Community Affairs Coordinator

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

Job summary

The University of Chicago seeks a Community Affairs Coordinator to advance its community partnership and engagement mission. You will coordinate meetings, workshops, and partnership activities, draft and distribute materials, and support service delivery to program participants.

This role works with faculty, researchers, and staff under supervision to ensure timely follow-through. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree and up to two years in higher education or related fields.

Qualifications

• The portfolio requires a college or university degree in a related field.
• At least 2 years of work experience in higher education or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support to the Executive Director and Office of Civic Engagement.
• Coordinate community meetings, workshops, and partnership activities.
• Draft, edit, and distribute correspondence, reports, presentations, and briefing materials.
• Maintain records, databases, and tracking systems related to partnerships and office initiatives.
• Interact with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Courtesy and diplomacy

Problem-solving

Initiative

Independent and teamwork

Prioritization

Higher education experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in related field

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets and databases

Outlook

Adobe Acrobat

PowerPoint

Canvas

Photoshop

Job description

Department Civic Engagement Associate Director Pool

Department Civic Engagement Associate Director Pool

About The Department

The Office of Civic Engagement (OCE) supports and strengthens community partnerships and engagement by serving as a central point of connection across the University, the Medical Center, and the broader community. OCE focuses on building and sustaining relationships, helping external partners navigate the University, and coordinating efforts across schools and units. In this role, the office helps align institutional efforts with shared priorities -- particularly in areas such as education, health, economic opportunity, and public safety -- while recognizing the breadth of engagement that extends beyond these areas.

Job Summary

The Community Affairs Coordinator advances the University of Chicago's community partnership and engagement mission by serving as a key point of coordination across community organizations, neighborhood stakeholders, campus partners, and civic leaders. Reporting to the Executive Director of Community Partnerships, this role supports the planning and execution of community meetings, workshops, and partnership activities; develops and distributes correspondence, reports, presentations, and briefing materials; and helps administer the delivery of services to program participants and beneficiaries. The Coordinator also works closely with faculty, researchers, and staff on committee and cross-functional initiatives. Operational responsibilities — including calendar coordination, records management, and tracking systems — support the broader work of the Office of Civic Engagement. This position works under general supervision and exercises judgment in managing information, coordinating activities, supporting stakeholders, and ensuring timely follow-through on office priorities and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support to the Executive Director of Community Partnerships and the Office of Civic Engagement.
• Support communication with community organizations, campus partners, neighborhood stakeholders, and civic leaders.
• Draft, edit, and distribute correspondence, reports, presentations, and briefing materials.
• Assist with planning and execution of community meetings, workshops, events, and partnership activities.
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, schedules, agendas, materials, and follow-up communications.
• Maintain records, databases, tracking systems, contact lists, and documentation related to community partnerships and office initiatives.
• Support communication with community organizations, campus partners, neighborhood stakeholders, and civic leaders.
• Draft, edit, and distribute correspondence, reports, presentations, and briefing materials.
• Assist with planning and execution of community meetings, workshops, events, and partnership activities.
• Uses general understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
• Interacts with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.

Experience

• At least 2 years of experience in a higher education or related field.
• Experience supporting an academic center.
• Previous administrative experience – meeting planning/set up, reimbursement processing, maintaining calendars, travel arrangements and itineraries.
• Courses in global field or other volunteer/internship experiences.
• Familiarity with central administration within a complex research university environment.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to handle public contacts with courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use appropriate resources to resolve an issue.
• Ability to follow an issue through to resolution.
• Considerable skill in working both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with word processing applications, spreadsheets and databases.
• Experience with other software applications (e.g., Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, Canvas, and Photoshop or the equivalent).
• Experience with website management and content strongly preferred.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.
• Hybrid – mix of in-person and remote days.
• Occasional nights and weekends required (advanced notice will be given).

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter
• References upon request

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $70,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.