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Facility Conference/Event Coordinator

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional Development
Employee wellness programs
discount programs

Job Description

Rehs Administrative Services, located in East Lansing, Michigan, is a renowned division of Michigan State University dedicated to providing exceptional residential and hospitality services. This full-time position, focused on supporting the university's conference, workshop, seminar, and event scheduling within residence halls and dining facilities, offers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse clientele and contribute to high-quality event coordination efforts. Michigan State University is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community, aligning with its Spartan Green initiative focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The role involves coordinating and scheduling various events such as conferences, workshops, meetings, and tours within university facilities including residence halls and Culinary Services dining rooms. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering exemplary customer service while building lasting relationships with internal and external stakeholders. These include university units, external partners, youth programs, and adult guests attending conferences. By managing contacts from prospective event planners and maintaining accounts, the role contributes directly to advancing Michigan State University's presence and reputation in the event and hospitality sector.

Duties include preparing detailed, clear agreements that formalize the commitments of both conference organizers and the university. Contract review, negotiation, and approval form a critical aspect of this role, ensuring events are executed smoothly and in accordance with institutional guidelines. The planner will assist customers in every aspect of event planning, from selecting dates, securing meeting spaces, arranging culinary services, organizing tours, to managing audiovisual needs and other facility logistics. Coordination with diverse service providers ensures that each event meets or exceeds customer expectations.

This position also involves proactive efforts in client recruitment and contract development to further promote the use of university facilities for a wide range of gatherings. Continuous collaboration with university departments and external organizations supports the optimization of services. The role emphasizes the importance of marketing support, including contribution to promotional materials that highlight conference and event space offerings.

Operationally, the role requires use of the Kinetics conference information system for accurate record-keeping and billing. Additionally, the planner will assist with student housing operations during non-contractual periods in line with university needs, including accommodations for visiting scholars, athletes, interns, and researchers. Upholding confidentiality standards related to payment information is paramount as employees handle sensitive data in compliance with Payment Card Industry Security Standards.

The candidate will be expected to demonstrate flexibility and dedication, especially in critical operational periods or university emergencies when normal schedules may be disrupted. Participation in professional development and staying abreast of industry trends through seminars and conferences is encouraged. The ideal applicant is also enthusiastic about fostering diversity and inclusion, embracing Michigan State University's values of equity and respect across all social identities.

Overall, this position at Rehs Administrative Services offers a rewarding professional experience within a supportive, mission-driven educational environment. The combination of administrative coordination, customer service excellence, and community engagement creates an impactful career path in university hospitality and residential services. The salary is commensurate with experience and reflects the value Michigan State University places on skilled and committed professionals.

Job Requirements

  • Knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in hotel, restaurant and institutional management or related field
  • Three to five years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in institutional housing or conference coordination
  • Ability to access and protect confidential payment card data in accordance with PCI Security Standards
  • Commitment to report to work during university closures or emergencies as part of critical status designation
  • Availability for full-time work Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm with occasional nights and weekends
  • Legal eligibility for employment
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations and teams.

Job Qualifications

  • Knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in hotel, restaurant and institutional management or related business field
  • Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in institutional housing or conference coordination
  • Experience with conference and event management in university settings
  • Ability to partner effectively with diverse units, service providers and external clients
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office programs including Word, PowerPoint and Excel
  • Proficient with Housing software and MSU EBS
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong customer service orientation
  • Ability to gather facts and make sound decisions
  • Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple responsibilities
  • Enthusiastic and team-oriented work ethic
  • Supportive of sustainability initiatives.

Job Duties

  • Coordinate and schedule conferences, workshops, meetings, tour bookings and seminars within university residence halls and dining facilities
  • Deliver exceptional service to a diverse group of internal and external customers with an emphasis on relationship building
  • Receive and manage contacts from individuals and groups interested in conference activities
  • Maintain accounts in designated market segments for conference facilities
  • Recruit new clients and develop internal and external relationships to promote event spaces
  • Prepare and review contracts, negotiate terms and approvals for events and meeting space bookings
  • Assist customers in detailed event planning including logistics, culinary service, external tours, and recreational arrangements
  • Reserve and arrange meeting spaces, coordinate facility preparation including decor, audio-visual equipment and telephone services
  • Communicate proactively with conference representatives to ensure maximum satisfaction
  • Ensure facilities and culinary services meet event requirements before and during events
  • Collaborate with university units, external groups and service partners to encourage facility use and optimize services
  • Participate in the development of marketing materials and service standards to enhance customer experience
  • Enter conference data into management systems to ensure accurate billing and record-keeping
  • Assist in student housing operations during non-contractual periods
  • Promote and support the Spartan Green sustainability initiative
  • Participate in resolving employee complaints and grievances
  • Engage actively in committee and partner meetings to represent University Conference Services
  • Attend professional development opportunities to remain current in the field.

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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