Assistant Director of Events

About the Job

The Assistant Director of Events plans and executes meaningful events and programs that enhance alumni, student, and partner connections to the University of Minnesota. Reporting to the Director of Events and serving as a key member on the Strategic Engagement Team. This role builds and maintains strong relationships within the UMAA and across campus,

The ideal candidate is detail-focused to bridge the gap between event vision and flawless execution. As Assistant Director, you will manage logistics and maintain a professional presence to ensure each event in your portfolio strengthens alumni relationships and advances the UMAA’s mission.

Project Management and Event Execution (65%):

• Develop comprehensive end-to-end planning of portfolio, including comprehensive project plans, budget and complex run-of-show documents to ensure seamless event delivery.
• Lead the strategic planning and execution of a diverse event and program portfolio including:
• U of M Days Events: Opportunities that unite the alumni community across the system through athletic and cultural event partnerships.
• Mentor Appreciation Dinner: Annual recognition for student-success mentors.
• Student Send Off Event: Post-graduation celebration establishing lifelong UMAA connections.
• Housing Partnership: Design high-impact social and educational experiences—serving as the bridge that brings the best of the U of M and Alumni Association to the residents and invites the residents back to the heart of the University community.
• Advocacy events: In collaboration with the Strategic Advocacy team, design and mobilize event strategies that advance the University’s legislative and mission-driven priorities.
• Collaborate with campus and external partners to coordinate logistics, marketing, and programming that enhance visibility and participation, experience quality and brand alignment.
• Conduct program evaluation through surveys, analyzing and sharing the results to drive data-informed growth in alumni engagement within portfolio.
• Supervise two interns who support event operations and logistics.

Event Support (25%):

• Partner with the Director of Events in the strategic planning, production, and execution of UMAA’s signature events and other high-profile, or all-hands initiatives.
• Represent UMAA at select events outside of the role's portfolio, serving as an engaged and informed ambassador for the alumni community.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%):

• Contribute to special projects and cross-functional initiatives that advance UMAA’s mission, enhance the alumni experience, or improve internal systems and operations.
• Proactively identify areas for improvement and bring forward ideas that support greater efficiency, connection, or service excellence.
• Provide support during peak periods, staff transitions, and evolving organizational priorities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree and 4 years of full-time professional work experience
• At least 3 years of event planning experience
• Ability to establish thorough project plans, meet deadlines, and track progress towards measurable goals
• Ability to reflect organizational mission in event components
• Strong computer and database skills
• Willingness and ability to work evening and weekend hours as necessary for events
• 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, displays and signage; setting and decorating tables; greeting and assisting guests at registration; disassembling and packing event materials; managing all event logistics on-site as needed; traveling away from the Twin Cities as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to manage and prioritize simultaneous projects
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proven budget management skills
• Experience with project management software such as Trello
• Experience in an academic, fundraising, marketing, or nonprofit environment
• Advanced knowledge of Google Suite (Gmail, Calendar, Drive), MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Zoom.
• Experience with Trello or similar platforms, with the ability to build workspaces that coordinate complex communication across multiple teams.
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) databases
• Understanding of or connection to the mission of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association

About the Department

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging and pride by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University of Minnesota and each other. The Association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $60,000-$75,000 depending on qualifications and years of experience

Time Appointment: 100%-time Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Priority Application Deadline: Monday, May 18, 2026

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

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.

To ensure full consideration of your application, please be sure to upload the following documents with your application:

1. A cover letter which articulates your interest in and qualifications for the position
2. Your 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.