Event Specialist (PT) – Bell Museum, University of MN Twin Cities

Bell Museum 

Payrange: $28,800- $35,000

This is an 80% position, working 32 hours a week.

Benefit Summary for Prospective Employees

Location: UMN St Paul Campus

Application Deadline: June 9, 2022

About the position: 

This 80% time position provides staffing support to the Facility Rental Manager with main focus on providing an excellent event experience for both client and event guests through exceptional customer service. The Event Specialist will also assist the Facility Rental Manager with administrative support, including event notes, client billing and on-site student staff management.

This position works closely with teams across the Bell, including Visitor Services, Marketing and Communications, and Operations, to create memorable experiences in the museum.

We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):

Evening/Weekend Event Staffing (75%)
● Serve as principal on-site staff member during Bell Museum after-hours rental events. Working hours are most evenings and weekend evenings, with variation dependent on event schedule.
● Works directly with client and interacts with event guest to ensure smooth event execution through excellent customer service
● Interacts with event vendors to ensure all Museum policies and guidelines are adhered to
● Works with outside enforcement on security of the building during an event where alcohol is served
● Ensures the building is secure and completes and closing checklist following after hours events
● Assists as needed with table and chair removal at the end of each event
● Ensures the integrity of the museum and its collections during and after events

Administrative Support (25%)
● Provide Facility Rental Manager with administrative tasks including but not limited to: event notes during and after the event, rental item management, maintaining event calendars, alcohol permits, purchasing insurance and assisting with client billing

Essential Qualifications
● High School diploma or GED and 2 years of event management experience. Training and education may be substituted for years of experience
● Demonstrated ability to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere for all (staff, volunteers, event clients, general public, etc.)
● Prior customer service experience working with diverse audiences and navigating different communication styles and personalities.
● Must be available to work varying schedules with evening and weekend hours.
● This position frequently communicates with clients and patrons regarding event details and museum questions. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
● Frequently moves Audio/Visual equipment and occasional furniture weighing up to 50 pounds across the museum for event needs.

Desired Qualifications
● Experience with database or event management software
● Previous museum or building management or operations experience
● Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service
● Ability to problem solve building security/operations related issues
● Invested interest in the event industry

The mission of the Museum is to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world.

For 150 years, the Bell Museum has collected, preserved, interpreted, and displayed the natural history of Minnesota as the state’s official natural history museum. With the opening of a new museum building in summer 2018, its role is to continue expanding to become the gateway to the sciences at the University of Minnesota. While natural history remains a bedrock for the Bell, astronomy and space science, health and medicine, the environment, and other subject areas afford the Bell opportunities for new partnerships and the development of new experiences for public science engagement.

The Bell Museum aspires to be a Museum Without Boundaries – a museum that connects with Minnesota in the broadest sense and with an unwavering commitment that the natural world be accessible for everyone.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about the position contact Kate Sigurdson, [email protected]. 

We believe it is essential to create an environment that welcomes and empowers people from historically underrepresented​ ​​and marginalized communities to have equitable access to the museum’s resources as well as opportunities to transform our work.  We are committed to upholding the diversity, equity, and inclusion definitions and values set forth by the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the University of Minnesota.

These values will be integrated in all aspects of the museum, including:

• Hiring, recruitment, retention, and advancement of staff and volunteers
• Selection and evaluation of program and exhibition content
• Providing meaningful opportunities to participate in planning and leadership

Read more about our commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility & inclusion on this page.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax