Signature Events and Exhibits Specialist

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum delights and inspires hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Signature Events and Exhibits Specialist plays a critical role working with the Manager of Signature Events & Exhibits as well as the Arboretum Facilities Rental and Visitor Services Team to assure development and delivery of world class, dynamic special events and related projects throughout the year for our Arboretum members and the general public. The Signature Events and Exhibits Specialist is part of the Facilities Rental and Visitor Services team.

Typical work week would be Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, in person. This position requires some evening and weekend hours, in which hours may be flexed to fall within the 40 per week. Consecutive Sunday work is not required.

This position is represented by the AFCME Unit 6 - Clerical Union; bargaining unit consideration begins on July 31, 2025 and ends on August 6, 2025.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Arboretum Events Planning and Delivery - 90%

• Work with teams from across the Arboretum to envision, develop, propose and deliver seasonal events that engage, delight and inspire increasing numbers of visitors from multiple target audiences.
• Event project management from proposal to delivery - including weekends and evenings
• Delivering events on time, within budget, that meet or exceed expectations.
• Being responsible for assigned project budgets from start to finish - including meeting revenue targets.
• Sourcing, negotiating and managing exhibit and supplier relationships
• Be on site for events to pre-check event details, run through pre-event checklist with teams and assure quality delivery.
• Meet and exceed event revenue targets.
• Managing operational and administrative functions to ensure specific projects are delivered efficiently

Team Facilities Rental and Visitor Services Support - 10%

• Provide leadership to cross-functional work groups.
• As a member of the Guest Services and Commercial Operations team, participate in cross-functional projects for weddings, corporate meetings, private party or visitor service departments.
• Be on-site to pre-check and quality assure each event, meet & greet clients.
• Providing project management, direction cross-functionally
• Ensuring excellent customer service and quality delivery
• Setting, communicating and maintaining cross Arboretum timelines and priorities on every project

Required Qualifications

• High school diplomas/GED and five years operations and/or student support experience
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills
• Very strong organizational, budget and project management skills
• Experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel
• Track record of success planning and delivering successful events
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals with diverse identities and underrepresented communities
• Successful completion of a background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Experience planning and assist with executing major fundraising events
• Experience with event planning software, including Mazevo and Meeting Matrix
• Experience and/or familiarity with public gardens, museums, or like organizations
• Familiarity and established relationships within the event planning/hospitality industry Successful completion of a background check

Pay Range: $24.07 - $25.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff - AFSCME Unit 6 - Clerical

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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a 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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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).