Department Coordinator

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's SSD Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization (CEGU) seeks a Department Coordinator to support day-to-day operations, academic programs, and events. You will handle financial transactions, travel, calendars, communications, and course/visitor logistics, collaborating with faculty, staff, and students in a dynamic, in-person environment.

Ideal candidates have 2–4 years in administration, a bachelor's degree, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in higher education is preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Processes financial transactions including honoraria, student awards, and invoices.
• Coordinates purchasing, accounts payable, reconciliations, and financial recordkeeping.
• Manages office operations, facilities requests, space management, and supplies.
• Provides logistical support for courses, field trips, guest speakers, workshops, and events.
• Supports course administration, Canvas updates, and instructional materials.
• Coordinates travel, schedules, and reimbursements for visitors and guest faculty.
• Manages calendars, newsletters, and administrative communications.
• Provides project support for unit leadership and maintains leader’s calendar.
• Prepares reports and assists in developing administrative goals and policies.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

OneDrive

Box

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Workday

Oracle

Concur

Interfolio

Stellic

Job description

Department

SSD Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

The Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization (CEGU), housed within the Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago, is an interdisciplinary academic unit dedicated to advancing research, teaching, and public engagement on the societal, spatial, and environmental challenges shaping our world. CEGU brings together faculty and students from across disciplines to examine climate change, biodiversity loss, urbanization, environmental justice, sustainability, and other forms of environmental transformation through innovative scholarship and pedagogy.

As a quickly growing academic program, CEGU has emerged as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, and engaged research. The unit supports a dynamic portfolio of academic programs, research initiatives, public events, and partnerships that connect environmental scholarship to pressing local and global challenges.

CEGU currently includes 50 affiliated faculty, six instructional faculty, academic staff, a postdoctoral teaching fellow, and student employees. The unit serves a growing community of approximately 90 undergraduate majors and minors and 50 students enrolled in the CEGU MA and PhD certificates. CEGU is home to a robust BA degree program, graduate degree certificates, research platforms and projects, student and faculty grants and awards, public-facing events and programs, and partnerships across the University and broader community.

As CEGU continues to expand its academic offerings, student enrollment, and institutional impact, strong administrative and operational support are essential to advancing the unit’s mission and sustaining its continued growth.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Department and Student Affairs Administrator, the Department Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting the continued growth and success of the Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization (CEGU). As CEGU expands its academic programs, research initiatives, public events, and partnerships, this position serves as a key operational resource for faculty, students, staff, and visitors.

The Department Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the effective day-to-day functioning of the unit by coordinating administrative, financial, academic, and event-related activities. This role supports the delivery of CEGU’s educational mission and contributes to a high-quality experience for students, faculty, and external partners. Success in this position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and collaborative academic environment.

The Department Coordinator works across a broad range of activities, including financial administration, course and event support, faculty and visitor coordination, communications, and office operations, helping to advance CEGU’s strategic goals and sustain its growing portfolio of programs and initiatives. The job provides specialized business support for routine office and location support activities. Identifies, enhances, and follows specific processes and procedures to maximize the efficiencies for which the support is being provided by working autonomously within established procedures and practices. Ensures the correct functioning of facilities, office and/or business support services.

Responsibilities

• Processes financial transactions, including honoraria, student awards, faculty research and workshop funds, reimbursements, and invoices.
• Coordinates purchasing, accounts payable, reconciliations, and financial recordkeeping in accordance with University policies.
• Coordinates office operations, including facilities requests, space management, supplies, and equipment needs.
• Provides logistical support for courses, field trips, guest speakers, workshops, and academic events.
• Supports faculty and instructional staff with course administration, Canvas updates, instructional materials, and related academic activities.
• Coordinates complex travel, schedules, meetings, and reimbursements for visitors and guest faculty.
• Manages multiple calendars, newsletters, contact lists, and other administrative communications.
• Provides complex administrative and project support for unit leadership.
• Provides administrative support for a leader. Stays informed of activities relating to programs and initiatives, apprising the leader of issues when deemed necessary. Coordinates information flow from leader’s office.
• Prepare special reports and summaries, assists in managing daily operation of the office, and may assist in developing administrative goals and policies. Maintains the leader’s calendar.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

—

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Two to four years of administrative or related professional experience, preferably in higher education.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and cloud-based collaboration tools such as Google Workspace, OneDrive, or Box.
• Proficiency managing financial transactions and reconciliations.
• Familiarity with higher education administrative systems such as Workday, Oracle, Concur, Interfolio, Stellic, or similar platforms.
• Basic website and social media management experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
• Manage multiple priorities and work independently and collaboratively.
• Understanding of supporting faculty, students, and academic programs.

Working Conditions

• In-person work schedule.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter describing interest in and qualifications for the position (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

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

Hourly

FLSA Status

No

Pay Range

$28.27 - $36.58

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.