Assistant Director of Special Events, University of Minnesota Law School

Assistant Director of Special Events, University of Minnesota Law School
P&A, CO Pro 3-Event Mgmt (8423EV)

About the Role

The Assistant Director of Special Events is a key member of the Alumni and External Engagement team, responsible for planning and executing public-facing events that elevate the Law School's profile and foster deep connections within the legal, academic, and broader civic communities. Reporting to the Executive Director of the Alumni and External Engagement team, this role focuses on high-visibility institutional programming and engages with key stakeholders within and outside of the law school, including senior leadership, faculty, the local and national bench and bar, and other key stakeholders.

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

This is a full-time, 100%, annually renewable, academic professional position with the majority of the work being in-person with some remote flexibility. The salary range for this role is $72,000 - $75,000.

Event Planning and Management (65%):

• Serve as the lead event strategist and manager for high-visibility events featuring distinguished legal speakers, topical forums, and scholarly discussions to increase alumni engagement, strengthen graduate networks, and elevate the Law School's public profile.
• Accountable for end-to-end planning and execution of Commencement and other large-scale, complex special events, overseeing all aspects from initial concept through day-of execution and post-event analysis. Establish timelines and processes, coordinate multiple stakeholders and planning committees, and recruit, assign, and supervise staff and student workers.
• Manage end-to-end planning, logistics, and execution for major Law School programs, including endowed lecture series, book talks, appointment lectures, academic conferences, and signature institutional events.
• Partner with the Executive Director of Alumni & External Relations, the Dean's Office, Communications, and other stakeholders to identify, invite, and host distinguished legal figures, visiting scholars, and keynote speakers.
• Oversee vendor lifecycle, relationships, and contract execution-from RFP evaluation and contract negotiations to schedule alignment, deliverable oversight, and invoice processing in alignment with University policies.
• Liaise with the Dean's Office, UMPD, and campus public safety to assess risks, coordinate protocol, and establish event security measures for high-profile guests.
• Develop, forecast, and reconcile complex event budgets, ensuring fiscal compliance and optimal resource allocation aligned with the Law School's budget and priorities.
• Establish and implement metrics and evaluation tools (surveys, registration data, engagement analytics) to measure event effectiveness, ROI, and drive continuous improvement.

Event Communications and Marketing (20%)

• Oversee event registration processes, registration portals, digital invitations, RSVP tracking, confirmation workflows, and attendee communications.
• Lead event communications and marketing-including email announcements, newsletters, reminders, surveys, event webpages, and social media content to maximize attendance and build engagement.
• Utilize University constituent relationship management databases (e.g., DMS/Salesforce) to track alumni event attendance, analyze engagement metrics, and inform future engagement strategies.
• Evaluate technical production needs in partnership with Communications and Law IT to coordinate AV services, photography, videography, live streaming, and virtual/hybrid event infrastructure.
• Facilitate pre-event and post-event content distribution - such as summary articles, session recordings, podcasts, and digital collateral-to extend the reach and impact of Law School programming.

Manage Law School Event Resources (10%)

• Oversee the Law School's internal and external master event calendars, including managing content, making updates, setting priorities, preventing scheduling conflicts, and proactively soliciting events to ensure high-impact programming and accuracy.
• Administer Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit applications and compliance requirements for eligible events.
• Manage the room reservation workflows, including the room reservation system; coordinate with support staff to manage external room reservations; develop communications/policies to respond to room reservation requests; liaise with the Office of Classroom Management; and enforce internal facility policies.
• Advise Law School departments and student organizations planning events, providing guidance, resources, setting goals, and logistical support as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain centralized event resources for Law School faculty, staff, and students, including processes, procedures, guidelines, and other planning materials.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Perform administrative tasks, committee services, and special project leadership in support of the Law School's Alumni & External Engagement team and strategic priorities.

• BA/BS degree plus at least 4 years of professional experience in large-scale event planning and management or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least 8 years
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate with multiple audiences
• Ability to display a professional and cooperative relationship with a diverse constituency of staff, faculty, students, University departments, the legal community, and outside groups.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a team.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines with multiple priorities and plan accordingly.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to effectively troubleshoot and problem-solve.
• Detail-oriented with excellent judgment and the ability to recognize sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

About the Alumni and External Engagement Team

The Alumni and External Engagement Team builds deep, purposeful relationships with alumni, stakeholders, and leaders in the legal community throughout the state, nation, and world. The team champions the Law School's mission through a coordinated focus on annual philanthropy, alumni engagement, and service. In partnership with colleagues across the University, the team enhances existing programs and develops new strategies that support Minnesota Law's core mission while extending the school's famously collegial sense of community to its more than 14,000 living graduates and enhancing the Law School's reputation in the bench and bar.

About the University of Minnesota Law School

One of the country's top public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve the complex social, economic, and business issues of our time. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from every part of the United States and numerous countries.

Pay Range: $72,000- $75,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.