Development Events Coordinator

About the role

The Events Coordinator reports to the Events & Stewardship Manager and supports the Arboretum’s donor events and stewardship initiatives, including the annual Gala in the Gardens. As a member of a robust development team, this position will play a key role in planning and executing donor events, meeting fundraising goals, providing a high-quality guest experience, and promoting donor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the planning of the Gala in the Gardens annual signature fundraising event.
• Work with the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees and community volunteers in committee meetings to help plan all event elements.
• In collaboration with the Events & Stewardship Manager, assist in the organization of the Gala in the Gardens Planning Committee.
• Assist in the planning of donor stewardship and engagement events, including but not limited to:
• Annual Leon Snyder Heritage Society Luncheon, Giving Society Reception and Spotlight Series
• Groundbreaking and dedication events
• Apple and other stewardship initiatives
• Trustee and Trustees Emeriti engagement events
• Additional donor stewardship events as assigned
• For all events:
• Execute tasks based on established procedures and guidelines developed with the Events & Stewardship Manager and (as appropriate) the Gala in the Gardens Committee.
• Develop internal and external event summary reports.
• Work within defined budgets.
• Participate in program and administrative planning.
• Develop communication and marketing plans for assigned events while assisting with other event-related marketing and communication plans designed to engage internal and external audiences.
• Identify and propose new ideas to promote and expand donor events.
• Engage with external event vendors.
• Support the execution of the Gala in the Gardens annual signature fundraising event.
• Assist with the physical set-up of the event, including interacting with vendors on-site.
• Direct the work of event volunteers.
• Coordinate post-gala guest follow-up.
• Participate in the execution of other donor stewardship and engagement events, including but not limited to:
• Facility groundbreaking and dedication events
• Trustee and Trustees Emeriti engagement events
• Additional donor stewardship events as assigned
• For all events:
• Execute event-day tasks based on established procedures and guidelines developed in conjunction with the Events & Stewardship Manager and (as appropriate) the Gala in the Gardens Committee.
• Manage the timely submission of event-related invoices.
• Assist with post-event communications and donor follow-up.
• Gather, compare and analyze data from events to recommend future improvements to donor experience and operational efficiency.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor.
• Attend department, Advancement, and Arboretum meetings.
• Represent donor events and the Development department to internal and external partners.
• Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years in events, communication, or guest services fields.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstration of excellent interpersonal skills with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, organize work, and follow through independently.
• Strong data orientation and aptitude in managing data to achieve objectives.
• Strong attention to detail.

Skills

• Four years or more demonstrated experience in event planning and execution.
• Experience in event fundraising, including live and silent auctions.
• Familiarity with donor database systems.
• Previous experience in Salesforce or auction fundraising software.

Pay

Pay Range: $26.85 to $28.75 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Benefits

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.