Director of Event Operations / Athletics
University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
Job Description
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 the 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, the 2028 Wrestling NCAA Championship at US Bank Stadium, and 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 on 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 liaising 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.
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.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range:
$73,000 - $78,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Appointment Time:
100% appointment
Position Type:
Faculty and P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
Employee well‑being program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How to Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.
Required application materials:
Resume
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and social media check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
This position is not eligible for H‑1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
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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 the 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, the 2028 Wrestling NCAA Championship at US Bank Stadium, and 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 on 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 liaising 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.
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.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range:
$73,000 - $78,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Appointment Time:
100% appointment
Position Type:
Faculty and P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
Employee well‑being program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How to Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.
Required application materials:
Resume
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and social media check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
This position is not eligible for H‑1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
#J-18808-Ljbffr