Events & Orientation Assistant

Job Summary The Events & Orientation Assistant supports the planning, coordination, execution, and assessment of recruitment events and Orientation programs within Enrollment Management. Reporting to the Events & Orientation Program Coordinator, the assistant contributes to projects throughout the academic year, gaining hands-on experience in higher education event management, student engagement, and enrollment operations.

This position provides opportunities to participate in all stages of event planning while developing skills in project management, communication, leadership, and customer service. The assistant will attend planning meetings, support event logistics, coordinate student staff during events, and help identify opportunities for continuous improvement. They may also have the opportunity to support other areas of the Enrollment Management, Communications, and Events team.

Responsibilities*

Event Planning & Preparation (30%)

• Assist with planning recruitment and Orientation events throughout the academic year.
• Prepare event timelines, planning documents, checklists, and supply inventories.
• Assemble event materials including nametags, signage, packets, and giveaways.
• Assist with room setup planning and logistics.
• Attend planning meetings and contribute ideas during discussions.
• Coordinate event logistics with internal departments.
• Research best practices and new programming ideas.

Event Operations (30%)

• Coordinate registration and guest check-in.
• Serve as the operational point of contact for select small-scale events.
• Coordinate student employees during event setup and execution.
• Monitor event timelines and assist with keeping programs on schedule.
• Troubleshoot minor logistical issues.
• Support presenters, guests, and campus partners throughout events.
• Assist with setup, teardown, and inventory management.

Orientation Program Support (20%)

• Assist with Orientation Leader hiring logistics.
• Help prepare Orientation Leader training materials.
• Assist during Orientation Leader training.
• Track attendance and training completion.
• Coordinate Orientation Leader schedules and assignments.
• Support Orientation day logistics.
• Provide feedback and recommendations following each Orientation session.

Recruitment & Administrative Support (15%)

• Monitor event registrations.
• Respond to basic event questions.
• Update planning documents and spreadsheets.
• Organize shared electronic files.
• Prepare meeting notes and action items.
• Assist with post-event evaluations and attendance reporting.
• Assist with various tasks that support the Enrollment Management, Communications, and Events team as needed.

Professional Development (5%)

• Attend departmental planning meetings.
• Participate in project discussions.
• Learn higher education event planning practices.
• Complete semester reflection meetings with supervisor.
• Develop a year-end project.

Examples of Projects

• Throughout the year the assistant may:
• Develop a new Orientation resource.
• Improve event setup procedures.
• Design registration workflows.
• Create supply inventory systems.
• Evaluate attendee feedback.
• Research peer institution programs.
• Develop new engagement activities.
• Assist with communication planning.
• Help update Orientation Leader manuals.

Required Qualifications*

• Must be currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at UM-Dearborn for Fall 2026, Winter 2026 and Summer 2026 I & II Semesters
• Must be an undergraduate student, entering their Sophomore year or above, in good academic standing
• Must have and maintain a UM-Dearborn GPA of 2.50
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong customer service skills
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
• Detail-oriented
• Interest in higher education, event planning, student affairs, communications, or project management
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

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.

Work Schedule

Shift/Hours/Days: Varies weekly and will include some weekends and evenin…