associate in San Rafael, CA is $22.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $26.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special events associate?

Special Events Associates are professionals who assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of events such as conferences, fundraisers, weddings, corporate meetings, and community functions. They support event managers by handling logistics, communicating with vendors, setting up venues, and ensuring that all event details run smoothly. Their role may also include tasks like managing guest lists, overseeing event timelines, and providing on-site support during the event. This position requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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

To thrive as a Special Events Associate, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and experience in event planning or hospitality, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure smooth event execution, client satisfaction, and the ability to handle unexpected challenges efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by special events associates during large-scale events and how can they be addressed?

Special Events Associates often encounter challenges such as last-minute changes, coordinating multiple vendors, and managing tight timelines during large-scale events. To address these, it’s important to maintain clear communication with all stakeholders, anticipate potential issues by having contingency plans, and stay organized with detailed checklists. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are crucial, as is the ability to remain calm under pressure while ensuring the event runs smoothly.

What is the difference between Special Events Associate vs Event Coordinator?

AspectSpecial Events AssociateEvent Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate degreeHigh school diploma; some roles prefer associate or bachelor's degree in hospitality or related field
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, hotels, nonprofit organizations, corporate settingsEvent venues, hotels, corporate offices, nonprofit organizations
ResponsibilitiesAssist with event setup, vendor coordination, guest managementPlan, organize, and oversee event logistics from start to finish

Special Events Associates typically support event planning and execution, focusing on assisting with various tasks. Event Coordinators take on more responsibility for planning and managing entire events. Both roles often work in similar environments and require comparable credentials, but the Event Coordinator role involves more leadership and decision-making.

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Events jobs in San Rafael, CA?

The most popular types of Special Events jobs in San Rafael, CA are:

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Special Events Associate jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Special Events Associate job openings:

Special Events Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Events Associate job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,545 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Special Events Operations Manager

The Culinary Institute of America

Napa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $70,400 to $75,000. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience. The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process.
The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!
As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Special Events Operations Manager is responsible for the oversight and execution of luxury banquets, weddings, corporate and internal events as well as educational events, graduations, and orientations. This position manages the on-site activities of the front-of-house staff including: event captains, banquet servers, temporary agency staff, and collaborates with the Special Events back-of-house staff. The Special Events Operations Manager is responsible for hiring, training, scheduling, and managing all front-of-house banquet staff and oversees the set-up, execution, and post-event processes for all food and beverage events in the public event spaces of the Copia location.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assists in the operational planning for special events, banquets, and conferences, including but not limited to:
    • Oversees necessary arrangements to include incoming rentals, flowers, and ancillary services, including vendor invoicing.
    • Staffs events according to prescribed guidelines, prepares a floor plan, and assigns side work.
    • Completes and distributes special event orders, china orders, and purchase requisitions.
    • Provides sequence of services, place setting, and center of the table layouts.
    • Receives and distributes all rental and in-house equipment for staff.
    • Oversees and assists with setup, performs staff briefing, and monitors timing schedule.
    • Oversees service for the duration of the event and ensures guest satisfaction.
    • Coordinates cleaning services as they pertain to all events.
    • Manages and assists with breakdown of events, inventory equipment, and monitors cleanup, including physically moving tables, chairs, equipment, and any necessary event items.
    • Responds to the client's needs during events.
  • Oversees event follow-up procedures, including but not limited to:
    • Communicates final counts, wine consumption, and any additional charges to the Special Events sales team.
    • Verifies return of rental equipment and reconciles any discrepancies from the delivery invoice.
    • Submits departmental payroll for each event in accordance with company policies and completes payroll transfers when necessary.
    • Prepares event recap and produces actual profit/loss results by event.
  • Generates, documents, and maintains operating procedures for the department. Executes comprehensive "gold-standard" service standards for the Special Events department.
  • Assists with the hiring, orienting, coaching, discipline, and development of regular and on-call staff members. Follows established organizational policies regarding hiring, payroll, evaluation, and discipline.
  • Interacts directly with the customer, always taking responsibility for exceeding guest satisfaction.
  • Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFCATIONS
Education:
  • Associate's degree in hospitality or management, or equivalent work experience in lieu thereof.

Experience:
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in event banquet management, with an emphasis on dining room service and execution, or two (2) years of restaurant management which includes banquet experience.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience required.

PREFERRED QUALIFCATIONS
  • Working knowledge of catering software, ideally TripleSeat.
  • Food Safety certification.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of fine wine handling and service.
  • Sommelier certification.

REQUIRED SKILLS
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills required. Must have demonstrated ability in organizational, time management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
  • Extensive knowledge of food and wine with an emphasis on California and Napa Valley.
  • Excellent event management, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with a positive team-oriented attitude.
  • Demonstrated ability to show a high level of service responsiveness to customers.
  • Detail-oriented and thorough.
  • Must display a high level of energy and self-motivation.
  • Strong computer experience, which must include the ability to work effectively with MS Office suite products, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Excellent logistical planning skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Must be available to work a changing schedule, including nights and weekends, based upon business needs.
  • Regular work requires a great deal of sitting, standing, lifting, bending, and stretching.
  • Must be able to stand for the duration of the shift, many times over eight (8) hours a day.
  • Must be able to use a computer for periods over eight (8) hours when needed.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and be able to lift 40 pounds or more with assistance on occasion.
  • Must be able to work at both the St. Helena, CA, and Napa, CA, campus locations as needed for Special Events.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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