Event Specialist

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University is seeking an experienced Event Specialist to join its Detroit campus. The role focuses on planning, coordinating, and executing Development and Alumni Affairs events, including presidential and institutional events, with attention to client needs and university goals.

The position requires at least two years of event experience, a Bachelor's degree, and the ability to manage contracts, budgets, and on-site operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in marketing, hospitality, business administration or related field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience planning multifaceted events, including on-site coordination and budget considerations.
• Valid Michigan Driver's License.
• Experience in a university or corporate environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and coordinate Development and Alumni Affairs events and Presidential/Institutional events.
• Provide on-site coordination and supervision of event production; manage budgets and contracts.
• Work with clients and campus units to meet goals and ensure compliance with contracts.
• Create and update production schedules, cost summaries, and event budgets.
• Assist with departmental strategic plans and performance metrics.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Communications

Planning and organization

Teamwork

Learning agility

Technical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Event Specialist

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Event Specialist at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose

Responsiblefor planning, organizing, and coordinating Development and Alumni Affairs events, presidential and institutional Events, and other university and non-university events as assigned by the Events Manager or Senior Director of Special Events. Responsible for customer service, budget and contractdevelopment, planning, execution, billing, and audit processes for assigned events. Provide on-site coordination and supervision of all aspects of eventproduction where required. Supervise support staff and temporary event staff, as required on an event basis. This position reports to the Senior Director, Special Events.

Essential Functions

• Work collaboratively with clients to plan, organize, and implement events on and off-campus that promote the goals, values and mission of Wayne State University and support the solicitation and cultivation of donors. Work collaboratively with the Office of the President to plan, develop, coordinate, and implement events for assigned Presidential and Institutional events and activities.
• Ensure event client compliance with contract and budgetary requirements. Develop event plans, schedule and track timelines, milestones, and deliverables; estimate resources, manage changes in event scope. Draft and submit budget proposals and recommend subsequent budget changes where necessary. Act as liaison with stakeholders. Effectively communicate and manage expectations with team members and stakeholders; identify and resolve issues and conflicts, as necessary. Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals, requirement documentation, and presentations. Provide onsite coordination and event management of events. Monitor compliance of all events with contract and budgetary requirements.
• Routinely interact with event clients to determine the highest priorities. Tailor products and services to meet the needs of the client. Network effectively with a wide array of campus service providers and off campus vendors to ensure that venues, programs, and services are provided in a competitive, competent, and efficient manner. Arrange for client site visits and coordinate on and off-campus services and venue staff as needed.
• Ensure products and services from campus departments and off campus vendors are secured and accurately documented. Create and update documentation, including log sheets, financial reviews, production schedules, cost summaries and event budgets on a regular basis.
• Provide office assistance in receiving telephone calls and other inquiries. Assist with development of departmental strategic plans, customer surveys, action plans and performance metrics.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor's degree

• Bachelor’s from an accredited college or university with a degree in marketing, hospitality, business administration or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)

• Minimum of two years’ experience planning multifaceted events required, including experience supervising installation and strike of event equipment and structures, including tables, chairs, tenting, staging, and audio-visual equipment. First‑hand experience creating event estimates and budgets, experience working with event equipment vendors and service providers, and on‑site event operation coordination. Demonstrated working knowledge of events and event management principles.
• Valid Michigan Driver's License.
• Experience in a university or corporate environment is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE,SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Analytical and Presentation Skills: Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
• Collaboration: Exhibits a willingness to partner with units across the university with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Possesses the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding.
• Communications Skills: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must.
• Learning Agility: Independent and innovative self‑starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations. Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.
• Planning and Organization: Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time‑management skills required. Maturity, sound judgment and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline‑oriented environment.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferably in the higher education environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams. Ability to understand and translate complex concepts into lay terms.

School/College/Division:

H72 - WDET

Primary department:

H8703 - WDET (H8703)

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: $49,700
• Salary hire maximum: $66,250

Working conditions:

- Normal office environment.- Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division.- Able to travel and manage events outside the local area and possibly out-of-state. Will need to work evenings and weekends to manage events. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends, and to be available to work on short notice if required.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.