Special Events Coordinator

Job Summary

The USC Gould School of Law Events Office is seeking an experienced Special Events Coordinator to plan, design, and manage a variety of events throughout the year. Key responsibilities include managing 30-50 events annually, from conception to completion, and providing support for CLE activities and services.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and manage special events from start to finish
• Serve as the primary liaison between the department and vendors, alumni, donors, speakers, and other stakeholders
• Develop event concepts, oversee creation and distribution of promotional materials and invitations, and direct all logistical planning
• Maintain comprehensive records of event progress, expenses, and post-event evaluations
• Attend and oversee events to ensure execution aligns with plans, resolve issues as they arise, and remain on-site through breakdown and cleanup
• Provide guidance to staff and volunteers supporting event operations
• Negotiate and contract with vendors for goods and services, ensuring all deliverables meet contractual terms
• Build and maintain a strong network of internal and external contacts to support effective event planning
• Develop and manage budgets for each event, negotiate financial terms, and authorize expenditures with supervisor oversight
• Assess staffing needs for special events and coordinate temporary or additional staff as needed
• Manage and maintain accurate attendee records, including tracking registration numbers and preparing detailed attendance reports for each event
• Generate and organize attendee lists for on-site event check-in, and collect, verify, and input attendance data into internal systems to ensure a smooth registration experience and accurate awarding of continuing education credits
• Assist with applying for CLE accreditation through the American Bar Association and set up credit information within internal systems; serve as a liaison to support attendees with accessing their continuing education certificates

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Experience: 3 years in event planning with substantial administrative responsibilities
• Field of Expertise: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business administration, communications, public relations, or related field
• Legal industry knowledge
• Experience in higher education
• Experience planning and coordinating corporate or large-scale events
• Proven leadership and project management abilities
• Understanding of all relevant state and local event regulations
• Knowledge of local community and vendor landscape

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with special events planning, fundraising management, or alumni and volunteer relations management
• Experience with contracts and other legal documentation
• Ability to support event planning (e.g., developing concepts, creating and estimating budgets, producing promotional materials)
• Experience with audio/visual equipment
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to maintain multiple schedules
• Excellent interpersonal and written and oral communications skills

Benefits

Learn more about our benefits and perks here: https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks/