A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Department Summary:
University Unions (UU) drives community building and belonging through the integration of its three student unions (Michigan Union, Michigan League, Pierpont Commons), Center for Campus Involvement, Campus Information, academic meeting and dining facility (Palmer Commons), and close partnership with Conference & Event Services and Michigan Dining to provide student-focused and customer-oriented service to the campus community. Total budget volume for University Unions approximated $20 million. University Unions directly employs over 50 regular staff and 250 student staff.
Position Summary:
As the Meetings and Special Events Assistant you will work within the UU Operations team and report to the Manager of Event Operations. You will help maintain operational excellence in all aspects of our guest services, event set up and audio-visual equipment. You will establish a positive working environment with our guests and resident departments and act as a liaison with other vendors or UM departments. Additionally, you will assist with the hiring and supervising of our student staff and help develop and work within the approved budget for temporary labor, small equipment and other purchases related to the audiovisual budget.
Position Responsibilities (primary responsibilities and duties expected in this position totaling 100% allocation):
Manager on Duty and Event Execution (50%)
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Provide building coverage as Manager on Duty, performing hourly rounds of the building(s), facility security and safety, and communication with key stakeholders.
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Deliver, set up, test, operate audiovisual equipment; furnishings for meetings and events.
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Meet clients to ensure event needs and expectations are met and Facility-Use policies are maintained.
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Assist with maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all facility guests. Facilitate emergency procedures in the event of an emergency.
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Address immediate concerns that are maintenance and/or custodial in nature.
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Respond to activism by addressing disruptions and/or protests. Coordinate assistance from DPSS, Student Life
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Activism Response Team, Center for Campus Involvement, and/or others as necessary.
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Participate in required training sessions for emergency planning, de-escalation, activism, and potentially controversial event management.
Audio Visual and Digital Media Oversight (10%)
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Inventory, service and maintain current audio visual equipment and furnishings.
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Provide recommendations for audio equipment and technology to better serve our guests based on new trends in the
AV and Digital Media industry.
Student Employee Supervision and Development (30%)
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Hire, train, schedule and provide direct supervision for student staff
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Assist with student recognition and development opportunities
Other (10%)
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Participate in Student Life/ University Unions teams
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Other tasks as assigned
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Experience working in building management, hospitality or in a conference facility
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Knowledge of how to use and troubleshoot audiovisual equipment or information technology (sound systems, microphones, data projectors, video conferencing, computers)
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Proven customer service experience
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Previous management experience
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Familiarity with higher education organization procedures
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Experience with Google applications
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Experience with Crestron or similar AV systems
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Position Responsibilities Criteria (leadership and behavioral qualities expected in this position):
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Ability to navigate change, lead a team and work together with multiple departments while delivering excellent customer service.
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A commitment to diversity and an understanding of cultural, ethnic and individual differences.
Financial/Budgetary Responsibility:
Responsible for assisting in developing and working within the approved budget for temporary labor, small equipment and other purchases related to the AV budget.
Working Conditions:
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Work schedule is based on events, staffing and departmental needs.& will include nights and weekend shifts
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Shift premium compensation
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Ability and willingness to work outside of core hours as needed
Physical Requirements:
Move/transfer objects weighing up to 50 lbs. with assistance (using a cart, etc.)/up to 30 lbs. without assistance.
Direct Reports:
Responsible for supervising approximately 15 of the UU Operations student team.
This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.
Selected candidates whose start date is 4/1/2026 or after, will not be eligible for the university FY26-27 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.
Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.
Relocation will not be offered for this role.
#studentlife
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
