Outdoor Events Project Manager

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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

The University of Michigan's Vice President for Facilities and Operations (VPFO) University Partnership & Initiatives (UPI) department is seeking an experienced, highly skilled Project Manager who thrives in a fast-paced, team-focused environment. This position provides strategic project management and oversight for campus outdoor activity permits and licensing processes. Working closely with leadership and key stakeholders, you will ensure project objectives, timelines, and deliverables are met with a high degree of independence.

This high-volume role requires exceptional relationship management, creative problem-solving, deep understanding of policy and compliance, and proactive risk mitigation. The successful candidate will serve as a primary liaison between F&O staff, the broader university community, the City of Ann Arbor, and outside vendors.

Responsibilities*

• Oversee and streamline the permitting process for over 1,000 outdoor activities and initiatives annually. This includes coordinating specialized permits, such as outdoor events, animals, and filming, while mitigating risk, managing deadlines, tracking construction, and coordinating complex pedestrian/traffic flow patterns.
• Design and develop clear, accurate operational maps for campus events and activities, ensuring efficient layouts, maintaining emergency routes, and identifying safety concerns.
• Actively manage, review, and update the Facilities and Operations Events website using WordPress, ensuring all digital content, resources, and online workflows are efficient and intuitive. Maintain all event layouts and digital website interfaces/forms to adhere to accessibility guidelines.
• Serve as an effective communicator with the university community, the City of Ann Arbor, and external partners before, during, and after major activities.
• Conduct on-site compliance audits of outdoor activities to ensure compliance with permitting requirements and protect the venue. Produce analytical activity reports for leadership. Maintain a high standard of data accuracy to analyze permitting trends, compliance, and system performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of professional project management experience, or two years of experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects in a higher education or municipal setting.
• Hands-on experience updating and managing websites.
• Familiarity with creating operational maps/layouts (using tools like Google Maps, Nearmap, Adobe, Snagit Editor, Illustrator, or similar mapping software).
• Strong proficiency in Google Suite, MS Office, Zoom, and other technology platforms.
• Agile self-starter who takes initiative in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Demonstrated ability to successfully drive projects with internal and external partners
• Confident and effective communicator
• Ability to travel frequently across the University of Michigan Ann Arbor Campus.
• Must be able to flex working hours to meet event needs
• Operates with discretion and confidentiality at all times

Desired Qualifications*

• Proven ability to exercise independent professional judgment, exhibit initiative, and undertake responsibilities that are broad in scope with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated understanding of web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG).
• Demonstrated understanding of, or familiarity with, University of Michigan policies, including Standard Practice Guides (SPGs), Regents' Ordinances, institutional guidelines, and City of Ann Arbor ordinances.

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including maternity and paternal leaves
• A retirement plan that provides immediate vesting and two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance, dental, and vision plans
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This is a hybrid position with a standard schedule of two in-person days and three remote days per week, with some flexibility based on the needs of managing projects onsite.

Work Schedule

Typically Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Work schedule may flex depending on the needs of the department and events on campus.

Work Locations

When working onsite, this position will be based at the Campus Safety Services Building, 1239 Kipke Drive in Ann Arbor.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Additional Information

Facilities and Operations is a positive organization dedicated to the principles of being respectful, collaborative, solutions-based, and proactive.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.