Description

About the Job
This position is in-person and must be able to work nights, weekends, and some holidays. 

The Director for Event Management is charged with the planning and execution of all Gopher athletic events, NCAA and conference championship events, external outside rental events and major shows/sporting events. Collaborate with Twin Cities’ professional sport venues and Sports Commission to host NCAA and Conference championship events.  Events hosted on campus include the World Juniors Hockey Championship and the upcoming Special Olympics National Games.  Future NCAA Championship events hosted by the University of Minnesota include the 2027 Men’s Basketball 1st/2nd Round at Target Center, 2028 Wrestling NCAA Championship at US Bank Stadium, with potential to host Women’s NCAA Basketball 1st/2nd Rounds at Williams Arena each year.  Assist in advancing the department's mission, vision, and strategic plan. The position serves as a liaison to campus support units working events.  Candidates will work in a collaborative team environment where accuracy, accountability, empathy, inclusion and innovation are valued. 

Detailed duties for this position include:
40%-Direct the day-to-day operations of the event management unit.  Identify unit goals and initiatives.  Provide oversight for unit budget preparation and reconciliation, develop and refine event management manuals, assign staff, assist with athletic event schedules and establish game-day protocols to ensure compliance with department, University, Big Ten and NCAA rules and regulations.  

20%-Direct management of two full-time event staff while assisting with coaching/guidance of one intern. Management includes goal setting, providing ongoing coaching and feedback and performance reviews. Additionally, provide overall guidance of ~100 part-time event staff with focus on customer service and consistency of performance to provide a unique fan experience.  Contribute to budget tracking of individual event operations budgets.

15%-Serve as on-site event manager for Football and other Gopher sports with duties including, but not limited to event logistics, team arrivals/movements, game officials, equipment set-up, event staff and crowd control and life safety plan oversight.   Coordinate with other members of the Athletics department, campus community and local agencies that may be involved with the successful operation of the event including post-event review and evaluation.  Ensure excellent customer service for fans and guests.  

15%-Provide oversight of all NCAA and Big Ten Conference championship events.  Work with administration to identify and complete bids for NCAA events.  Serve as the tournament director for select NCAA and conference championship events including developing bid proposals and budgets, directing planning and logistics for championship operation, providing on-site management of the championship, tournament manager oversight and as a liaison with NCAA and conference staff.  Assist with Championship budget development and close out.

10%-Assist in the recruitment of revenue generating events.  Execute initiatives and special projects as directed.

Requirements

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management or related field.
Minimum of six years’ experience in sports/event management.  
Demonstrated ability to work with many different departments and outside parties in creating comprehensive and cohesive event experience. 
Ability to make high level, independent decisions in high pressure situations.
Ability to give direction to Athletic Department Senior Leadership.
Knowledge of facility operations, public safety, client services, and sales and marketing philosophies and procedures.
Must be able to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively
Ability to communicate professionally with administrators, coaches, staff, visiting teams, patrons, and external constituents.
Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
Demonstrated experience and/or commitment to working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, in support of an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Must be able to work nights, weekends, and some holidays.

Preferred Qualifications 

Master’s degree in Sports Management or related field.
Experience working with and leading NCAA and conference championship events.
3 years of full-time job experience with NCAA and/or professional leagues.