Community Engagement and Projects Coordinator

Plymouth, MN, USA|Remote, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work schedule

Employee wellness programs

Job Description

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is one of the largest public research universities in the United States, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Located in the vibrant metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, UMTC offers a rich educational environment supported by extensive partnerships with leading health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. As a distinguished institution, the university emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and the fostering of a respectful and collaborative academic culture. Recognized repeatedly by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture, Best Employer for Women, and Best Employer by State, UMTC is committed to providing a supportive workplace that encourages personal and professional growth. The university's administrative offices offer a modern, hybrid working environment, blending in-office and remote workdays to accommodate flexible business needs.

The Projects and Engagement Manager role is a pivotal position within the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost (EVPP), responsible for driving forward the academic mission through managing high-impact projects and engagement initiatives. This full-time position plays a central role in coordinating complex, cross-functional projects and leading signature events that elevate the EVPP’s visibility and institutional impact. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, the manager operates as a key operations partner, ensuring thorough planning, execution, and ongoing evaluation of priority programs and events. The role demands a blend of project management expertise, strategic engagement, and operational excellence to successfully navigate the complexities of a fast-paced, dynamic academic environment.

This position requires the management of project lifecycles from initial scoping to delivery and closeout, involving diverse stakeholders and cross-institutional teams. The Projects and Engagement Manager also spearheads the design and implementation of comprehensive engagement and event strategies aligned with institutional priorities. Responsibilities include leading high-profile events such as academic forums, leadership convenings, and ceremonial functions, while also fostering an inclusive community culture within the EVPP office. The candidate must be adept at liaising with senior leadership, coordinating multiple initiatives simultaneously, and maintaining meticulous organizational and communication standards.

Candidates should expect to work both independently and collaboratively, employing sound judgment and discretion while handling confidential information. This role occasionally requires extended hours and physical activity related to event setup and operations. The position operates under a hybrid work model, currently requiring on-site presence Monday through Thursday, with remote work on Fridays, adaptable based on organizational requirements.

With competitive compensation reflective of the expertise required and the significance of the role, the university offers an enriching career opportunity for professionals passionate about project management, academic engagement, and community-building within a leading educational institution. The Projects and Engagement Manager will find themselves at the heart of impactful initiatives that enhance the university’s mission, reputation, and culture, supported by an inclusive, forward-thinking work environment that values diversity, innovation, and excellence.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, non-profit management, hospitality management, or related field
Minimum of six years of relevant progressive experience in project coordination, event planning, or community engagement
Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional projects and high-profile events
Ability to coordinate projects across multiple stakeholders and functions
Experience supporting senior leadership in a complex organization
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
High proficiency with project management and tracking tools
Ability to work longer hours and engage in physical activities related to events on event days
Flexibility to support events and initiatives outside standard business hours
Commitment to fostering inclusive and respectful engagement
Professionalism and experience handling confidential information
Ability to work in a hybrid environment subject to leadership discretion

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, non-profit management, hospitality management, or related field
A minimum of six (6) years of relevant progressive experience in project coordination, event planning, community engagement, academic or administrative administration, or related fields
Demonstrated success leading, managing and coordinating complex, cross-functional projects and high-profile events and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Ability to coordinate projects across multiple stakeholders and functions
Experience working with or supporting senior leadership in a complex organization
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a high-performing team environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive-level materials
Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
High proficiency with technology, specifically project management and tracking tools
Preferred experience in higher education, nonprofit or similarly complex institutional environments
Project management and/or event management certification
Experience advancing community engagement, belonging, or organizational culture initiatives
Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into execution and measurable outcomes
Experience coordinating high-visibility events or programs
Adaptability and composure in high-pressure settings
Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in a dynamic setting
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective working relationships
Advanced knowledge of Google Suite
Adept in use of CoPilot/Gemini or other administrative tools for work optimization
Experience managing budgets, vendors, and contracts
Experience with program evaluation (data-driven analysis for decision making)

Job Duties

Manage and coordinate full project lifecycles, including scope definition, planning, implementation, communicating, monitoring, and closeout for committees, task forces, senior level searches, etc
Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables across multiple initiatives (in person, hybrid, and virtual)
Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project and initiative outcomes
Conduct research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement to inform project planning and decision-making
Build and sustain strong relationships with internal and external partners
Serve as a key liaison across the EVPP and broader institution, ensuring effective communication and coordination of EVPP events
Represent the EVPP in initiatives related to engagement, belonging, and institutional culture
Foster collaborative partnerships that advance strategic priorities and enhance community impact
Prepare draft briefings, status reports, and recommendations to inform decision-making
Maintain accurate and accessible project documentation and records
Provide timely, routine, executive-level project summaries to EVPP leadership
Develop and implement a comprehensive engagement and events strategy aligned with EVPP priorities and goals
Lead the planning and execution of high-profile events, including academic forums, leadership convenings, receptions, recognition programs, accreditation-related activities, and ceremonial events
Advise senior leadership on event strategy, audience engagement, and program design
Design, develop, and implement community engagement initiatives within the Office of the EVPP that strengthen belonging, collaboration, and institutional impact
Cultivate strong partnerships and cross-functional relationships to deliver impactful, engaging events and support mission-aligned initiatives
Convene and facilitate internal and external stakeholder groups to support initiative and event development and delivery
Oversee all event logistics, including budgeting, vendor coordination, communications, event attendee management, catering, production needs, facilities coordination, and participant experience
Provide on-site coordination and support event operations for all events by assisting with setup and breakdown activities, handling materials and supplies, coordinating logistics, and addressing last-minute event needs or issues
Develop event materials such as agendas, briefing documents, and run-of-show plans
Ensure events and engagement efforts reinforce institutional reputation and academic excellence
Establish, collect and evaluate engagement metrics, using data to inform continuous improvement
Engage in program/event evaluation using surveys and/or other evaluation tools, and then analyzing results to inform consistent growth and development of high-profile events, improve attendee experience, and improve operational efficiencies
Provide executive and operational administrative support to the Chief of Staff
Contribute to continuous improvement of office operations, processes, and administrative systems
Establish and refine systems, tools, and workflows to support consistent and efficient project and event delivery
Support procurement, expense processing and tracking, and compliance with university policies and procedures
Coordinate procurement, contracts, and invoice processing
Coordinate meetings, agendas, and documentation, ensuring clear tracking of decisions and action items
Maintain organized records, files, and administrative systems
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary to support the mission and administrative operations of the Executive Vice President and Provost