Meeting/Special Events Planner

Ann Arbor, MI, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $47,500.00 - $56,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

generous time off

Retirement Plan

Health Insurance

Life insurance

long-term disability coverage

flexible spending accounts

Job Description

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan is a renowned institution specializing in social science research, supporting a diverse range of disciplinary perspectives and methodologies. ISR is part of the university's commitment to excellence in research and aims to foster a community of respect, collaboration, and diversity. A key division within ISR is the Survey Research Center (SRC), focusing on the design and execution of surveys to support broad investigative initiatives. The Survey Research Operations (SRO) unit, a segment of SRC, is responsible for national and decentralized data collection activities, encompassing complex logistics and event coordination for training and meetings essential to the research projects' success.

The University of Michigan's ISR is currently seeking a dedicated Meeting/Special Events Planner to join the Data Collection Operations unit within SRO. This full-time, regular position based on the Ann Arbor campus offers a salary range from $47,500 to $56,000, catering to candidates with varying degrees of experience and expertise. The role is essential to managing the logistics of training sessions, meetings, and special events that are crucial for coordinating the Institute's extensive data collection efforts. The Meeting/Special Events Planner will operate under the supervision of the Meeting and Special Events Manager, executing responsibilities that cover scheduling, communications, budgeting, vendor negotiation, and onsite event support.

This position demands a professional who is well-organized, meticulous, and able to thrive in dynamic settings requiring adaptability, as evening and weekend work is occasionally necessary. Furthermore, travel is involved, both locally and overnight, to various event and meeting sites. The candidate must be capable of managing physical demands, including transporting equipment up to 50 pounds and staffing event check-in desks during full shifts. The role offers an opportunity to contribute to impactful social research through effective event planning and operational support, while working in one of the nation’s leading public research universities.

Joining the University of Michigan also means access to an extensive benefits package including generous time off, retirement plans with two-for-one matching contributions, diverse health insurance options, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and flexible spending accounts. The University of Michigan fosters an inclusive workplace where equal employment opportunities are promoted, making it an excellent environment for growth and contribution in research-focused event planning.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
minimum of two years’ experience planning and executing meetings and events
proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace
flexible schedule with availability for early mornings, evenings, weekends
ability to travel locally and overnight
physical ability to carry equipment up to 50 pounds
capability to work independently and demonstrate initiative
strong communication skills and ability to maintain confidentiality
willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
ability to work onsite at Ann Arbor campus

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
minimum of two years’ experience in meeting and event planning
proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace tools
ability to work flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
ability to travel and work at various event locations
capability to travel overnight when needed
physical ability to transport equipment up to 50 pounds and manage event duties
strong initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision
excellent written, verbal, and organizational communication skills
ability to maintain confidentiality

Job Duties

Prepare agendas and materials for meetings
draft correspondence and training materials with attention to detail
conduct training material inventory and manage meeting equipment and promotional items
arrange and schedule services and venue logistics with vendors and internal departments
maintain confidential files, records, and communications
schedule and attend appointments and meetings
communicate with event participants and vendors and manage logistics letters and proposals
assure timely set up of audiovisual and site coordination elements
create and monitor event budgets, contracts, and expenses
plan and negotiate training and meeting expenses
coordinate travel arrangements for staff
functionally supervise 3 to 5 temporary staff members involved in planning and execution
perform other duties as assigned