Events Specialist

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

University of Minnesota seeks an Events Specialist to plan and execute donor-focused events for the College of Liberal Arts. You will manage logistics, coordinate venues and vendors, and support alumni relations and stewardship programs.

The role emphasizes collaboration with the Director of Alumni Experiences & College Events, with a flexible hybrid work setup and in-office presence at Johnston Hall.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience (4+ years).
• Experience planning and executing events in formal or informal settings.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks with strong data orientation.
• Detail oriented; takes initiative and ownership of projects.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Office suites.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute internal events for faculty and staff.
• Coordinate logistics: rooms, virtual platforms, catering, AV, and staffing.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships for events.
• Support CLA alumni relations and donor stewardship activities.

Skills

Event planning

Data management

Attention to detail

Project management

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

CRM systems

Job description

About the Job

CLA Events Specialist

Job Code: 8421EV CO Pro 1-Event Mgmt.

Supervisor: Director, Alumni Experiences & CollegeEvents

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment - 1 year temporary

This is a one-year temporary civil service position with the possibility of extension depending on departmental needs, funding, and performance.

Position Overview:

The Events Specialist provides planning and logistical support for events and experiences for College of Liberal Arts donors, alumni, and the College community and supports the cultivation and stewardship of donors. They create and maintain high-quality events that present a compelling image of the people, activities, and learning environments of the college and support high-priority CLA objectives. They support the growth and sustainability of the stewardship program and are focused on creating an excellent donor experience through implementing stewardship best practices and supporting stewardship and advancement projects as assigned.

Work Expectation:

Flexible hybrid; at least 2 days in the office each week in addition to events. Our office is located in Johnston Hall, on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota -Twin Cities campus.

Salary Range:

$24.25 - $28.00 hourly; $50,440 - $58,240 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Event Planning & Support (70%)

• With direction from the Director of Alumni Experiences & College Events, plans and executes internal events for faculty and staff. Examples include faculty and staff award presentations, academic year kickoff events, and faculty emeriti dinners.
  • Project manages and carries out event logistics, such as scheduling rooms, arranging virtual platforms, ordering supplies and catering, and liaising with venue staff, audiovisual and technology specialists.
  • Establishes and executes work plans, timelines, reports, and other required documentation, as appropriate.
  • Provides on-site support for events, including setting up physical spaces, overseeing check in/registration, running basic A/V, and general event management.
  • Provides general event support, including registration, nametags, mailings, preparation of collateral, and day of logistics.
• Provides occasional support to CLA departments and centers for events and initiatives through project management, communications, logistics, etc.
• Assists with CLA’s presence at the Minnesota State Fair including coordinating volunteers and faculty presenters.
• Monitors budgets, pays invoices, and manages vendor relationships for assigned events.
• Prepares briefing materials and works with development staff on guest bios as needed.
• Creates email announcements and invitations in Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
• Creates presentations and videos as needed for events.
• Edits and uploads videos to YouTube following events.
• Creates and edits event pages on CLA website utilizing Drupal.
• Manages event related reply-to emails.

Alumni Relations Support (20%)

• Assists in implementing programs and events to maintain and promote alumni interest and support.
• Supports the annual CLA alumni awards nomination process and award presentation.
• Tracks alumni and donor engagement (event attendance, volunteer participation, board affiliations, etc.) in University’s Donor Management System and pulls reports as requested.
• Assists in alumni research.

Stewardship Support (10%)

• In partnership with the Associate Director of Stewardship, executes stewardship engagement events on campus and in the communities where donors live. Examples include annual scholarship & fellowship recognition events, endowed lectures and giving circle receptions.
• Assists with project tasks for donor recognition and engagement activities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing events in an informal or formal setting
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, organize work, and follow through independently. Strong data orientation and aptitude in managing data to achieve objectives.
• Detail oriented, takes initiative and ownership of projects
• Knowledge of Microsoft (word, excel, power point) and Google Office (docs, sheets, share drives/folders) suites

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four years or more demonstrated experience in event planning and execution.
• Experience planning award presentations.
• Experience in development or fundraising support.
• Experience with donor database platforms and/or CRM.

Additional Requirements:

• Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion (lift, push, pull, carry) of up to thirty (30) pounds of force, and frequent repetitive motions.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work with advance notice.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to event venues and transporting materials and supplies to events including the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

About the Department

About the Department:

CLA’s Office of Institutional Advancement comprises college communications, fundraising, alumni relations, and public engagement. We support the college by growing a base of committed donors, enriching CLA's engagement with alumni and the public, and enhancing the overall reputation of the college through the stories of faculty recognition, research discoveries, student experiences, and alumni success. We bring the CLA strategic plan to life through a powerful, credible, and aligned narrative and brand. We are optimistic, team-oriented, and innovative.

About the College of Liberal Arts:

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints—so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

The Benefits of Working at the U

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range:

$24.25 - $28.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment:

100% Appointment

Position Type

Civil-Service

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.