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Student Engagement & Events Coordinator, Mike Ilitch School of Business

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $19.75 - $28.50
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Tuition Assistance
Employee wellness programs
Professional development opportunities

Job Description

Wayne State University, located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, is a premier public urban research university renowned for providing a rich, high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. As an institution, Wayne State is deeply committed to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering exceptional educational opportunities that prepare students for success in a global society. The university prides itself on its comprehensive approach to education that combines rigorous academics with vibrant campus life and community engagement, making it a leading choice for students seeking a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

The Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University is currently seeking a Student Engagement & Events Coordinator to join its team at the Detroit campus. This full-time, regular staff position plays a vital role in enhancing student and alumni experiences by supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of a wide range of events and programs. The coordinator will work closely with the Associate Director of Events and Operations to ensure that events not only run smoothly but also align with the school’s mission to drive student success, foster alumni engagement, increase enrollment, and bolster the school's visibility.

The role involves multiple facets of event management including logistical preparation, volunteer coordination, vendor relations, and budget oversight. The successful candidate will assist in the planning of various events such as meetings, signature initiatives, and programs that are essential to the school's outreach efforts. Duties also include coordinating participant registrations, speaker support, catering arrangements, and technical setup. On the operational side, the coordinator supports daily event setups, serves as the primary contact for live events, and works to maintain the high standards expected for student and guest experiences.

Beyond event coordination, the position encompasses administrative responsibilities including maintaining event documentation, calendars, and reports to facilitate clear communication and efficient planning within the team. The coordinator will collaborate to update standard operating procedures, support student organizations with their event needs, and participate in team meetings and training. Additionally, oversight of the event space facilities falls under this role with responsibilities such as monitoring cleanliness, managing storage, understanding audiovisual technologies, and providing backup support for building operations.

Candidates for this role should have a bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with prior involvement in event planning, student engagement, operations, facilities management, or hospitality. Essential skills include strong organization, communication, customer service orientation, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The position requires some physical activity such as lifting and moving furniture or equipment and offers a hybrid work schedule with a mix of on-site and remote days, flexible hours to accommodate event times, and occasional availability requirements during holidays.

The compensation for this role ranges from $46,824 to $56,183 annually, reflecting the university’s commitment to attracting dedicated professionals who contribute to the vibrant campus community. This position offers a unique opportunity to be directly involved in the student and alumni life of a reputable business school while contributing to the operational excellence of one of Detroit’s most respected educational institutions.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Prior experience in event planning, student engagement, operations, facilities management, or hospitality
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Customer-service-oriented attitude
  • Dependability and proactivity
  • Basic knowledge of audiovisual systems
  • Physical ability to lift and move equipment safely

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
  • Prior experience in event planning, student engagement, operations, facilities management, or hospitality
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Customer-service-oriented
  • Dependable and proactive
  • Basic understanding of audiovisual systems
  • Willingness to learn venue-specific technology
  • Ability to safely lift and move furniture or equipment

Job Duties

  • Assist in the planning, organization, and coordination of events including meetings, programs, and signature initiatives
  • Meet with planning committees and stakeholders to define event scope, goals, desired outcomes, and facility preparations
  • Coordinate volunteers and staff assignments to ensure seamless event execution
  • Establish and monitor work plans and budget proposals
  • Secure vendors and coordinate payment processing
  • Oversee the development of printing and promotional materials
  • Coordinate participant registrations, speaker support, catering, and custodial needs
  • Serve as a liaison to venue and event service providers
  • Manage project scope and changes
  • Identify potential risks and develop contingency plans
  • Prepare event briefings and run-of-show documents
  • Conduct post-event debriefings to identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement
  • Assist with daily event setups including room access, furniture, technical equipment, and materials
  • Provide onsite coordination and event management serving as primary point of contact during live events
  • Support internal and external group events with a focus on professionalism, timing, and guest satisfaction
  • Assist in maintaining event and operations documentation, calendars, and reports
  • Collaborate with the Director to maintain and update Standard Operating Procedure manual and event checklists
  • Support student organizations in scheduling and planning meetings and events
  • Attend staff meetings, brainstorming sessions, and training activities
  • Assist with mentorship and supervision of student assistants and volunteers
  • Monitor cleanliness and appearance of public, meeting, and event spaces
  • Perform light cleaning and report issues to the Director
  • Organize and maintain orderly storage areas
  • Ensure timely removal or repair of damaged furnishings
  • Understand and assist with basic sound and video procedures
  • Provide backup support to the Director for building operations including managing work order requests, responding to emergencies, and supporting event space reservations

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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