Development Events Coordinator

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 76,939,000 - 86,086,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan options

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Arboretum seeks an Events Coordinator to support donor events, including the Gala in the Gardens, and drive stewardship initiatives. You will work with the Events & Stewardship Manager and volunteers to plan elements, engage donors, and meet fundraising goals.

You will coordinate communications, event logistics, and budgeting while developing marketing plans and expanding donor engagement. A team-based, inclusive culture is emphasized.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstration of excellent interpersonal skills with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, organize work, and follow through independently.
• Strong data orientation and aptitude in managing data to achieve objectives.
• Strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to planning the Gala in the Gardens annual signature fundraising event.
• Assist in organizing the Gala in the Gardens Planning Committee.
• Plan donor stewardship and engagement events and related activities.
• Develop internal and external event reports and manage defined budgets.
• Coordinate post-gala guest follow-up and vendor engagement.
• Gather, compare and analyze data from events to improve donor experience and efficiency.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Task prioritization

Data orientation

Attention to detail

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Salesforce

Auction software

Donor databases

Job description

About the Job

OVERVIEW
The Events Coordinator reports to the Events & Stewardship Manager and supports the Arboretum's donor events and stewardship initiatives, including the annual Gala in the Gardens. As a member of a robust development team, this position will play a key role in planning and executing donor events, meeting fundraising goals, providing a high-quality guest experience, and promoting donor engagement.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Planning and Communications (60%)

• Contribute to the planning of the Gala in the Gardens annual signature fundraising event.
  
  
  
  • Work with the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees and community volunteers in committee meetings to help plan all event elements
  
  
  • In collaboration with the Events & Stewardship Manager, assist in the organization of the Gala in the Gardens Planning Committee.
  
  
  
  


• Assist in the planning of donor stewardship and engagement events. Donor stewardship and engagement events include but are not limited to:
  
  
  
  • Annual Leon Snyder Heritage Society Luncheon, Giving Society Reception and Spotlight Series
  
  
  • Groundbreaking and dedication events
  
  
  • Apple and other stewardship initiatives
  
  
  • Trustee and Trustees Emeriti engagement events
  
  
  • Additional donor stewardship events as assigned
  
  
  
  


• For all events:
  
  
  
  • Execute tasks based on established procedures and guidelines developed with the Events & Stewardship Manager and (as appropriate) the Gala in the Gardens Committee.
  
  
  • Develop internal and external event summary reports.
  
  
  • Work within defined budgets.
  
  
  • Participate in program and administrative planning.
  
  
  • Develop communication and marketing plans for assigned events while assisting with other event-related marketing and communication plans designed to engage internal and external audiences.
  
  
  • Identify and propose new ideas to promote and expand donor events.
  
  
  • Engage with external event vendors.
  
  
  
  

Event Execution and Stewardship (25%)

• Support the execution of the Gala in the Gardens annual signature fundraising event.
  
  
  
  • Assist with the physical set-up of the event, including interacting with vendors on-site.
  
  
  • Direct the work of event volunteers.
  
  
  • Coordinate post-gala guest follow-up.
  
  
  
  


• Participate in the execution of other donor stewardship and engagement events, including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  • Facility groundbreaking and dedication events
  
  
  • Trustee and Trustees Emeriti engagement events
  
  
  • Additional donor stewardship events as assigned
  
  
  
  


• For all events:
  
  
  
  • Execute event-day tasks based on established procedures and guidelines developed in conjunction with the Events & Stewardship Manager and (as appropriate) the Gala in the Gardens Committee.
  
  
  • Manage the timely submission of event-related invoices.
  
  
  • Assist with post-event communications and donor follow-up.
  
  
  • Gather, compare and analyze data from events to recommend future improvements to donor experience and operational efficiency.
  
  
  
  

Other (15%)

• Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor.


• Attend department, Advancement, and Arboretum meetings.


• Represent donor events and the Development department to internal and external partners.


• Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years in events, communication, or guest services fields.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Demonstration of excellent interpersonal skills with both internal and external stakeholders.


• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, organize work, and follow through independently.


• Strong data orientation and aptitude in managing data to achieve objectives.


• Strong attention to detail.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Four years or more demonstrated experience in event planning and execution.


• Experience in event fundraising, including live and silent auctions.


• Familiarity with donor database systems.


• Previous experience in Salesforce or auction fundraising software.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $26.85 to $28.75 a hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.

About University of Minnesota

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.