Event Operations Manager, Wharton San Francisco
California Jobs - San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
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Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title Event Operations Manager, Wharton San Francisco
Job Profile Title Manager C, Arts and Media, Events
Job Description Summary Founded in 1881 as the world's first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a dynamic staff population representing a rich array of backgrounds, expertise, and cultures. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.
Wharton San Francisco (WSF) is the West Coast home of the world's leading business school, serving as a hub for learning, innovation, and industry connections. Our mission is to support education, act as a connector, and amplify the Wharton brand through high-impact programs and events. The Event Operations Manager plays a crucial role in advancing this mission by developing and executing a strategic event vision that enhances engagement, drives revenue, and maximizes facility utilization. This position requires both strategic planning and hands-on execution, ensuring that every event reflects Wharton's excellence and strengthens its presence in the Bay Area. Our dynamic Embarcadero location offers stunning views of the Bay Bridge, a vibrant professional ecosystem, and proximity to major tech and business hubs. Our San Francisco campus provides an inspiring environment for collaboration, networking, and innovation, making it an incredible place to work and engage with leaders from various industries.
Job Responsibilities Event Strategy & Planning - Develop a long-term event strategy that aligns with Wharton's academic, alumni, and industry engagement goals. On-Site Event Management - Be present during events to oversee setup, execution, and troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth experience for attendees. Revenue & Facility Optimization - Identify and implement strategies to increase external bookings and optimize event space usage for efficiency and financial sustainability. Client & Stakeholder Engagement - Partner with faculty, students, alumni, and external clients to create impactful event experiences. Vendor & Budget Management - Oversee contracts, negotiations, and event budgets to ensure cost-effective and high-quality execution. Marketing & Brand Impact - Develop marketing strategies to expand event reach, attract corporate partners, and amplify Wharton's presence in the Bay Area. Collaboration & Redundancy - Work closely with the Senior Client Services Manager to ensure seamless operations and provide backup support for event execution.
Qualifications
Required: Bachelor's degree in event management, hospitality, business administration, marketing, or a related field; and 3-5 years of experience in a professional setting with event planning, operations, or venue management, preferably in a higher education, corporate, or nonprofit setting; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to handle high-pressure situations with professionalism and problem-solving skills. Strong attention to detail to ensure seamless attendee experiences. Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills to collaborate with faculty, students, alumni, and corporate clients. Ability to tailor event experiences to different audiences, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission. Skilled in managing client expectations and delivering high-impact event experiences. Adaptability and flexibility to step in where needed for seamless event execution.
Preferred: Experience in negotiating contracts with vendors, caterers, AV providers, and other service providers. Proficiency in event management software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite, EMS, Salesforce) or knowledge of event space management software and systems for scheduling and tracking usage. Experience in identifying and implementing strategies to increase external bookings and optimize space utilization. Proven experience designing event programs that drive engagement, revenue, and brand impact with an ability to manage multiple events simultaneously, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences.
Job Location - City, State San Francisco, California
Department / School Wharton School
Pay Range $51,824.00 - $91,232.00 Annual Rate
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job. #J-18808-Ljbffr