UW-River Falls

Conference and Event Services Coordinator

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls, a member of the University of Wisconsin System, is located 30 miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul in scenic west central Wisconsin. Year around arts, cultural and recreational events are easily accessible. UWRF's 6,400 undergraduate and graduate students pursue degrees in four colleges: Arts and Sciences; Education and Professional Studies; Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Science; and Business and Economics. The University provides an excellent environment for learning, emphasizing the importance of faculty-student interaction in classrooms, laboratories, academic advising, and co-curricular activities. A favorable student-faculty ratio affords opportunity for meaningful interchange between faculty and students. Strong interests in teaching, research and community service are highly valued. Information about the campus is available at http://www.uwrf.edu/.

The Position:

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) invites applications for the position of Conference and Event Services Coordinator. This is a 12-month, full-time academic staff appointment. This position is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive university based conference and event services program for off-campus groups using university facilities and large on-campus events using the University Center.

Responsibilities:

Provide vision and leadership to the Conference and Event Services program
Plan, coordinate and schedule logistical details required to conduct conferences, seminars, events, training programs, and camps held on university property
Coordinate all necessary arrangements for programs including, but not limited to on-campus space reservations and arrangements for; dining services, registration, printed materials, transportation, audio visual, information technology, parking, housing, speaker and vendor arrangements
Manage workflow, documentation and records related to assigned programs, prepare correspondence, maintain ongoing contact with program organizers
Coordinate campus services with the appropriate service area provider with primary focus on Housing, University Center, Dining Services, and Campus Recreation
Develop and negotiate contracts in the best interest of the University
Prepare and monitor program budgets; prepare financial statements for each program, and make recommendations for expenditures
Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan for Conference and Event Services
Recruit potential clients via phone, email, bids, site visits, etc.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Hospitality, Event Management, Program Management, Marketing, Business Administration, Higher Education, or related field, with a minimum of 2 years as a graduate assistant and/or experience in event planning, scheduling, conference housing and college union. Marketing and promotions in a College or University environment may be considered an asset.

The Conference and Event Services Coordinator must possess knowledge of basic meeting and conference planning procedures, be proficient in written, oral and analytical interpersonal skills with adherence to a collaborative team approach; ability to deal patiently with people of all ages, from multiple disciplines, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds; and the ability to communicate effectively at all academic, management and social levels. This position requires strong organization and planning skills, follow-through, flexibility in dealing with frequent changes and the ability to solve problems in a calm and direct manner.

To Apply:

Submit a resume, letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience and a separate statement addressing your ability to contribute to the enhancement of student awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures. Include an unofficial transcript (official copies will be required if hired) and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who can specifically comment upon your experience, and professional preparation.

Kristie Feist, Chair
Conference & Event Coordinator Search & Screen Committee
Student Affairs
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
410 South 3rd Street
River Falls, WI 54022
kristie.feist@uwrf.edu

Electronically submitted applications are encouraged and can be sent to: kristie.feist@uwrf.edu . Please submit electronic applications as a single email attachment in PDF format.

The names of all nominees and applicants who have not requested confidentiality in writing, and identities of all finalists must be released upon request.

Please note: Background checks are conducted on all final candidates for all positions.

Deadline to Apply: Application review will begin on April 7, 2008 and will continue until the position is filled.

The University is committed to creating an educational community which enhances student awareness and appreciation of diverse ethnicities and cultures and which actively supports tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each person without regard to economic status, ethnic background, political views, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics or beliefs. Awareness of and sensitivity to diverse ethnic and cultural heritages are especially sought in applicants.

UW-River Falls is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer subject to all state and federal regulations pertaining to non-discrimination based upon sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, age, arrest and/or conviction record, veteran status and membership in the national guard, state defense force, or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or the State of Wisconsin. All persons, especially women, persons of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of your identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

For a copy of UW-River Falls campus safety information see http://www.uwrf.edu/public-safety/resources/crime_report.pdf or call Public Safety at (715) 425-3133 for a paper copy. This material includes crime statistics (Annual Security Report) and information on crime prevention, sexual assault and drug/alcohol issues.