Development Events Specialist

General Purpose

The Development Events Specialist will play a crucial role in overseeing and executing high-profile events for both UM Health-Sparrow and UM Health-West Foundations. In this fast-paced, dynamic position, the manager will independently coordinate all aspects of event planning and execution, ensuring each event is delivered with precision and excellence. Responsibilities include managing logistics for signature events, such as handling proposals, registration, layout, decor, food arrangements, and vendor communication. The role also involves leading day-of-event execution, managing event briefs, and ensuring a seamless guest experience.

The Development Events Specialist will be responsible for event financials, including budget management, projections, invoice routing, and ensuring compliance with required licenses. This role will also collaborate closely with the foundation's communications role to develop event collateral, communications, narratives, and timelines.

Additionally, the Development Events Specialist will collaborate with the UM Health-West Foundation Events Specialist, aligning the planning and execution of donor/stewardship events, third-party events, and appreciation events across the UM Health Regional Network. The Development Events Specialist will monitor and assign event requests, ensuring that all events align with the foundation’s standards and objectives.

This role demands a proactive approach, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, all while maintaining the highest level of service and attention to detail.

Essential Duties

Event logistics for Foundation signature events – Coordinate event planning, details, and facilitation: 50%

• Proposals
• Registration
• Layout
• Decor
• Food
• Event briefs
• Rentals
• Auctions/raffles
• Volunteer & staff assignments
• Event support (set up, tear down, troubleshooting,etc)
• Guest experience
• Vendor communication
• Planning documents
• Day of event execution
• Day of event lead
• Manage event emails

Event financials: 10%

• Budgets & projections
• Reconciliation
• Invoice routing
• License applications & routing

Work collaboratively with foundation communications role: 10%

• Event collateral
• Event communications
• Event narrative
• Emails & RSVP
• Communication timelines

Other duties: 30%

• Oversee special events coordinator in planning and implementation of donor/stewardship events, third party events, and system appreciation events for both UM Health-West & UM Health-Sparrow
• Monitor and assign event request

Job Requirements

Work Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in large-scale event planning.
• Previous experience with fundraising events with non-profit organizations preferred

Education

• Degree in event management, communications, marketing, hospitality, or related field.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).
• Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail.
• Proven ability to use discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to work flexible hours with occasional weekend and evening work as necessary.
• Able to travel within UM Health Regional Network service area to support activities and events as assigned.
• Familiarity with University of Michigan and Michigan Medicine organizational structure preferred
• Experience with a CRM system or other relational databases such as Raisers Edge or VYSYS preferred

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.