Event Manager

University Of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan is seeking an Event Manager for a 2-year limited term position with the potential for extension. The role partners with internal and external clients to plan and manage event logistics and supervise staff as contracted.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, you will handle logistical planning, vendor negotiations, budgets, and on-site event management across conferences and large events, with flexibility for hybrid work as determined by the department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of event management experience.
• Excellent partnering skills and initiative with cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite; familiarity with event management software.

Responsibilities

• Lead logistical planning for assigned programs, including dining, facilities, housing, and registration.
• Manage weddings, student, departmental, and social events.
• Coordinate with campus and external service providers; negotiate contracts.
• Work with the sales team and assist with bids, budgets, and contracts.
• Maintain program data in event management software and ensure timely invoicing and signatures.
• Provide onsite support and assist with client inquiries and venue tours.
• Develop bid proposals and budgets; ensure contracts are executable.
• Monitor market trends and adjust plans as needed.
• Oversee program budgets and authorize related expenses.
• Assist with client file setup and billing processes.

Skills

Event management

Partnerships

Budgeting

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

EMS

Social Tables

Job description

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

Department Summary:

Conference & Event Services provides expertise in conference and event management to U-M and external groups. The department is responsible for coordinating over 15,000 events annually, over 200 summer conference groups, over 100,000 summer bednights and many conferences each year. Overall department sales typically exceed $14 million annually. As a member of the team you will provide systems administration, project management, and event management for the department.

Position Summary:

NOTE: THIS IS A 2-YEAR LIMITED TERM POSITION WITH THE POTENTIAL TO EVALUATE FOR AN EXTENSION!

Reporting to the Assistant Director, with broad latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines, the manager will work with internal, external and student clients and service providers to manage event logistics. The Event Manager will indirectly supervise support and student staff as dictated by contracted business.

Responsibilities*

Logistical Planning (50%)

• Manage the planning and execution of assigned programs, including scheduling and monitoring of all logistical and support service arrangements (dining, catering, facilities, housing, registration, etc.).
• Manage planning and execution of assigned weddings, student, departmental and social events.
• Collaborate effectively with service providers to secure necessary services on campus, and work with outside service providers on behalf of clients. Negotiate on behalf of clients and engage services of campus and non-campus services providers to support programs.
• Work collaboratively with the sales team; engage with sales as needed once the Sales team contracts business.
• Maintain program data in event management software; exercise diligence in updating program confirmations (added billable items, price changes and customer driven changes) and ensure signatures and funds are received within appropriate timelines.
• Assist and provide other support to conference operations as assigned.
• Assist onsite for programs as assigned by Associate and Assistant Directors of Event Services and as dictated by client contract.
• Respond to inquiries from returning clients regarding the use of facilities and services; log event details in event management database.
• Actively engage with event sales inquiries and assist with on site venue tours as requested.
• Assist with the development of bid proposals and budgets, and contracts for new and returning business; process executable contracts.
• Stay aware of market trends and assist with changes as determined.
• Accountable for creation and execution of program budgets.
• Authorize payments for materials, services, and other event related expenses.
• Assist with the client billing process (audit and approve billing).
• Assist with client file set-up per established guidelines.

Other (10%)

• Attend and participate in staff training and professional development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of event management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent partnering skills and initiative experience including the ability to work in cooperation with staff, meet deadlines, excellent interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated aptitude in handling and resolving details.
• Working knowledge and proven experience with Microsoft Office Suite (to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects with proven accuracy, productivity, and high success rates.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience in or strong familiarity with higher education.
• Experience in conference planning.
• EMS, Social Tables or other event management software experience.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Additional Information

Position Responsibilities Criteria:

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to diversity and a solid understanding of and appreciation for cultural, ethnic, and individual differences.
• Excellent professional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and be adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate change effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to provide high quality customer service.

Financial/Budgetary Responsibility:

• None

Working Conditions:

• On occasion, this position will be expected to work weekends, early mornings, and evenings/late nights. In addition, this job may require more than 40 hours a week determined by business needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Event Manager is required to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time and may need to transport heavy objects occasionally.

Direct Reports:

• The Event Manager will indirectly supervise support and student staff as dictated by contracted business.

Additional Information

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.

Selected candidates whose start date is 4/1/2026 or after, will not be eligible for the university FY26-27 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

Relocation will not be offered for this role.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.The review and selection process maybegin as early as the eighth day after posting.Thisopening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.