IGS is hiring an Events and Communications Coordinator!

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) stands at the forefront of research, teaching and service in California and American politics and policy. Interdisciplinary and non-partisan, we foster thoughtful discussions of issues across party lines that focus on solutions. Through our cutting- edge research, Berkeley IGS Poll, public events, and student public service programs, we show how people can influence policy, how policy affects communities, and the importance of governmental institutions and actors in that process. We engage faculty, researchers, and political practitioners to make a difference in discourse and in practice. Our mission is anchored by a belief in the transformational power of public service.

IGS was established in 1919 to provide expertise in public administration to the California state legislature. Over the past century, IGS has established itself as a nationally recognized source of expertise on California and American politics and public policy. IGS provides a home to faculty, students and visiting scholars from a wide range of disciplines, along with three research centers (Berkeley Interdisciplinary Migration Initiative, Center for Community Innovation, Center for Catastrophic Risk Management), an affiliated library, and an active development program. IGS is also home to the Robert T. Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service, which engages Cal students in public life through internships and experiential learning programs, public events, and the presence of distinguished campus visitors. Learn more at igs.berkeley.edu

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: February 24, 2026

For full consideration, submit your application by March 4, 2026.

Position Summary

The purpose of this position is plan, organize, and manage logistics, internal and external communications, and technical production for live-streamed, hybrid, and in-person small, medium-sized, and large events, coordinating details such as facilities, tickets, audience management activities, concessionaires, caterers, and vendors while also coordinating internal and external communications about IGS events and programs with the general public speakers, and facility maintenance staff. 

Responsibilities include: 

• In coordination with the IGS Executive Director, plans, organizes, implements and publicizes live-streamed, hybrid, and in-person small, medium-sized, and large events, such as symposia, conferences, colloquia, workshops, trainings, information sessions, advisory board meetings, and VIP briefings.
• Works with the IGS Executive Director and IGS Program Managers to plan, execute, and co-facilitate multi-day experiential learning programs (e.g., Democracy Camp).
• Coordinates A/V and technical support for all events, seminars, and programs, including training staff.
• In collaboration with IGS Purchasing and Administrative Coordinator, manages event-related logistics, event budgeting, room reservations, participant registration, parking/transportation, catering, travel reimbursements, vendor payments, etc.
• Develop and implement a cohesive communications strategy to publicize IGS events, programs, research, and the IGS Poll, managing digital platforms (website, calendars, listservs, social media), cultivating targeted media distribution lists, pitching stories to Berkeley Public Affairs and external media, and tracking media impact through analytics and trend analysis.
• Supports IGS development activities including assisting with developing content and preparing and disseminating fundraising appeals.
• Ensures compliance with University policy.
• Prepares IGS newsletters and other electronic communications.
• Trains and supervises a team of student employees to assist with communications, content development and event needs.

35%: Under general supervision, assists in the development of new programs and materials.

Under the direction of the IGS Executive Director/Matsui Center Director assists in developing and launching new experiential public service student programs focused on pathways to public service careers in federal government.

Responsibilities include:

• Working with campus partners, manages student outreach, application, selection, and notification processes.
• Conducts outreach and identifies DC-based federal public service internship opportunities for student participants.
• Advises and supports student participants throughout the placement process.
• Assists in planning and coordinating a 1-unit spring preparatory course for student participants, including adding students to the course, helping students resolve scheduling conflicts, and assisting the course instructor with recruiting guest speakers.
• Plans and leads workshops designed to promote students’ professional development and leadership formation.
• Facilitates cohort-building activities.
• Assists with recruiting mentors for student participants.
• Plans and implements summer workshops and networking events based in Washington, DC.
• Facilitates ongoing mentorship, support, career advice, and information sharing for program participants.
• Builds connections with and engages alumni; organizes annual alumni gatherings and pipeline-building activities.
• Gathers data about program participants and updates the alum database.

Required Qualifications 

• Advanced event management across in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats, with strong skills in logistics, technical event production, budgeting, public relations, and deadline-driven execution.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including political acumen, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to produce high-quality promotional materials under tight timelines.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and maintain productivity in fast-paced environments.
• Experience developing and executing strategic communications across print and digital platforms; proficient in Drupal, social media analytics, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
• Excellent writing and graphic skills, including skill in creating event publicity and communicating with speakers, campus/community co-sponsors, media, VIPs, and the wider public.
• Ability to work collaboratively in diverse groups, including but not limited to student assistants, staff, faculty, organizational leadership, production personnel, and vendors.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervising, motivating, and evaluating teams of student workers.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of and/or can quickly learn the campus, its vision, mission, programs, policies, achievements and infrastructure.
• Knowledge of and/or can quickly learn University policies and procedures relating to the use of university facilities, event management and presentation.
• Experience with program planning and facilitation in higher education settings.
• Experience producing short-form videos for social media and fundraising appeals.
• Familiarity with California and U.S. political, social, and economic issues.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $82,000.00 - $94,000.00.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter. 

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 20% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California 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, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.