State Fair Contract Event Manager (Temporary)

This is a part-time, temporary/casual position. Two positions; one for each location:

• Crossroads Building Dan Patch & Underwood
  • Pay: $5,000 for 96 hours; $50/hour for additional hours worked
  • Hours: 12 days, 8 hours per day, with morning and afternoon shifts scheduled between 7 am and 9:15 pm. The exact schedule will be determined upon hiring. The MN State Fair is from August 27 to September 7, 2026
    
• Education Building, Cosgrove Street, north of Snelling Avenue entrance to Minnesota State Fairgrounds
  • Pay: $10,000 for 200 hours; $50/hour for additional hours worked
  • Hours: approximately 20 hours per month April - August for planning support; During fair, 12 days, 8 hours per day, with morning and afternoon shifts scheduled between 7 am and 9:15 pm. The exact schedule will be determined upon hiring. The MN State Fair is from August 27 to September 7, 2026

MUST be available to work all 12 days between August 27-Sep 7 (MN State Fair) with morning and afternoon shifts scheduled between 7 am and 9:15 pm.

Staff will receive an entry ticket for each scheduled day at the Fair, five extra entry tickets, and a UMN-branded shirt as a uniform for shifts.

Job Duties

• Be the onsite operational lead for the University of Minnesota's presence in the Education Building at the State Fair.
• Serve as primary point of contact with the Minnesota State Fair staff for Education Building logistics.
• Coordinate rentals, utilities, furniture, signage and storage needs for the booth.
• Coordinate deliveries and shipments with Facilities.
• Organize ticket and staff uniform distribution.
• Lead pre-fair volunteer communications.
• Attend regular planning meetings April-August.
• Partner with Admissions Leaders from each campus and University Marketing Communications in planning for new space in the Education Building
• Coordinate and communicate details for staffing, including developing and managing volunteer and student worker schedules.
• Open or close the exhibit daily (depending on schedule): Unlock and prepare the space in the morning; secure and shut down at night.
• Manage all student workers and volunteers.
• Oversee exhibitor shift transitions and assist with booth setup.
• Organize daily giveaways, replenish materials, manage drawing or promotions (giveaways, informational brochures, signage, etc.).
• Answer visitor questions and engage with fairgoers.
• Work with Admissions Leaders from each campus, Fair, and University facilities teams to address any operational needs.
• Organize booth materials for new booth occupants daily.
• Other duties as assigned or needed by the University Marketing Communications or Admissions staff.

Required Qualifications

• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs and be on your feet for extended periods.
• Must be able to provide own transportation to the fairgrounds.
• Detail-oriented, organized and dependable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must have a strong work ethic.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing events, exhibits, or public activations.
• Leadership experience supervising staff or volunteers.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota programs is a plus.

University Marketing Communications reports to the University of Minnesota President and its primary functions are marketing, public relations, and communications.

Pay Range: $50.00 per an hour (see About the Job above)

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given 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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).