Director of Events

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages & holidays

Tuition benefit program

Excellent retirement plans

Health & dental plans

Flexible spending accounts

Employee wellbeing program

PSLF opportunity

Transit pass

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks a Director of University Events to lead a portfolio of high-impact, university-wide events in a 100% in-person role. You will partner with university leaders and marketing communications to produce strategic, engaging experiences for diverse audiences, while managing budgets, staff, and vendor relationships.

The role emphasizes inclusive leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and end-to-end event lifecycle management to elevate the university's profile and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with 8+ years in event leadership and producing high-profile events.
• Experience leading teams including hiring, performance management, and staff development.
• Experience planning and managing complex budgets and negotiating contracts.
• Proven ability to manage volunteers and lead committees.
• Experience creating and executing event strategies with direct reports and vendors.
• Strong collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee university-wide events with a cross-functional team.
• Develop and manage budgets; monitor expenditures and ROI.
• Ensure flawless execution of event logistics and superior guest service.
• Build collaborative relationships with university leadership and external partners.
• Identify external resources and negotiate vendor contracts as needed.
• Support diversity, inclusion, and belonging within event teams.

Skills

Team management

Budget management

Contract negotiation

Staff development

Project leadership

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Theater, Public Relations, Marketing or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Director, University Events produces key annual and signature University-wide events. Working collaboratively with the Office of the President, University Marketing Communications, faculty, staff, and University leaders, the Director is responsible for strategic planning and creative leadership of highly customized events and experiences designed to enhance engagement and celebrate the University of Minnesota. The diverse portfolio includes creating meaningful opportunities for engagement internal and external to the University for a broad range of audiences including external stakeholders and key members of the community. The Director works closely with University leadership, driving end-to-end project lifecycles for the institution's most prominent and high-impact engagement events.

This position is 100% in-person.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Responsibilities

Leadership, Budget, and Staff Management (50%)

• Inspire, mobilize, and empower a team of (entry, supervisory, and senior manager-level) professionals that execute university events to achieve maximum results with superior professionalism and efficiency.
• Recruit, select, train, coach, and evaluate staff performance and potential.
• Identify staff training and development opportunities and work with individual staff on professional development planning and resources.
• Work closely with University leaders, including the Board of Regents, the President and her executive team, and University Marketing and Communications on all aspects of event strategies and production.
• Build workgroups that feature complementary strengths and operate based on collaborative, cross-functional principles and a sense of shared purpose.
• Manage departmental budget. Prepare budgets, track, and review expenditures, identify areas for cost containment, and determine areas to reduce and expand based on ROI and organizational outcomes.

Strategy Development, Implementation, and Oversight (50%)

• Lead, design, and execute the University's strategic events program:
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to formulate concepts, strategic plans, direction, and messaging.
  • Develop program recommendations and content in alignment with strategic purpose of event.
  • Maintain responsibility for flawless execution of all event logistics.
  • Maintain responsibility for superior guest service through all phases of event production; save-the-date through post-event follow-up.
  • Ensure proactive and comprehensive communication with the President's Office, senior U of M and University leadership, and collegiate units regarding event plans, logistics, scripting, travel, staff roles, and expectation.
• Provide vision and strategic direction to achieve University and organizational goals; monitor the local and national events industry to identify trends in audience expectations; evaluate opportunities and make recommendations to leadership that will achieve competitive advantages for the University.
• Collaborate with the Finance departments to maintain budgets and compliance as well as ensure optimal front-end user experiences.
• Identify outside resources when needed, direct outside resources, and negotiate vendor contracts.
• Navigate strategic and complex relationships with University partners to advance efficacy and success of University-wide events and engagement programs.
• Seek to explore and understand cultural differences and create a culture of belonging.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, colleagues, and stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned, delegated, or needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Theater, Public Relations, Marketing or related field; OR non-communications-related degree plus a minimum of 8 years event leadership experience in producing and executing high-profile and/or academic events events.
• Team management experience, including hiring, performance management, and professional development
• Demonstrated experience planning, developing and managing complex budgets, and negotiating contracts.
• Proven ability to manage volunteers, including organizing, training, and leading volunteer committees.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing event strategies utilizing both direct reports and vendors.
• Demonstrated experience working well in a team environment; excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and solve problems in business situations,
• Excellent project management skills, and superior attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to understand strategic priorities of a complex organization and to make effective decisions based on those priorities.
• Proven ability to make independent decisions and work under pressure, manage competing demands, and handle frequent changes, delays, and workload additions.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• 9 or more years of event leadership experience in producing and executing high-profile fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events.
• Previous experience in a non-profit or academic setting.
• Familiarity with the University of Minnesota.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements

• Office environment including standing and sitting at desk, use of computer, occasional lifting of approximately 10 lbs.
• On event days, ability to spend 10+ hours engaging in physical activity, including lifting and moving boxes and items (approx.. 45 lbs.); setting up tables, auction displays and signage; setting and decorating tables; greeting and assisting guests; disassembling, and packing event materials.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $110,000 - $130,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment; 12 month

Position Type: 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.