The University of Minnesota's Data Science Initiative (DSI) seeks an Event Manager to lead and manage its events. The event manager will serve as a strategist and lead in events and event marketing associated with student, alumni, faculty, industry, and staff engagement activities. Demonstrating strong project management capabilities, the event manager will own strategies, budgets, and implementation for assigned DSI events ranging in scale and objective. Reporting to the DSI managing director, they will develop an annual program of events and will assist with marketing and public relations efforts to support outreach and research goals for the DSI in close coordination with the director's office staff and communication staff.

This role requires an individual with a collaborative mindset, commitment to inclusion, and strong interpersonal skills. This is a 100% time, continuing appointment. The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+, women and members of historically underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply.



Position Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Event Management (70%)

• Develop and implement an annual events strategy that supports a 5-year plan, in order to advance the DSI's goals and mission in coordination with the managing director, communications staff, and senior leaders.
• Provide project management that demonstrates strong leadership skills, personal initiative, and effective decision-making with resulting outcomes in line with strategic objectives.
• Develop strategies and lead logistics for assigned annual DSI events and envisioning and executing new events. These include recurring events such as: Data Voyages, Research Mixers, Spring Research Workshop, Women in Data Science Conference, Fall Data Science Career Fair, Research Showcase, and more. Specific strategies will include:
  • Identifying event goals and audiences
  • Formulating event concepts and customized experiences
  • Aligning organizational priorities and initiatives
  • Enhancing high impact stakeholder engagement
• Supporting brand and marketing objectives
• Establish and execute a plan for each event that includes tactics, timelines, and reports.
• Assemble and manage project teams that include faculty, staff, students, and volunteers.
• Select or recommend vendors ensuring supplier diversity and determine and oversee all event elements.
• Oversee all aspects of event production including establishing timelines and run-of show, setting deadlines, management of setup, audio visual elements, venue and staging, decor, etc.
• Assist in planning additional DSI events, as needed.
• Proactively identify and manage the execution of food and beverage permits, event food and safety protocols, purchasing and vendor agreements in compliance for all DSI activities with University financial policies.
• Responsible for negotiating and engaging in contracts with external vendors for event-related activities.
• Develop expense forecasts, analyzing expenses from past events to inform budget strategies for future events.
• Coordinate student workers and/or other staff to execute day of event logistics as available and necessary.

Event Marketing & Communication (20%)

• Establish and implement overall marketing and communications strategies related to events, in close collaboration with DSI communications staff.
• Manage announcements and event attendance follow-up communications.
• Create promotional plans for each event including website, print, email marketing, digital signage, social media, and community calendars.
• Maintain DSI event Google and website calendar and advise DSI team of workload related to events and maintain consistent, updated record of the status of event details.
• Lead internal signage and work with the communications team to develop other materials as needed for events (i.e., talking points, run of shows, etc.).

Consultation and Support (10%)

• Work with the managing director to develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and initiatives.
• Establish policies and best practices for DSI events to ensure consistency, branded, accessible, and widely attended events.
• Maintain close working relationships with unit-based event coordinators to guide and inform strategic event planning

The University of Minnesota is driven to create a diverse workforce of the future where people are engaged, connected, thriving, and achieving. This position is based in Minneapolis on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. The position is designated as a work profile 1 or 2 appointment meaning it may be able to perform up to two work days each week remotely, dependent on event scheduling and in line with the University's flexible work guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS (in hospitality, communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field preferred) plus at least five years of experience producing events or a combination of related education and work experience to equal nine years.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects, work independently and under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, organizational, and oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage customer relationship databases.
• Creative problem solving, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, email marketing tools, and internet savvy.
• Working knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours as necessary.
• On event days: ability to spend 10+ hours engaging in physical activity, including lifting and moving boxes and items (up to approx. 35 pounds) from storage to venue; setting up registration tables, auction displays and signage; setting and decorating tables; greeting and assisting guests at registration; disassembling and packing event materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of events marketing, with ability to build audiences.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum five to seven years experience producing events.
• Experience in an academic, fund-raising, marketing, or nonprofit environment.
• Proven ability to work with high-profile figures, volunteers, and vendors.

The Data Science Initiative aims to make a mark in data science research, nationally and internationally, by facilitating research to address grand challenges facing our state, nation, and the world. The DSI is administratively housed in Research Computing in the Research and Innovation Office at the University of Minnesota. It is aimed at the communication, coordination, integration, and amplification of existing data science activities. This includes both near-term coordination of existing efforts and far-term collaboration to initiate new research and education topics.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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:

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.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).