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 positionâ™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, guestsâ™ 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 clientsâ™ events when necessary 

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelorâ™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 University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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