How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
Department Summary:
Conference and Event Services is the gateway to the tradition, history, and prestige of the many unique and distinctive venues at the University of Michigan. Our team works with internal and external clients to create events from ideation to finale. We partner with teams across the university and local vendors to produce successful events which exceed guests expectations.
Position Summary:
Lead department systems administration and configuration including systems training. Serve as project manager for department initiatives and new software implementation. Lead a front line customer service operation (currently 2 full-time employees, 12-15 students) to ensure that all event related communication and contracts for service are accurate, complete and timely. Maintain a portfolio of events requiring multiple services coordination. Financial responsibilities include timely department event invoicing (currently 2x week) and providing business analysis reports to inform operational efficiencies and revenue projections. This position reports directly to the Associate Director for Event Services, with significant interfacing with the Director on departmental initiatives and projects.
Responsibilities*
Position Responsibilities (primary responsibilities and duties expected in this position totaling 100% allocation):
DATA AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT (30%)
- Lead department research and evaluation of new technologies for Conference & Event Services, lead implementation of new technologies and software replacement
- Oversee the maintenance and updating of data within scheduling software. In addition to standard and on-line reservations, this includes resource details, building hours, room and pricing configuration, holiday information and client data.
- Actively manage the planning, development, and implementation of internal operating systems and procedures to facilitate delivery of conference and event management services for student organizations, U-M internal campus, and external clients.
- Collaborates with technical and operational staff in the implementation of new systems and application upgrades; conducts tests.
- Provides training and support for Conference & Event Services technology tools.
- Develops system training materials, quick guides and operational documentation for computer systems.
- Authors Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Policies to guide the appropriate and effective use of technology.
- Lead unit wide projects and initiatives as assigned by Director
OPERATIONS/ EVENTS (25%)
- Respond to inquiries from prospective clients regarding the use of facilities and services; draft bid proposals, create reservations, send confirmations, and identify other relevant support sources for successful client events.
- Work closely with customers, catering and operations to ensure events are well executed with attention to detail and concern for needs of the customer using independent judgment to resolve issues.
- Lead site tours, site selections, sales meetings and various functions for potential clients.
- Actively assist in planning, development, and implementation of internal operating systems and procedures to facilitate delivery of event and conference management services.
- Assist conference staff in the facilitation of large scale conferences and events.
SUPERVISION AND TRAINING (20%)
- Directly supervise 2 FTE
- Directly supervise 12-15 student staff members
- Lead operations of 2 service desks, including hiring/training, and creation of standard operating procedures
- Create and lead a service culture among staff towards a department goal of exceeding client expectations.
- Create and lead database and systems training for department, providing database training to both CES and other Student Life staff
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND BUSINESS ANALYSIS (15%)
- Provide customer evaluations and manage compilation of results, as well as strategies for addressing areas in need of improvement.
- Project event and catering related revenue.
- Work with finance team to prepare final invoice in a timely manner.
- Maintain sales reports, including pacing reports.
- Ensure accurate and timely invoicing for events.
- Provide business analysis queries and reports as requested.
OTHER (10%)
- Perform event management duties as necessary.
- Assist in and perform other duties as assigned or as may be related to Conferences & Events.
- As a member of Conferences & Events and the Division of Student Life, serve on various committees and work teams as requested.
- Attend and participate in staff training and professional development opportunities.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 4 years of event management experience in a corporate hospitality or university environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum 2 years experience supervising professional and/or student staff.
- Working knowledge and proven experience with Microsoft Office Suite (to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
- Must be willing to travel, staff exhibits at trade shows, and meet with potential clients.
- Must be available and willing to work flexibly in an environment where extensive early morning, evening, and weekend hours are customary.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience in or strong familiarity with higher education.
- Experience in conference planning.
- Familiarity with event management and room diagramming software is desirable including EMS and Social Tables.
- Experience in project management.
- Experience leading training programs, including facilitation and creation of materials and resources.
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.
Additional Information
Position Responsibilities Criteria (leadership and behavioral qualities expected in this position):
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to problem solve and be adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate change effectively.
Financial/Budgetary Responsibility:
Assist with managing the budget for office and equipment purchases necessary for meetings and event services. Work with finance team to prepare final invoice in a timely manner.
Assist with event and catering revenue projections
Working Conditions:
Requires a flexible schedule to accommodate occasional early morning, evening and weekend events. In addition, this job may occasionally require more than 40 hours a week.
Physical Requirements:
Role is required to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, transport heavy objects occasionally.
Direct Reports:
2 Meetings/Special Event Managers.
Student Staff.
This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.
Selected candidates whose start date is 4/1/2026 or after, will not be eligible for the university FY26-27 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.
Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.
#studentlife
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.