Event Planner Job at Inside Higher Ed in Stanford

Event Planner (Fixed Term, 2025‑2026)

Stanford Graduate School of Business – Facilities & Hospitality Department

Location: Stanford, CA (campus‑based; limited hybrid flexibility; on‑site during events).

Position: Fixed‑term employment ending August 31, 2026 with possibility of renewal. Requires California Class C Driver’s License.

Pay range: $72,972 – $87,751 per annum.

Overview

The Event Operations team seeks an experienced Event Planner to schedule, plan, and execute programs and events such as academic courses, seminars, conferences, major events, and executive programs for the GSB and the university.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, implement, and coordinate customized events.
• Serve as a member of the Event Operations team and contribute to scheduling, logistics, and facilities decisions.
• Consult with stakeholders to determine event objectives and requirements.
• Inspect event facilities to ensure they meet event needs.
• Procure and coordinate vendor services; negotiate contracts to minimize liability.
• Communicate with visiting entities such as vendors, alumni, and program participants.
• Research and provide recommendations to optimize event locations and evaluate alternatives.
• Resolve calendar conflicts; generate analytical reports and summaries.
• Maintain complex venue reservation system/database (Mazevo and other software).
• Monitor and respond to inquiries via email, phone, in‑person, or reservation system.
• Serve as project leader on smaller events or work as part of a team on larger events.
• Provide administrative support in finance, communications, webpages, and other tasks.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate degree and three years of relevant experience or equivalent education‑experience combination.
• Demonstrated success in planning events.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong prioritization and time‑management skills.
• Creativity, problem‑solving, initiative, judgment, and decision‑making abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer‑service skills.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented.
• Ability to collaborate with students, staff, faculty, and other stakeholders.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and email applications.
• Experience with space‑management and scheduling platforms (e.g., Mazevo).
• Willingness to learn additional reservation systems.
• Comfort with technology and data management.
• Availability for occasional evenings and weekends.
• Full‑time onsite; remote one day per week possible.

Certifications and Licenses Required

• Valid California non‑commercial Class C Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to drive during day or night.

Work Standards

• Must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in venue management.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Health, dental, vision, retirement plans.
• Generous vacation policy with additional time off during winter closure.
• Tuition reimbursement and course audit opportunities.
• Wellness programs, fitness facilities, and health classes.
• Childcare, elder care, and caregiving support.
• Free commuter and rideshare incentives, discounts on technology, travel, and entertainment.

How to Apply

Click the “Apply for Job” button and submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.

Additional Information:

• Schedule: Full‑time
• Job Code: 4882
• Employee Status: Fixed‑Term
• Grade: F
• Requisition ID: 107564
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford will provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.