EVENT OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE

The Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading sports organization as an Event Operations Associate, a full-time temporary role designed for recent graduates. You'll gain hands-on experience while supporting various events, working collaboratively with multiple departments, and enhancing guest experiences. This position requires flexibility, creativity, and strong organizational skills, along with a passion for live events. Enjoy competitive pay and various perks while contributing to a championship-level organization.

Benefits

Optional medical coverage

Up to 2 days of remote work

5 days of paid vacation

Complimentary preseason tickets

Yearly Bears gear package

Free meals and snacks

Access to fitness facilities

Complimentary LinkedIn Learning access

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Hospitality or Event Management.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.
• Must be detail-oriented and able to adapt to various situations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and executing events like Draft Party and Training Camp.
• Support administrative needs including ordering supplies and processing paperwork.
• Help manage event inventories and participate in on-site execution.

Skills

Flexibility

Creative Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Effective Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality

Bachelor's degree in Event Management

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Title: Event Operations Associate

How to Apply:www.chicagobears.com/jobs

About the Role

The Associate Development Program is a paid full-time (temporary) experience designed for new or recent graduates who are looking to grow their professional sports experience. The format allows for structured professional development and hands-on learning.

The duties of the Event Operations Associate are dynamic and require a collaborative style given the high coordination with other internal and external departments. A versatile, creative, and hard-working individual is sought to handle both operational and administrative responsibilities. This role requires non-traditional hours, including some evenings, weekends, and home gamedays. The position will work regularly at our headquarters at Halas Hall (Lake Forest, IL) and occasionally at Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)

Program Dates: Monday, July 7, 2025 - Friday, May 22, 2026

Who We Are

As one of the founding franchises of the NFL, family is the core of who we are. We believe every person matters and we can collectively achieve success through our values of respect, championship mindset, community, and perseverance. We're different from other companies, as our vision is to be "one of one". We strive to be a championship football organization that consistently performs at a level of excellence on and off the field. Our people represent a vast array of cultural backgrounds, human experiences and perspectives and we believe they, collectively and as authentic individuals, are our greatest resource. Our working environment is one where your talent and contributions are valued by the organization and the community.

Responsibilities

• Assist and supports the Events team in the planning and execution of activation, hospitality and logistics needs, including but not limited to Draft Party, Training Camp, home games, partnership and premium events, community and alumni events, and various other hospitality events.
• Provide assistance to the Event Operations Coordinators with administrative support for event operational needs including but not limited to ordering supplies, researching industry events and activities and processing paperwork
• Support the delivery of internal and external experiences, including suite events, partner gifting, and VIP hospitality spaces
• Help prepare and distribute event materials such as itineraries, credentials, signage, and welcome amenities

• Serve as a brand ambassador onsite, assisting with guest greeting, directions, and troubleshooting
• Support event set-up and teardown, including signage, credentials, guest check-in, and vendor coordination
• Help manage event inventories (e.g. gifting, signage, supplies) and contribute to post-event wrap-up processes
• Participate in on-site execution during home games, assisting Event Operations Coordinators
• Work alongside multiple departments such as Brand Creative, Community Relations, Ticketing, Fan Services, and Partnerships to help execute event-related needs
• Assist with gathering feedback, photos, and reporting for internal recaps and post-event evaluations
• Contribute ideas and research to support the design and strategy of Chicago Bears events
• Assist with developing event briefing materials, run-of-shows, and presentation decks
• Attend staff meetings/mandatory meetings and events
• Performs additional duties assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Event Management or related field
• Demonstrate flexibility, creative problem solving and strong organizational skills
• Must be detail oriented and able to use good judgment
• Demonstrates effective communication both written and verbal
• Capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including prolonged standing and walking in various weather conditions, as well as climbing stairs
• Able to consistently lift and carry loads of up to 50 pounds
• Demonstrates a team-first attitude and eagerness to learn, while effectively navigating fast-paced, high-pressure environments and managing multiple competing tasks with clear communication to key stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint)

• Must be dependable, flexible and able to adapt to a variety of situations
• Passion for live events and creating memorable guest experiences
• Stadium, Events and/or Gameday operations experience a plus
• Able to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

What We Offer

We remain committed to upholding the standard of being a first-class organization and employer of choice. Our goal is to provide quality support and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our most important resource, our people.

COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY PAY

The Event Operations Associate is a full-time temporary position. This position is an HOURLY role. The expected hourly rate for this role is $19/per hour. Please note, due to job function, regular overtime (paid as time-and-a-half) may be expected. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and other job-related factors.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Our Seasonal offerings include but are not limited to:

• Core Coverage: Optional medical coverage (employer paid premium + employee paid deductible)
• Flexible Work Location: Up to 2 days a week of remote work (role dependent)
• Time to Recharge: 5 days of paid vacation time, 3 paid sick/mental health days plus 10 paid holidays, paid time off to volunteer
• Experiences: complimentary preseason tickets for one game, ability to buy additional tickets for home & away games
• Gear: yearly Bears gear package plus 50% off at the Bears Pro Shop
• Wellness: FREE breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks, access to onsite fitness facilities and BearsFit, complimentary Calm app access
• Connection: Social events for staff and their families, Employee Resource Groups, and more

• Professional Development: complimentary LinkedIn Learning access, professional development sessions, guest speakers, mentorship

Additional information on employee benefits can be found by visiting www.ChicagoBears.com/jobs.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Chicago Bears organization continues to deepen its commitment to establishing an inclusive, equitable work environment that reflects the diversity within our communities and fan base. We value, respect, and appreciate diversity at all levels, on and off the field, and are guided by a vision of success that includes integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into our club's DNA and culture. The Chicago Bears seek to attract, retain and develop top talent, regardless of personal characteristics, and we invite and encourage all individuals to apply for positions of interest.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.