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.

The Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan mobilizes the expertise and passion of faculty, students, partners, and decision-makers to work together and bring world-class research to real-world sustainability challenges. Our initiatives lead to positive outcomes that safeguard the planet's life support systems and enhance well-being for present and future generations. Aligned with U-M's commitment to research, education, and service, the Graham Sustainability Institute drives real-world impact in partnership with the university and external stakeholders by enhancing collaborative research, developing sustainability leaders, and informing policy and practice.

The Graham Sustainability Institute seeks an experienced, high-performing Events Manager to provide operational leadership for a broad range of events and stakeholder engagements. Serving as the Institute's lead for event planning and execution, this role manages in-person, hybrid, and virtual events in collaboration with faculty, staff, students, university leadership, donors, external partners, and community stakeholders. The Events Manager will ensure the delivery of high-quality, mission-aligned events that advance the Institute's strategic priorities and strengthen engagement with key audiences.

The Events Manager will design, plan, and execute events such as workshops, seminars, colloquia, lectures, conferences, donor events, advisory meetings, stakeholder convenings, and public-facing programs. Working closely with program leaders across the Graham Sustainability Institute and the Office of the Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action, this role will have broad responsibility for translating initial direction and objectives into detailed event proposals for sponsor review and feedback prior to implementation.

The Events Manager will oversee all phases of event planning and delivery, including project timelines, logistics, vendor coordination, registration, audiovisual and technology needs, speaker and guest support, budget tracking, on-site management, troubleshooting, and post-event review processes. This position is responsible for ensuring that events are executed professionally, efficiently, and in alignment with institutional priorities, grant and sponsor requirements, and University operational standards.

The position requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple complex events simultaneously in a fast-paced academic environment. Occasional evening and weekend work, as well as in-person event coverage, will be required.

• Manage event logistics, including venues, catering, audiovisual/IT needs, registration, accessibility accommodations, materials, signage, travel, lodging, day-of support, and post-event follow-up.
• Develop event timelines, run-of-show documents, staffing plans, guest itineraries, and communication plans.
• Serve as the primary logistics contact for speakers, guests, faculty organizers, vendors, and external partners.
• Work with the Graham Administrative team on coordinating travel, lodging, honoraria, reimbursements, and related documentation in accordance with university policies.
• Work with the Business manager to monitor event budgets, track expenses, coordinate vendor payments, and support financial reconciliation.
• Ensure compliance with University of Michigan procurement, hosting, reimbursement, sponsor, and operational policies.
• Support grant-funded programs, workshops, stakeholder meetings, and externally sponsored events in collaboration with program and project managers.
• Maintain event-planning templates, tracking tools, and documentation to support consistent, efficient operations.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, certification, and relevant professional experience. 
• 2+ years of significant experience planning, coordinating, and executing complex in-person, hybrid, and virtual events with multiple stakeholders, competing timelines, and high-visibility audiences. 
• Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate operational issues, exercise sound judgment, and respond effectively in fast-paced or time-sensitive situations. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated professionalism in working with faculty, leadership, donors, and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing budgets, tracking expenses, and coordinating operational logistics.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and virtual meeting/event platforms.

• Experience working in higher education, nonprofit, governmental, or mission-driven environments.
• Familiarity with University of Michigan systems, policies, procurement, hosting, and reimbursement practices.
• Experience coordinating hybrid and virtual events.
• Experience supporting donor, advisory, governmental, or public-facing events.

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.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position. Work schedules may vary based on operational needs and will include evenings and weekends.

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. 

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.