Events Specialist - Sanford Stem Cell Institute - 140200

Events Specialist - Sanford Stem Cell Institute

Filing Deadline: Mon 7/13/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 7/02/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

In 2022, businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford committed $150 million to the creation of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego. This gift combines current infrastructure with new Centers intended to leverage the advantages of space-based science, including expansion and, in some ways, quite literally launch stem cell research and regenerative medicine at UC San Diego into new spaces, endeavors, and training of future stem cell scientists.

Sanford Stem Cell Institute provides essential physical and human resources needed to leverage stem cell research currently being conducted at UC San Diego. Due to the complexity of regenerative medicine projects and substantial institutional investment, daily Sanford Stem Cell Institute personnel work with all 9 Vice Chancellor areas: Academic Affairs; Research Affairs; Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Student Affairs; Marine Sciences; Health Sciences; Health System; Chief Financial Officer; Advancement; Resource Management and Planning.

As part of UC San Diego, Sanford Stem Cell Institute motivates University-wide change, sustainability, and partnership, focusing on creating the structure under which various innovative regenerative medicine units and initiatives are developed.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute builds upon a $100 million gift in 2013 from T. Denny Sanford that established UC San Diego as a leader in developing and delivering the therapeutic promise of human stem cells special cells with the ability to develop into many different cell types and which, when modified and repurposed, have the potential to treat, remedy or cure a vast array of conditions and diseases.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute includes six (6) stem cell Centers led by Center Directors and Deputy Directors and one (1) Brain Tumor and Neuro-Restoration Program.

1. Sanford Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) Center, for stem cell research that will be conducted in a laboratory bay located aboard the International Space Station currently in low-Earth orbit.
2. Sanford Stem Cell Fitness and Space Medicine Center, which conducts in-depth space fitness and orbital medicine that can benefit both astronauts and people living on Earth.
3. Sanford Stem Cell Innovation Center, which will support regenerative medicine company development, including contract research in low-Earth orbit.
4. Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center, which conducts basic and translational stem cell research.
5. Sanford Advanced Therapy Center, which provides fundamental tools and services to move basic research findings to next stages, such as early phase trials.
6. Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, which conducts research to accelerate relevant drug and therapy development in regenerative medicine, including clinical trials.

The Advanced Cell Therapy Laboratory (ACTL), housed under the Sanford Advanced Therapy Center (SATC), offers expert assistance and hands-on services to investigators who require cGLP/cGMP systems and facilities. We aid in the transition from research and development to compliant and clinically-relevant manufacture of cell therapy products for IND-enabling studies or Phase I/II trials. We provide assistance with cell banking, process development and scale-up, product characterization, document writing, product stability assessment, and packaging.

Participates in the planning, organizing, and implementing of events and functions for the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, which may include symposiums, conferences, workshops, program events, banquets, advisory board meetings, and fundraising dinners. May independently manage small, non-complex events.

Process all program expenditures including payment authorizations, travel reimbursements, honorariums and transactions related to program events and activities.

The Event Specialist ensures that event spaces are set up per specifications, including providing comprehensive planning, coordination and structure to the events. Be on-site for events to ensure client needs are met as needed. Advises on facilities, caterers, media services, for each event or activity. In addition, the Event Specialist manages and tracks reports on event data and surveys to ensure first-class services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Six (6) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus two years of relevant event planning experience or equivalent combined years of experience.
• Extensive experience in successfully planning, designing and organizing professional events, including negotiating for venues and services. Ability to, with short notice, resolve problems related to a conference venue, service, or other associated matter.
• Experience using database programs such as Excel, to create databases, complete data entry, and keep track of information. Expertise using Canva, or other design programs.
• Working knowledge of concepts, principles and practices of event planning and production and public relations. Skill in coordinating all logistical aspects of large and small scale events, including knowledge of budget development principles and skills as they apply to events.
• Working organizational skills, including skill in effectively coordinating and organizing multiple details. Excellent organizational abilities appropriate to effective calendar management and student and/or volunteer scheduling. Thorough knowledge of event planning, marketing and organization of special events.
• Ability to work professionally under pressure and under tight deadlines ensuring excellent customer service support. Demonstrated experience in a customer service role and knowledge of the principles of excellent customer service.
• Good interpersonal communication skills and political acumen, including skill in effectively representing the campus, medical center or other university organization to its publics. Excellent written oral and written communication skills (including careful listening and reading of detailed information)
• Good judgment and effective decision-making and problem resolution skills, including skill to recognize and deal effectively and appropriately with real and potential problem areas, including skill to determine the issues / problems that need to be brought to the attention of higher level staff and / or management. Knowledge of event planning, crowd control safety, and security and building code requirements related to public events in multi-functional spaces and venues
• Ability to work in diverse groups, including but not limited to students, staff, faculty, general public, production personnel, technical operators and performing artists. Proven ability to work with individuals and groups from diverse cultural, ethnic socioeconomic and social backgrounds.
• Ability to work with, train, and motivate student part-time (student & temporary) employees.
• Demonstrated ability to function efficiently and productively as a team member with all the interpersonal skills required to build and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals and campus units.
• Proven ability to independently analyze complex problems, research complex issues, draw appropriate conclusions, and develop and implement innovative solutions.
• Working knowledge of the campus, its programs, policies, mission, goals, objectives, achievements and infrastructure.

Special Conditions

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including holidays and weekend, as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift, push, pull >25 lbs in order to move tables, chairs and other event equipment as needed.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $60,300 - $103,900 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $28.88 - $49.76

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).