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:

University Unions (UU) drives community building and belonging through the integration of its three student unions (Michigan Union, Michigan League, Pierpont Commons), Center for Campus Involvement, Campus Information, academic meeting and dining facility (Palmer Commons), and close partnership with Conference & Event Services and Michigan Dining to provide student-focused and customer-oriented service to the campus community. Total budget volume for University Unions approximated $20 million. University Unions directly employs over 50 regular staff and 250 student staff.

Position Summary:

As the Meetings and Special Events Assistant you will work within the UU Operations team and report to the Manager of Event Operations. You will help maintain operational excellence in all aspects of our guest services, event set up and audio-visual equipment. You will establish a positive working environment with our guests and resident departments and act as a liaison with other vendors or UM departments. Additionally, you will assist with the hiring and supervising of our student staff and help develop and work within the approved budget for temporary labor, small equipment and other purchases related to the audiovisual budget.

Responsibilities*

Manager on Duty and Event Execution (50%)

• Provide building coverage as Manager on Duty, performing hourly rounds of the building(s), emergency management, facility security and safety, and communication with key stakeholders.
• Deliver, set up, test, operate audiovisual equipment & furnishings for meetings and events.
• Meet clients to ensure event needs and expectations are met.
• Assist with maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all facility guests.  Address immediate concerns that are maintenance and/or custodial in nature.
• Respond to activism by addressing disruptions and/or protests.  Coordinate assistance from DPSS, Student Life Activism Response Team, Center for Campus Involvement, and/or others as necessary.
• Participate in required training sessions for emergency planning, de-escalation, activism, and potentially controversial event management.

Audio Visual and Digital Media Oversight (10%)

• Inventory, service and maintain current audio visual equipment and furnishings.
• Provide recommendations for audio equipment and technology to better serve our guests based on new trends in the AV and Digital Media industry.

Student Employee Supervision and Development (30%)

• Hire, train, and schedule student staff
• Help with student recognition and development opportunities

Other (10%)

• Participate in Student Life/ University Unions teams
• Other tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• 1-2+ years' experience working in a guest service-oriented industry.
• Flexibility in working hours including evening and weekends as needed
• Demonstrate an ability to multi-task and demonstrate aptitude in decision-making and problem solving
• Computer competency including Google Suite Applications

Desired Qualifications*

• Previous supervisory experience
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of how to use and troubleshoot audiovisual equipment (sound systems, microphones, data projectors, video conferencing, computers, Crestron)

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):

• Ability to navigate change, lead a team and work together with multiple departments while delivering excellent customer service.
• You have a commitment to diversity and an understanding of cultural, ethnic and individual differences.

Financial/Budgetary Responsibility:

• Responsible for assisting in developing and working within the approved budget for temporary labor, small equipment and other purchases related to the AV budget.

Working Conditions:

• Work schedule is based on events, staffing and departmental needs & will include nights and weekend shifts
• Shift premium compensation

Physical Requirements:

• Move/transfer objects weighing up to 50 lbs. with assistance (using a cart, etc.)/up to 30 lbs. without assistance.

Direct Reports:

• Responsible for supervising the UU Operations student teams.

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.  

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.