Job Description

The Director of Events plans and executes meaningful experiences that enhance alumni and friends' engagement and sense of belonging with the University of Minnesota. The person in this role will use their event planning experience and knowledge to manage UMAA's signature events. This role builds and maintains strong relationships within the UMAA and across campus, including with senior UMAA and University leaders, to advance the UMAA and the University of Minnesota. The Director of Events position is part of the UMAA Engagement Team and reports to the Associate Vice President of Engagement.

The salary range for this position is $60,000-$72,000.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association offers flexible working options with a “go where

the work is” philosophy to remote work. Specifics will be discussed during the interview stage.

Essential Functions*:

Celebrate a strong alumni community and build University of Minnesota pride by planning

and executing signature events for the Alumni Association.

● Manage all aspects of UMAA signature events including:

○ Ski-U-Mania, the official pregame party of the Alumni Association

○ Alumni Awards Affair and UMAA’s involvement with Homecoming

○ Annual Celebration

○ Behind the Scenes

○ UMAA’s involvement with the Distinguished Teaching Awards

● Establish and execute comprehensive project plans to successfully complete all event

logistics, including scheduling event spaces, ordering supplies and catering, crafting

engaging program elements, writing scripts, developing staffing schedules, preparing event

communications, and liaising with venue staff, vendors, and audiovisual/technology

specialists.

● Provide on-site leadership for events, including leading or delegating the set-up and cleanup of physical spaces, coordinating with vendors, overseeing check-in/registration, running AV,

and general event management.

● Coordinate the involvement and ensure the preparedness of UMAA and University senior

leaders at events, including members of the Board of Regents, President, Provost, Deans,

UMAA President and CEO, and UMAA Board of Directors.

● Prepare briefing materials and train staff and volunteers to fulfill their roles at UMAA

events.

● Embody a strong commitment to the UMAA and University’s goal of creating a positive and

inclusive campus climate by advancing equity and diversity. Weave inclusive event practices

into all aspects of UMAA’s signature events.

● Collaborate with the Communications Team to prepare and send all event communications,

including virtual and physical invitations, and pre- and post-event emails.

● Monitor budgets, pay invoices, and manage vendor relationships for UMAA events.

● Track alumni engagement (e.g. event attendance, volunteer participation) in the University’s Donor Management System.

● Conduct program evaluation including writing surveys, analyzing and sharing the results,

conducting market research to grow engagement and satisfaction through our signature events.

Recognize outstanding alumni achievement and service by managing all aspects of the

Alumni Awards program

● Ensure the slate of award offerings and nominations reflects the breadth and depth of

alumni service and involvement and diversity of the alumni community.

● Convene the alumni awards committee responsible for the nomination review, recipient

selection, and award criteria review

● Communicate and coordinate with all stakeholders, including nominators and award

recipients.

● Execute the Alumni Awards Affair event

Help grow UMAA membership and philanthropic giving by overseeing the connection between membership, philanthropy, and events

● Plan and execute UMAA member-exclusive events, including the Behind the Scenes event

series, throughout the year to grow member loyalty and the value of membership

● Partner with the Revenue Team to highlight and weave membership and giving before,

during, and after events

● Partner with the Revenue Team to attract sponsorship opportunities to signature events

Serve as the events expert at the UMAA

● Organize, maintain an inventory, and manage all event supplies on behalf of the UMAA.

● Collaborate on the planning and logistics for additional UMAA events, including the Travel

Reception, and social events involving the UMAA Board of Directors.

● Keep a pulse on the latest virtual and in-person event trends, programs, user experience,

and platforms that could best serve the UMAA.

● Develop and uphold event standards and conduct event-related training for staff and

volunteers.

● Serve as the staff expert for the Encompass Events Module (UMAA’s event registration

system)

● Consult and provide feedback as needed to UMAA staff and alumni relations officers

regarding event best practices.

● Serves as the UMAA representative for the University of Minnesota Event Circle group.

● Liaise with the University’s All-Honors Committee and Office of Provost to execute the

Distinguished Teaching Awards event.

* The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s degree plus at least four years of professional experience

● At least 3 years of event planning experience

● Ability to establish thorough project plans, meet deadlines, and track progress towards

measurable goals

● Ability to reflect organizational mission in event components

● Strong computer and database skills

● Willingness and ability to work evening and weekend hours as necessary for events

● On event days: ability to spend 10+ hours engaging in physical activity, including lifting and moving boxes and items (up to approx. 35 pounds) from storage to venue; setting up

registration tables, displays and signage; setting and decorating tables; greeting and

assisting guests at registration; disassembling and packing event materials; managing all

event logistics on-site as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Ability to manage and prioritize simultaneous projects

● Ability to form and manage event teams consisting of staff, volunteers, and vendors

● Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills

● Strong oral and written communication skills

● Proven budget management skills

● Experience with project management software such as Trello

● Experience in an academic, fundraising, marketing, or nonprofit environment

About the Department

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging and

pride by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University of Minnesota and each other. The association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

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

How To Apply

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

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. This position requires you to attach a cover letter and resume.

This position will remain open until filled.

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

Diversity

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:

Employment Requirements

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.

Job Tags

Remote job, Holiday work, Full time, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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