Events Coordinator, Becker Friedman Institute

University of Chicago; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

Job summary

The Becker Friedman Institute (BFI) at the University of Chicago is seeking an Events Coordinator to support the Events Manager and Senior Manager in planning 80–130 events annually, including conferences, workshops, seminars, and programs. You will handle logistics, budgeting, vendor relations, and on-site execution.

Responsibilities include coordinating spaces, catering, travel, A/V, registration, and attendee communications, while collaborating with Communications and other campus divisions

Qualifications

• Education: college or university degree in a related field.
• Work experience: less than 2 years in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: none required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate events: reserve space and hotel blocks, arrange caterers, transportation, A/V, and materials.
• Manage vendor contracts and relationships with service providers.
• Assist with on-site setup and breakdown.
• Support weekly institute workshops and seminars logistics.
• Draft logistics emails, book travel, collect slides, coordinate meetings.
• Review event content with Communications for accuracy.
• Contribute to marketing and outreach across campus.
• Create event registration pages and guest lists.
• Identify and resolve event needs, including vendor selection and contracts.
• Track expenses and prepare cost reports.
• Compile data for event evaluation.
• Suggest improvements with general direction.

Skills

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Budget management

Team player

Diplomacy

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Department BFI - Events

About the Department The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real‑world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision‑makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision‑makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu.

Job Summary

The Events Coordinator works closely with the Events Manager and Senior Manager, Events and Academic Programs at the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) as a key member of the events team. This position provides professional support and plans logistics for a broad range of 80-130 events per academic year. These events include academic conferences, workshops, seminars, newsmaker events, summer programs and more. Under general guidance, this role performs a broad range of operational business activities relating to the design, planning, and execution of events and programming.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the coordination of events, including reserving space and hotel room blocks, coordinating with caterers, arranging transportation, setting up audio/visual equipment, tracking registration, providing updates of attendance to the team, and preparing event materials.
• Manages contracts with vendors and works to maintain and improve relationships with service providers.
• Supports on‑site events, including setup and breakdown.
• Coordinates logistics and catering setup for weekly institute workshops and seminars.
• Supports event speakers by drafting logistics emails, booking travel/hotels, collecting slides, coordinating meetings and activities, responding to on‑site needs, and collecting feedback.
• Works with the Communications team to regularly review the accuracy of, and submit updates for, event‑related content.
• Contributes to ongoing marketing efforts of BFI programs and events, including increasing outreach to other divisions across campus to engage their students, faculty, staff, and alumni in institute programs.
• Creates event registration pages and maintains guest lists.
• Assists with identification and resolution of event and program needs, including vendor selection and contract negotiation.
• Keeps track of all expenses, prepares reports on costs, using existing procedures to solve routine problems as they arise.
• Compiles data to be used in event and program evaluation.
• Contributes to improvements by implementing ideas as they are identified, with general direction from others.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 Competencies

• Attention to detail.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Budget management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to be an excellent team member.
• Understanding of higher education and/or nonprofit organizations.
• Diplomatic and customer service‑based approach to interacting with colleagues and others.

Working Conditions

• Work irregular hours, including occasional early mornings, late evenings, and weekends to staff BFI events.

Job Family

Communications 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 $55,000.00 - $65,000.00

Benefits

• 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.

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 Non‑Discrimination.

Accommodations

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.

Background Check

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.

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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.

About the University

The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.

To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/