Public Events & Exhibits Manager

Job Description

The Public Events & Exhibits Manager reports to the Managing Director of Events & Exhibits and leads the operational planning, execution, and evaluation of assigned public events and exhibits. This role implements the Managing Director’s strategic direction at the operational level and ensures high-quality, mission-aligned experiences for visitors, members, and partners.

The role manages timelines, logistics, vendors, event-level budget, and stakeholder communications, driving operational excellence, documentation, and continuous improvement across the portfolio. In execution of these responsibilities the Public Events & Exhibits Manager works across departments and content experts throughout the organization to assist in translating strategic event goals into actionable project plans and delivering cross-functionally aligned events.

The position is a fully hands-on role in execution of events, leading and working along-side a team of full-time, part-time, and temporary employees, and ensuring appropriate personnel training, development, and performance feedback. The Public Events & Exhibits Manager exercises independent judgement in day-to-day event operations and escalates strategic, financial, or reputational risks to the Managing Director as appropriate. Flexibility to work evening, weekends, and non-traditional hours is required to support event delivery and peak seasonal demands.

The position fosters a workplace environment where all staff are committed to respect and safety, open communication, excellent internal and external customer service, and teamwork. The successful candidate is expected to play a role on Arboretum-wide committees and work collaboratively with coworkers to advance the organization. The role contributes to creating inclusive, accessible and welcoming experiences for diverse audiences.

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

About Us

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

Duties & Responsibilities

Job Duties & Responsibilities

(40%) Project planning and coordination

Assist in public event envisioning a world-class event portfolio that elevates the Arboretum’s mission, inspires diverse audiences, and cultivates meaningful connection.
Support the development of project plans for assigned public events and exhibits, translating strategic direction into goals, objectives, deliverables, and resource plans, including sequencing of work and identification of operational dependencies.
Identify roles and responsibilities and coordinate across departments to ensure alignment of event resources with goals and objectives.
Coordinate across functions to support successful implementation and execution of assigned events, including making day-to-day operational decisions to ensure timely and effective delivery.
Partner with the marketing and communications team to support development and execution of promotional materials and messaging.
Manage event-level budgets, vendor and rental contracts, and external partnerships to ensure financial accountability and cost‑effective operations (over $1 mil in earned revenue annually).
(30%) Event logistics and delivery

Coordinate event operations including venue scheduling and setup, vendor contracts, permits, event schedules, facility, safety and security support.
Maintain shared documentation through project management tools and other central supporting resources for collaboration.
Supervise, coach, and provide performance feedback to event staff, including full-time, part-time, and temporary employees and volunteers.
Foster a work culture that values significant volunteer engagement to increase capacity of staff to deliver public events
Lead on‑site execution and run‑of‑event management, making real-time operational decisions and escalating complex issues as needed.
Ensure events reflect organizational values and deliver a high‑quality participant experience.
Support compliance with safety, accessibility, and risk management protocols across all phases of event planning, preparation, and execution.
Capture knowledge in standard operation procedures, playbook templates, and post event reports to reduce single point dependencies and improve future delivery.
(20%) Partner and stakeholder coordination

Manage committed sponsor deliverables and ensure all contractual obligations are fulfilled.
Facilitate internal and external event planning communication with community partners, staff, volunteers, and vendors.
Serve as a point of contact for external event stakeholders, ensuring professionalism and responsiveness.
Maintain positive working relationships with vendors, partners, and community organizations to support successful event delivery.
(10%) Measurement, reporting and continuous improvement

Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPI) such as attendance, survey metric scores, cost per attendee, and event Return on Investment (ROI).
Track event budget performance and reconcile expenses.
Coordinate post‑event evaluations, documenting lessons learned and updating playbooks.
Provide performance insights and recommendations to the Managing Director to streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and inform future planning and portfolio-level improvements.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

BA/BS in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration,

Communications, Public Relations, or a related field, and at least six years of experience.

Demonstrated experience planning and executing events, including managing budgets, vendor relationships, and multiple concurrent projects in fast‑paced environments.
Strong organizational, time‑management, and problem solving skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and maintain composure under pressure.
Exceptional interpersonal, customer service and communication skills (written and verbal), experience supervising, mentoring, or coordinating staff and/or volunteers in a professional setting.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and non-traditional schedules as required by event operations
Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency with project management tools (Asana, Smartsheet, Trello), CRM/event platforms, and collaborative suites (Google Workspace, Slack).
Experience and/or familiarity with public gardens, museums, or like cultural institutions
Familiarity and established relationships within the event planning/hospitality industry
Experience supporting inclusive, accessible, and community-engaged programming.

Additional Information

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $78,000 – $85,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: 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.

Diversity
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

Employment Requirements
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.

Application Instructions

How To Apply

Apply online at: Careers

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.

Please include a resume and cover letter for a complete application.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.