The University of Minnesotaâ™s Data Science Initiative (DSI) seeks an Event Manager to lead and manage its events. The event manager will serve as a strategist and lead in events and event marketing associated with student, alumni, faculty, industry, and staff engagement activities. Demonstrating strong project management capabilities, the event manager will own strategies, budgets, and implementation for assigned DSI events ranging in scale and objective. Reporting to the DSI managing director, they will develop an annual program of events and will assist with marketing and public relations efforts to support outreach and research goals for the DSI in close coordination with the directorâ™s office staff and communication staff.
This role requires an individual with a collaborative mindset, commitment to inclusion, and strong interpersonal skills. This is a 100% time, continuing appointment. The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+, women and members of historically underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply. Position Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Event Management (70%) Develop and implement an annual events strategy that supports a 5-year plan, in order to advance the DSIâ™s goals and mission in coordination with the managing director, communications staff, and senior leaders. Provide project management that demonstrates strong leadership skills, personal initiative, and effective decision-making with resulting outcomes in line with strategic objectives. Develop strategies and lead logistics for assigned annual DSI events and envisioning and executing new events. These include recurring events such as: Data Voyages, Research Mixers, Spring Research Workshop, Women in Data Science Conference, Fall Data Science Career Fair, Research Showcase, and more. Specific strategies will include: Identifying event goals and audiences Formulating event concepts and customized experiences Aligning organizational priorities and initiatives Enhancing high impact stakeholder engagement Supporting brand and marketing objectives Establish and execute a plan for each event that includes tactics, timelines, and reports. Assemble and manage project teams that include faculty, staff, students, and volunteers. Select or recommend vendors ensuring supplier diversity and determine and oversee all event elements. Oversee all aspects of event production including establishing timelines and run-of show, setting deadlines, management of setup, audio visual elements, venue and staging, décor, etc. Assist in planning additional DSI events, as needed. Proactively identify and manage the execution of food and beverage permits, event food and safety protocols, purchasing and vendor agreements in compliance for all DSI activities with University financial policies. Responsible for negotiating and engaging in contracts with external vendors for event-related activities. Develop expense forecasts, analyzing expenses from past events to inform budget strategies for future events. Coordinate student workers and/or other staff to execute day of event logistics as available and necessary. Event Marketing & Communication (20%)
Establish and implement overall marketing and communications strategies related to events, in close collaboration with DSI communications staff. Manage announcements and event attendance follow-up communications. Create promotional plans for each event including website, print, email marketing, digital signage, social media, and community calendars. Maintain DSI event Google and website calendar and advise DSI team of workload related to events and maintain consistent, updated record of the status of event details. Lead internal signage and work with the communications team to develop other materials as needed for events (i.e., talking points, run of shows, etc.). Consultation and Support (10%)
Work with the managing director to develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and initiatives. Establish policies and best practices for DSI events to ensure consistency, branded, accessible, and widely attended events. Maintain close working relationships with unit-based event coordinators to guide and inform strategic event planning The University of Minnesota is driven to create a diverse workforce of the future where people are engaged, connected, thriving, and achieving. This position is based in Minneapolis on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. The position is designated as a work profile 1 or 2 appointment meaning it may be able to perform up to two work days each week remotely, dependent on event scheduling and in line with the Universityâ™s flexible work guidelines.
Required Qualifications BA/BS (in hospitality, communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field preferred) plus at least five years of experience producing events or a combination of related education and work experience to equal nine years. Ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects, work independently and under pressure, and meet deadlines. Excellent customer service, interpersonal, organizational, and oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to leverage customer relationship databases. Creative problem solving, negotiation and presentation skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, email marketing tools, and internet savvy. Working knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours as necessary. 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, auction displays and signage; setting and decorating tables; greeting and assisting guests at registration; disassembling and packing event materials. Demonstrated knowledge of events marketing, with ability to build audiences.
Preferred Qualifications Minimum five to seven years experience producing events. Experience in an academic, fund-raising, marketing, or nonprofit environment. Proven ability to work with high-profile figures, volunteers, and vendors. 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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