Event Manager

The Office of Undergraduate Education in the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) invites applications for the position of Event Manager in charge of planning, coordinating, promoting, implementing, and evaluating signature events for CLA undergraduate students and other key audiences. CLA seeks a highly motivated, project-oriented, dynamic, and unflappable professional who has a strong commitment to designing great experiences.This position has the opportunity to work hybrid, working remotely at least two days per week.

Reporting to the Director of Communications Strategy, Recruitment, and Scholarships in CLA Undergraduate Education, the Event Manager is empowered to formulate concepts and establish work plans for a range of customized events and activities that are inclusive and welcoming and that strategically enhance engagement and build community. The annual CLA Undergraduate Commencement ceremony is the largest college event, comprising approximately 30% of this position's workload and requiring rigorous year-round planning. Other signature events include College Day & Transfer Day (new student welcome), career fairs, special programming, student recognition events, faculty development events, staff engagement events, and award ceremonies.

The priority deadline for applications is 03/05/2025.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Event Design and Strategy (50%)

• Conceptualize, design, and produce in-person and virtual events that promote the college and its goals and that are geared toward a variety of different communities, including current and prospective students, staff and faculty, alumni, employers, and community members
• Use independent judgment to recommend event formats, programming, and tactics that will accomplish strategic goals and maintain the college brand
• Serve as chair of the CLA Undergraduate Commencement Committee, lead planning committees consisting of staff and student volunteers for larger events, and delegate tasks as needed
• Determine optimal use of funds for good stewardship of event budgets and analyze expenses for future events
• Create and oversee the implementation of event marketing plans to publicize events and activities
• Partner with Marketing & Communications to develop event-related communications (e.g. invitations, web content, social media, etc.) and ensure their quality and their adherence to policies/procedures and CLA branding standards
• Develop measures of the effectiveness of CLA events in enhancing engagement and meeting strategic goals, conduct debrief meetings, develop post-event reports, and reconcile budget
• Utilize assessment data to recommend alterations for future events

Event Management (30%)

• Plan, arrange, and execute all event logistics, including live-event production and post-event support for online and in-person events
• Maintain and train support staff and volunteers for events as needed
• Oversee the full range of guest services, including invitation development, registration management, guests' on-site experience, and post-event follow up
• Attend assigned events and provide onsite coordination of set-up and tear-down, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends

Relationship Management (10%)

• Establish and maintain relationships with internal colleagues (including college leadership, university partners, faculty, staff, and students) to facilitate efficient event implementation
• Establish and maintain relationships with external partners to facilitate the selection of and negotiation and coordination with vendors and venues, as well as to stay informed about emerging tools and technology

Consultation and Support (10%)

• Provide consultation services for collegiate clients seeking event advice
• Assist in task coverage for collegiate clients' events when necessary

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree and at least 4 years experience creating and managing a variety of events, including large-scale/major events, in coordination with multiple stakeholders and constituents
• Professional experience designing and implementing virtual and/or hybrid events
• Ability to spend several hours engaging in physical activity, including lifting and moving boxes and items (up to approx. 45 pounds)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working in an academic environment
• Demonstrated commitment to and competence in working with individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds towards inclusive environments
• Fiscal management experience that includes managing multiple budgets

About the College of Liberal Arts

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Pay Range: $50,000 - $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume, both of which are required for consideration.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).