How to Apply
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.
Job Summary
Department Summary
Palmer Commons serves the University of Michigan community by providing conference & event space, services and departmental office space as provisioned by the Office of the Provost, managed in accordance with University Unions guidelines. The person in this position will report directly to the General Manager and works closely with the Events Manager and Facilities Assistant. The AV & Event Coordinator works
with university departments, student organizations and external clients to help present high-quality, professional events and meetings within Palmer
Commons' conference room and event spaces. The person in this role will supervise and manage 15-20 student employees who work in the
evenings and weekends. Because we are committed to diversity, we aspire to develop the individual and collective skills to recognize, celebrate and
deploy difference as a path to engagement, innovation and new ideas.
To learn more about Palmer Commons visit https://palmercommons.umich.edu/
Job Summary
- Oversees and delivers the operational activities of Palmer Commons Conference Services Department, including the use of facilities, equipment, material and services. Establishes and maintains a positive working environment with all conference guests utilizing Palmer Commons, resident departments housed within Palmer Commons and acts as liaison with other UM departments and guests. As Manager on Duty, act cross-functionally to insure the quality of all services to guests and departments including supervising and directing catering activities, audio visual or facilities staff as necessary.
- Responsible for developing and working within an approved budget for temporary labor, small equipment and other purchases related to the Conference Services Department.
- Reconciles temporary payroll and purchases for approved budget with General Manager.
Responsibilities*
Manager on Duty and Event Execution (30%)
- Deliver, set up, test, operate AV and digital media equipment for meetings and events
- Ensure set up of meeting, conference, and banquet furnishings and audiovisual equipment to accomplish guest satisfaction
- Meet and greet guests and assist with management of their events as needed
- Coordinate the set-up of rooms with student staff
- Coordinate room temperatures to ensure comfortable room temps for guests
- Provide building coverage while Manager on Duty
- Maintain a safe, secure environment for all facility users and address immediate maintenance and custodial concerns
- Act as liaison with UM Plant Operations Maintenance Services and Building Services (custodial)
- Work with Palmer Operations team to determine appropriate technology needs for events
Audio Visual and Digital Media Oversight (30%)
- Inventory, service and maintain current AV equipment & furnishings
- Recommend AV equipment additions to General Manager
- Maintain storage rooms for event furnishings and AV are well organized
- Stay informed of new trends in AV and Digital Media in order to better serve our guests
- Maintain our digital & wayfinding signs
- Maintain our digital lighting system
- Act as liaison with UM Information Technology Services and Student Life Technology Services
- Act as liaison with all outside technology-related service providers
- Coordinate AV installations
Student Employee Supervision and Development (25%)
- Hire, onboard, train, & supervise student set-up staff
- Train conference and operations staff concerning execution of events
- Ensure that student temporary staff is diligent concerning attendance, uniforms, maintaining set-up standards and coordinate ongoing training as needed
- Assist in student recognition and development opportunities
- Actively support student-learning opportunities through goal setting and measurement of work/life practices.
Budgetary Oversight (10%)
- Recommend equipment and prepare competitive quotes for operational budgets
- Recommend equipment and prepare competitive quotes for Capital Expenses
- Reconcile current budgets with General Manager
Other (5%)
- Current on applicable certifications, including but not limited to CPR and First Aid & Techniques in Alcohol Training
- Participate in Student Life/ University Unions planning/guiding teams as needed
- Work with campus partners to incorporate sustainability efforts in our technology
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications*
- Specialized knowledge of how to use and troubleshoot audiovisual equipment (sound systems, microphones, data projectors, video conferencing, computers)
- Proven customer service experience
- 2 years of related experience to this position's responsibilities
- High school diploma or equivalent
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience working in building management, hospitality or in a conference facility
- Previous management or supervisory experience
- Familiarity with higher education organization systems and procedures
- Functional experience with Crestron/Extron systems, Four Winds, Visix, and distributed AV systems
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion and handle people with diplomacy under stressful situations and in matters of a sensitive nature
- Knowledge of and strong personal commitment to shared teamwork, continuous business process improvement and professional development.
Additional Information
Position Criteria:
- Skills : Excellent oral and written communications, organizational skills and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate promptly and effectively with clients via telephone, email and in person.
- A commitment to diversity and an understanding of cultural, ethnic and individual differences
- Strong interpersonal relationship skills
Working conditions
- This position is Monday - Friday: 10:30am -7pm fall during and winter terms; 8:30am - 5pm during spring/summer terms.
- Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends in order to meet customer and operational event needs.
- This is an on-campus position with the possibility of some remote work (2-3 days a month) in the spring/summer terms.
Physical requirements
- Must be physically able to exert 40 lbs. of force frequently to transport, position, install, or otherwise move objects. Must be able to move 40 lbs.
Direct reports
- Responsible for supervising approximately 20-40 student employees
Additional Information
Selected candidates whose start date is after 4/1/2024 or before 8/31/2024 will not be eligible for the university FY 24-25 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.
This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.
Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.
#studentlife
Application Deadline
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. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
