Program Manager I Student Support Services - Special Events Coordinator

Tiger Garden -- Division of Plant Science & Technology

The Special Events Coordinator is responsible for leading the planning, design, coordination, and execution of floral services for university events, weddings, special occasions, and on/off campus functions. This position combines expertise in floral design, business development, event management, and student mentorship to operate a successful floral program while providing hands-on educational experiences for college students pursuing careers in the floral and event industries.

The coordinator develops strategic partnerships with campus departments, alumni, community organizations, and external clients to expand the university's floral services and create real-world learning opportunities. This role serves as both an industry professional and educator, preparing students for successful careers through experiential learning, leadership development, and practical business experience.

Essential Responsibilities

Business Development & Client Relations

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with university departments, alumni, donors, local businesses, and community organizations.
• Market and promote university floral services to increase revenue and community engagement.
• Consult with clients to determine floral needs, design concepts, budgets, and event logistics.
• Prepare proposals, estimates, contracts, and invoices while ensuring exceptional customer service.
• Identify new business opportunities that support the educational mission of the university.

Floral Design & Event Management

• Design and produce floral arrangements for weddings, university ceremonies, conferences, donor events, athletic functions, and special occasions.
• Coordinate all aspects of floral installation, delivery, setup, and event execution.
• Develop creative floral concepts that align with client vision and event objectives.
• Manage event timelines and collaborate with vendors, venue staff, and campus partners.
• Ensure high standards of design quality, presentation, and customer satisfaction.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual operating budgets.
• Monitor revenues, expenses, inventory, and profitability of floral operations.
• Purchase flowers, plants, hard goods, and supplies while maintaining cost-effective inventory practices.
• Analyze financial performance and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and revenue generation.

Student Leadership & Workforce Development

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and train college students employed within the floral program.
• Provide hands-on instruction in floral design techniques, customer service, sales, event production, inventory management, and business operations.
• Foster professional development by preparing students for careers in the floral, wedding, event planning, and horticulture industries.
• Create meaningful experiential learning opportunities that integrate classroom knowledge with industry experience.
• Evaluate student performance and encourage leadership, creativity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Program Operations

• Oversee daily floral shop operations and maintain a safe, organized work environment.
• Coordinate production schedules and staffing for multiple events simultaneously.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and industry best practices.
• Maintain equipment, floral inventory, and production facilities.

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience designing weddings and large-scale events.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or teaching college-aged students.
• Knowledge of retail floral operations and inventory management.
• Experience with event planning, sales, and contract management.
• Professional floral design certification or industry credentials.
• Experience working within higher education or experiential learning environments.
• Advanced floral design and event production skills.
• Business development and relationship-building expertise.
• Budget planning and financial management.
• Event planning and project coordination.
• Leadership, coaching, and student mentorship.

Salary Range: $53,976.00 - $69,576 per year

Grade: GGS 9E

University Title: Program Manager I Student Support Services

To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

MU Application, Resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for references will be required for hire.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Tiger Garden is committed to providing an engaging, hands-on learning environment where University of Missouri students develop the technical, creative, and business skills essential for success in the floral industry. Through experiential education, students gain real-world experience in floral design, retail management, customer service, and business operations while serving the campus and surrounding community with high-quality floral products. By fostering professionalism, innovation, and lifelong learning, Tiger Garden prepares students to become knowledgeable, ethical, and confident leaders in the floral and horticulture industries.

This position plays a vital role in connecting education with industry by providing students with real-world experience in floral design, business operations, weddings, and event management. Through mentorship and experiential learning, the Floral Business & Events Coordinator equips students with the technical, business, and leadership skills necessary for successful careers in the floral and event industries while strengthening the University of Missouri's relationships with the campus and surrounding community.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.