How to Apply
A cover letter is required when applying for this position
Job Summary
The University of Michigan-Dearborn Enrollment Management (EM) Communication & Events office seeks a motivated and experienced individual to serve as a key member of the team focused on supporting the enrollment growth and retention goals of the University. The Enrollment Events and Orientation Program Manager will lead the execution of high caliber events (large and small) to attract, engage, and inform prospective students and families about the benefits of a UM-Dearborn education, and aid in the retention of current students. This role provides leadership in the planning, implementation, execution and assessment of recruitment and orientation events. The Coordinator collaborates with faculty and staff to establish meaningful campus and community involvement in building strong and viable enrollment events and supports students and the campus in providing an inclusive and accepting campus environment. This position reports to the Director of EM Communication and Events and will work collaboratively with the office team and a wide range of cross-campus partners within the University community, including academic affairs and other enrollment/student life units.
Responsibilities*
Execution of Enrollment Events and Programs (In-person and Virtual) (45%):
Primary responsibilities revolve around creating and coordinating memorable visit experiences that drive engagement throughout all phases of the enrollment cycle
- Plan, coordinate, lead the execution of all EM events, including, freshman and transfer orientation programs, campus tours, open houses, group visits and a variety of other recruitment and yield events.
- Ensure appropriate faculty, staff and student representation participation is achieved to execute each event.
- Coordinate with facility, food service, technology and space providers in a timely and effective manner.
- Coordinate applicable presentations, agendas and supporting documents are prepared in advance of events.
- Responsible for facilitating event registration and responding to student event-related inquiries in Salesforce CRM
- Facilitate continuous, timely, and courteous service when assisting all internal and external customers.
- Prepare detailed post-event debriefs related to attendance, feedback and cost, to measure success and document notations for future changes; this includes thorough documentation of planning, processes and expenditures.
Event Assessment and Strategy Development (20%)
- Serve as EM's liaison with the campus four academic colleges to strategize on ways to improve and enhance the colleges involvement and collaboration on events and communication to highlight college/programs unique differentiators.
- Strategize continually how programs can better highlight key differentiators of our academic programs.
Coordinate Training and Student Event Support: (20%)
Current students are hired across campus to help support enrollment goals. This position will help to coordinate the different student roles that support events to maximize their contributions to objectives by:
- Hire, train and supervise student leaders (~20 current students) who support summer orientation.
- Coordinate with colleges on supporting training and setting event expectations of college students ambassadors who serve as representatives of departments and programs to support recruitment and retention efforts.
- Assist in training and coordinating with One-Stop's EM Ambassadors who support daily and group tours
Event Marketing and Communication: (10%)
- Build event registration, communication, and implement marketing strategies to help increase attendance at recruitment events
- Collaborate to plan and execute appropriate and timely promotion of events and ensure accuracy of print, web, and social media content utilized in the promotion of all events; including coordinating with the team on development and execution of event reminders/confirmations
- Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders (academic department chairs, faculty, staff) in the development of program specific communications and recruitment event program content.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of office goals and core values (5%)
Intermediate Level
Key Additional Responsibilities at Intermediate Level (in addition to entry level duties):
Strategic Event Management & Collaboration:
- Lead cross-functional planning teams for complex recruitment initiatives ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
- Develop tailored engagement strategies for specific populations (e.g., transfer students, honors students, adult learners).
- Serve as the lead liaison with academic colleges or student service offices, fostering long-term partnerships and building capacity for their involvement in recruitment and orientation efforts.
Data-Informed Program Improvement:
- Create and maintain an overarching, strategic approach to event coordination and assessment, including evaluating conversion of attendees into enrolled students throughout the recruitment cycle to assess effectiveness and enhancements needed.
- Propose new strategies and experiences to ensure we are meeting the needs of the diverse population of prospective students actively recruited.
Event Marketing & Communication:
- Actively participate in the development and execution of communication plans to various audiences, with a main focus on event-related communications (including invitations, reminders, confirmations).
- Provide input on promotional materials and website content related to recruitment and orientation events.
Senior Level
Key Additional Responsibilities at Senior Level (in addition to entry and intermediate level duties):
Leadership, Strategy & Innovation:
- Serve as a senior advisor to Enrollment Management leadership on event strategy and engagement practices that support institutional enrollment goals.
- Lead the long-range planning and innovation of orientation and event programs, including developing multi-year strategic plans to support recruitment, yield, and student transition.
- Proactively identify emerging trends and best practices in enrollment marketing and student engagement, and implement scalable initiatives in response.
- Represent the EM Communication & Events office on high-level campus committees related to student transition, experience, and retention.
- Supervise the development of program-specific assessment tools, including pre/post surveys, focus groups, and enrollment tracking to assess short- and long-term impact.
Cross-Campus Partnership Development:
- Build and sustain strategic partnerships with academic leadership, faculty, student affairs, and external partners to enhance program quality and visibility.
- Oversee the development of programming that strengthens the transition experience for incoming students, including expanded offerings for parents, supporters, and underserved communities.
Required Qualifications*
Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Entry Level:
- A bachelor's degree.
- Strong project management skills.
- Event coordination experience.
- Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all audiences.
- Ability to supervise and lead a team of student leaders.
- Self-motivated and goal-driven.
- Demonstrated effective teamwork experience.
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
- Enthusiasm for working with people.
- Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.
Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Intermediate Level:
- A bachelor's degree.
- 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in student services, event planning, or higher education recruitment.
- Demonstrated experience developing partnerships across campus or organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to use CRM systems and event management software (e.g., Salesforce).
- Sensitivity to working with diverse and multicultural populations.
- Familiarity with southeastern Michigan communities and student demographics.
Preferred Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Senior Level:
- Master's degree; additional certifications or leadership training preferred.
- Minimum 5-7 years of professional experience in higher education with demonstrated success in event strategy, recruitment, or student transition services.
- Proven leadership in cross-campus or cross-functional initiatives.
- Advanced data analysis and assessment skills with experience presenting to senior stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal and change management skills; ability to guide complex teams and initiatives from ideation to execution.
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.
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
The title and salary will depend on level of experience and expertise in terms of event planning, strategic leadership and training/development of student employees.
Additional Information
Note: This role requires occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.