Director of Special Events

Within the Office of the President, the Director of Special Events and Projects plays a lead role in managing a number of engaging, high-quality, high-profile events and meetings for UMOS, Inc. This individual will work independently and think creatively and strategically about how to organize and execute events that meet the President/CEO & Board’s objectives. The Director will also collaborate with team members on a variety of special projects in broad support of the Office of the President.

Director of Special Events Job Responsibilities:

1. Manage a complex suite of events and meetings from start to finish, including venue selection, catering arrangements, décor, music, purchasing, and other logistical needs. Events span in range including parades, galas, corporate meetings, and multi-day festivals.  Events are mostly held in and throughout Milwaukee, and on occasion, in locations outside of Wisconsin.
2. Develop and strengthen key relationships with internal and external partners by creating and executing best-in-class events and engagement opportunities.
3. Develop fund-raising goals and objectives according to financial needs of the agency and the event(s).
4. Develop detailed event budgets and manage, process, and track event expenses. Ensure event expenses are in line with budget and that vendors costs are consistent with estimates.  Report on event expenses and trends.
5. Assess the capabilities of vendors for all aspects of events and meetings, including evaluating expertise for a variety of functional needs, pricing, customer feedback, and responsiveness.
6. Contribute ideas and assist with executing on programmatic aspects of events, including working with senior leadership, staff, and others to achieve strategic engagement goals. Proactively coordinate and communicate with speakers and guests, as needed.
7. Prepare event briefings for senior leaders and staffing plans detailing the staffing assignments for each aspect of each event.
8. Support pre- and post-event needs, including communications, event registration, RSVP tracking, and related activities.
9. Perform venue selection visits to assess opportunities for locations and programming.
10. Manage VIP visits that achieve visit objectives and showcase UMOS’ impact on the community.
11. Write copy and direct the design of event invitations and related communications and collateral material.
12. Measure the effectiveness of events and communications by gathering and analyzing qualitative and quantitative feedback.
13. Develops and executes day-to-day event logistics, and other complex assignments with minimal guidance from others.
14. Perform other related work as needed.

Director of Special Events Job Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
2. At least 5 years’ work experience in a similar role.
3. Experience planning complex, high-quality, high visibility events required.
4. Strong knowledge of the Milwaukee-area events, catering, and venue industry.
5. Possesses exceptional written and verbal communication skills, is a collaborator who enjoys working both independently and on a team.
6. Communicate with maturity, tact, and courtesy towards Board, staff, visitors, and colleagues. Experience interacting with high-level constituents and volunteer leaders.
7. Strong organizational skills and keen attention to accuracy and detail.
8. Advanced time management and follow-up skills.
9. Ability to work independently to manage, prioritize, and accurately complete multiple tasks and projects, at times, simultaneously.
10. Maintain confidentiality, exercise judgment, and discretion.
11. Problem-solve, function effectively in a fast-paced office environment, and to produce quality work on tight deadlines.
12. This individual should have a keen eye for design and the ability to produce professional print pieces using various software and is able to direct the work of an outside graphic designer.
13. Advanced user of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe, and various web browsers.
14. Proficient with information technology, including databases, maintaining websites, using mobile devices, and preparing graphics and publications.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

Employment with UMOS is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background and driver’s license record check prior to employment.

UMOS is an equal opportunity Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.