Assistant Director of Events and Engagement

The Assistant Director of Events and Engagement, part of the Advancement Team at the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), designs, collaborates on, and executes events and programs that foster alumni engagement, drive annual and major giving, and strengthen donor stewardship.

Key Responsibilities:
Alumni and Donor Event and Program Management (65%)

• In partnership with the Director of Events and Director of Alumni Relations, develop, manage, implement, and assess approximately 20-30 events per year including receptions, reunions, luncheons and dinners, facility tours, hosted athletic events, lectures, meetings, webinars, and more
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of the vision, philanthropic priorities, and campaign initiatives of CSE and the University and conduct activities aligned with advancing those goals and maximizing engagement
• Oversee logistics including venues, catering, decor, layouts, programs, and audiovisual
• Establish and execute work plans, timelines, reports, and other required documentation, as appropriate
• Provide comprehensive event support, including registration, nametags, mailings, preparation of collateral, day-of logistics, and post-event reporting or follow-up
• Monitor budgets, pay invoices, and manage vendor relationships for assigned events
• Ensure all events and engagement efforts reflect CSE's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a welcoming environment for all participants

Volunteer and Relationship Management (20%)

• Build and maintain relationships with alumni, donors, and volunteers that enrich their lives and advance the University
• Represent the University to stakeholders as an informed ambassador
• Tap alumni talent to support University and CSE goals
• Collaborate with leaders, faculty, and staff across CSE to showcase the impact of the college's research and educational initiatives
• Work with alumni and donor volunteers through programs such as reunions, mentorship, geographic outreach, alumni recognition, speakers, etc.
• Recruit, train, and manage internal and external volunteers, committees, and project teams for specific events and programs
• Track alumni and donor engagement and execute information requests and queries within the University's Donor Management System

Communications (15%)

• Develop and manage event and engagement communications that inspire participation and reinforce CSE's mission
• Build and send email messages on behalf of CSE using Salesforce Marketing Cloud
• Collaborate with communications staff to develop compelling invitations, registration/payment pages, and miscellaneous collateral
• Field calls and e-mails from alumni and donors

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year institution
• Minimum of 4 years of experience planning and executing events and programs (or related experience)
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Google applications (calendar, email, etc.)
• Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work with volunteers, donors, and/or vendors
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong commitment to customer service
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently and productively under pressure
• Flexibility and initiative in managing change
• Demonstrated problem-solving and research skills, with proven critical thinking ability
• On event days: ability to spend 10+ hours engaging in physical activity, including lifting and moving boxes and items (up to approx. 35 pounds); setting up registration tables, displays and signage; greeting and assisting guests at registration; disassembling and packing event materials; and other tasks as assigned
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends and evenings. Currently, the Advancement Team works from campus a minimum of three days per week (including Mondays and Thursdays). The ability to work from home may vary week-to-week, based on the nature of projects or events underway.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an academic or nonprofit environment
• Experience using digital marketing and engagement tools such as Zoom, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Qualtrics, and/or comparable platforms
• Experience collaborating with multiple staff in a fast-paced environment

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Advancement Team maximizes philanthropic investment in people and ideas in CSE by fostering lifelong, trust-based relationships with alumni and friends. We champion the rich history and forward vision of CSE, serving as strategic partners in advancing impact across the state, nation and world.

Pay Range: $55,000-$70,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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

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.

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.

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).